Kelly Lundberg is a stylist who runs Dubai's only personal shopping service.
Kelly Lundberg is a stylist who runs Dubai's only personal shopping service.

'Make the most of opportunities'



Kelly Lundberg, 27, owns and runs Dubai's only personal shopping service, Divine. She styles clients from all over the Gulf region, offering a range of services from a one-day shopping spree to ongoing wardrobe consultation. She has lived in Dubai for five years. I was born and brought up in Edinburgh, Scotland. I have always had a love for fashion and as I grew up I discovered an innate gift for styling. My friends would ask me for advice on outfits and I'd be only to happy to help. I never thought I'd be running my own business before I was 30 but I am a great believer in making the most of every opportunity, plus you never know what is round the corner.

I came to Dubai with Emirates airlines in 2003. I was working as an air hostess. I only ever saw it as a stopgap and took the job mainly because I wanted to see the world. At the time I was doing an open learning course in fashion buying and merchandising and I had decided I wanted to work as a personal shopper. I started looking for jobs but I was shocked to find nothing like that available, not even in major stores. In fact, nobody was even aware of the concept. I thought if there wasn't someone to give me a job in personal shopping or styling then I would give myself one. I set up Divine in September 2005.

My business plan started off as a doodle on the back of a napkin in a restaurant. I talked it through with friends and in the end saw no reason not to give it a go. So I copied the plan out, went to the bank, got a personal loan and quit my job with the airline. Looking back, it was a huge risk but I was young and naive and thankfully it all paid off. Every day for me is different. My diary is always packed. Some days I have meetings with regular clients who come to me every few months for a shopping spree. Other days I am out with someone all day for a full wardrobe consultation and hair and make-up advice. Occasionally I do styling for TV adverts or photoshoots. I like to look after myself so most days I make time for the gym.

I love my job. There is nothing better than seeing the self-esteem I have inspired in my clients. When I bump into them in the mall and I see them wearing something I have helped them choose it gives me such satisfaction. Often they look 10 years younger and five kilos lighter just by selecting the right clothes, and the fact they are brimming with confidence makes them more attractive. I think my job is a great gift.

I would describe myself as a "half-full" type of person. In fact, with me the glass is always full. I am very positive and happy. At this stage in my life I feel I understand myself completely. I know how I work and what sorts of people I work well with, I know how to say no and I know my limitations. I hope that means that life will always be good for me. I don't have any regrets. My mum says that is silly and that everyone has regrets. But even things I wish I had done differently I don't count as regrets because I believe that things always work out. It might not be how you imagined but they do work out. The only thing near to a regret that springs to mind is I wish I'd hired an accountant when I started out. I'm not very good at dealing with money or with saving so that definitely would have helped.

If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to Lapland in the wintertime. I would love to see the Northern Lights and go sledding in the snow. I am lucky to have visited some amazing places already in my life and Dubai is one of them. I am happy here and see myself staying for a long time.

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4

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Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The specs: 2019 Haval H6

Price, base: Dh69,900

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
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Essentials

The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes. 
 

Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes. 


In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes. 
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.