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.