Reality-television star Scott Disick is in Dubai this weekend for a three-day trip with Kim Kardashian, the sister of the mother of his three children, Kourtney Kardashian.
The 33-year-old’s work commitments included the official opening of the Sugar Factory, a restaurant and confectionery store in Dubai’s Festival City. Kardashian, meanwhile, was held a make-up seminar at the Music Hall in Jumeirah’s Zabeel Saray hotel, along with other appearances.
We caught up with Disick for a chat at his aquarium-view, duplex suite in The Atlantis hotel on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah on January 13. Known for his irreverent, frequently controversial, sense of humour on TV series Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Disick, didn't disappoint during our interview.
Dressed-down in a grey hoodie, sports slacks and trainers, the restaurant and real-estate investor was in a playful mood, peppering his answers with expletives.
There were strict instructions to avoid questions about “the family”, including the Kardashians, Jenners and Wests, which make up the reality-TV clan.
Questions regarding the jewellery robbery, in which Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint in Paris in October 2016 were sidestepped, despite the news that 10 suspects have been charged.
Also out of bounds were questions about to his on-off partner of 10 years, Kourtney, who is rumoured to be pregnant with the couple’s fourth child.
It’s your first time in the UAE, what are your impressions?
I haven’t really left the [hotel] grounds too much yet to be honest. So, apart from the fish in the aquarium trying to eat me when I’m not looking, it’s been great.
You’re here for the Sugar Factory opening, is the menu healthier than the name implies?
Actually, yes, there’s another side to the menu that doesn’t involve candy and sugar. There’s amazing food. I actually don’t eat unhealthily. I tend to stick to grilled chicken and salad. Things that are semi-fun, but still enjoyable.
What’s on the agenda for you and Kim while you’re in Dubai?
I’m hoping there’s time for some sightseeing. And I’m very much looking forward to dune buggying in the desert – that’s exciting. I’ve always wanted to do that it at home but I tend to not have the time.
You have property interests in the United States – would you be interested in having a winter residence here?
I don’t turn down anything that’s a good deal, obviously, but I will tell you that it’s a little far from home. So, I’m not really here scouting out properties.
Do you have a preferred holiday destination?
We recently went on a ski vacation, which was absolutely great. It’s always fun to sit in the sun but it’s a little different to go to the mountains and see snow.
What projects do you have mapped out for 2017?
It’s hard to say at this stage, I haven’t really made any blueprints or mapped it out completely. I guess I’m just trying to stay positive and hope things fall into place and things go well. I don’t think anyone has a complete idea about what’s going to happen but all I can do is cross my fingers and hope things go well.
Despite once saying you couldn’t imagine yourself with children, you now have three. Will your family be expanding further any time soon?
Are you asking if [I’m] pregnant? Well, yes I’m actually expecting right now and I’m planning a water birth in front of the sharks [in the aquarium]. Honestly, I have such an amazing family as it is, I don’t want to say that I wish for more or less because I’m really happy where I am with them, and whatever is meant to be will be.
How do you feel about Donald Trump becoming president?
I don’t really want to talk about politics.
Do you have any opinions on Kanye West’s ambitions to perhaps run for office one day?
I don’t want to say anything that could potentially affect people in my family.
How does it feel to be endlessly pursued by the media and have your life scrutinised in Keeping Up With The Kardashians?
Honestly, there’s nothing better. I love waking up and hearing bad things about myself that aren’t true.
Do the comments from the “haters” hurt?
Yeah, sometimes you’ve just got to roll with the punches. We all have to be honest with ourselves and realise that we live in a world where negativity sells better than positivity. Sometimes it can be unfortunate and you have to be OK with yourself. I don’t think anyone is directly trying to hurt you – they’re just trying to make a living. I get it, but I’m not in this business to hurt people. So yes, sometimes it can be hurtful, not for me personally, but I see what they do to others and members of my family. But at this point people are coming to the realisation that the media and tabloids are more for entertainment than actual truth, and I think that’s a decent way to look at it.
So what’s the biggest mistruth that’s been reported?
It’s hard to say, as I don’t know exactly what people are saying about me every day. I feel like the media just turns things around so many times. It’s hard to pinpoint one thing – nothing really sticks out.
You have a distinctive style and enjoy dressing up. How important is fashion to you?
Years ago I noticed that people were dressed extremely casually so I started to wear more formalwear for a while. It was fun for a bit and I really enjoyed figuring out suits and looks, then one day, I thought, “Wow, this is a lot – to get this dressed up to go nowhere.” Now I’ve taken things back. But luckily it seems that the style these days is casual, that it really doesn’t matter.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
I think I have so many different things going on in my life; I haven’t been able to put one on the books. The only thing is, just trying to treat people the way I want to be treated. So maybe kindness would be the resolution.
What was your proudest achievement of 2016?
That’s a tough one. I don’t think I have a real moment that sticks out as my proudest. If I wake up and have a good day and things seem positive, that’s enough.
Any regrets from last year?
Well now I’m thinking my biggest regret is not making some unbelievable 2017 resolutions. Wish I’d thought about that more.
You’re a keen art collector – do you have a favourite artist?
I have a couple. I like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Jeff Combs, Damien Hirst — there are so many amazing ones. I do enjoy art but I’m just a beginner so I’m trying to learn more about it.
You’re also a car enthusiast – what’s your ultimate auto?
I’ve been in love with cars my whole life. My father was, too, and now my son is starting to like them too. If I had to pick one, it would be a 1962 250 GTO Ferrari.
rduane@thenational.ae
