Khalifa Al Shamsi, who is the managing director of the car spa company Select Nano. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
Khalifa Al Shamsi, who is the managing director of the car spa company Select Nano. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

My UAE: Khalifa Al Shamsi and his car spa company



After relocating from Dubai to Abu Dhabi two years ago, Khalifa Al Shamsi is a busy man. Apart from his day job in the capital, this industrious 30-year old is also the managing director for an extraordinary company in Dubai called Select Nano, which is basically a spa for your car. Seriously.

In the UAE, the car is king, but it doesn’t lead a particularly easy life, especially considering the elements and weather that conspire to ruin the appearance of our pride and joys – but spending time at Select Nano is a bit like hitting the reset button. “We set it up in 2008,” says Al Shamsi. “I had always wanted to run a business related to cars and this is a franchise of a business in Germany. I felt it was high time the UAE had something different and before we opened ‘Nano technology’ was still unavailable here.”

It’s a unique paint restorative and protection system that rejuvenates a car’s appearance (boats and buildings can also be treated) and then keeps it looking brighter than a new pin for many months and years to come, shielding it from UV rays, dust, bird droppings and the like, increasing its value, too.

“Many companies have since started in the same field as us, but I feel we are still unique,” says Al Shamsi. “We provide tender, loving care to your car and the level of craftsmanship sets us apart. We haven’t changed the business very much since we opened – have stayed the same size – but there are plans to diversify in the next few years.”

Al Shamsi’s company was responsible for preparing two of the biggest winners at this year’s classic car festival in Dubai. “The classic Beetle owned by Phil McGovern won ‘Best of Dubai’, while the Brabus Mercedes we prepped won ‘Best of Show’. Last year, one of our cars, a classic Mercedes Pagoda, won, too. You couldn’t wish for better PR than that.”

Do you use social media?

Yes – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. I rarely interact on Facebook and I’m only a reader of tweets. Instagram, though, I use quite a lot and I find it more enjoyable than the others.

What do you never leave the house without?

Apart from my keys and my phone, my watch – I’m really into wristwatches.

Where did you last visit on holiday?

Europe – I went to London. I like to travel, but don’t always have enough time. The south of France is another favourite place.

What car do you drive?

I have a number of cars, but my daily driver is a BMW M5.

What kind of music do you listen to?

For me, music is just for the car and it has to be Arabian music.

What is your favourite part of the UAE?

I can’t say I have a favourite, but I’m definitely a beach person and I love the coast. I go horse riding on the beach.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“If someone can do it, you can do it better” – it’s a good business motto and I do love a challenge.

What is your favourite cuisine?

I love Italian food and there are many good restaurants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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Six pitfalls to avoid when trading company stocks

Following fashion

Investing is cyclical, buying last year's winners often means holding this year's losers.

Losing your balance

You end up with too much exposure to an individual company or sector that has taken your fancy.

Being over active

If you chop and change your portfolio too often, dealing charges will eat up your gains.

Running your losers

Investors hate admitting mistakes and hold onto bad stocks hoping they will come good.

Selling in a panic

If you sell up when the market drops, you have locked yourself out of the recovery.

Timing the market

Even the best investor in the world cannot consistently call market movements.

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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.
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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Name: ARDH Collective
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Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
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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
Tickets

Tickets for the 2019 Asian Cup are available online, via www.asiancup2019.com

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Started: 2020
 
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Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
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