We recently had the opportunity to spend a day with one of Dubai’s best loved personalities, Khalaf Al Habtoor, as part of a documentary we produced for the Al Habtoor Group’s 40th Anniversary Celebration.

As always when a client briefs us on a new project, we identify their main communication objectives and then tailor a creative approach that communicates the key messages effectively. In this case, the Al Habtoor Group wanted to celebrate their acheivements whilst also honouring the life and work of the man that made it all happen, Khalaf.

Typically, films of this nature involve archive footage, rousing music and a serious message from the CEO. We wanted to do something different, something more fun and emotive.

The inimitable Khalaf has become something of an international celebrity, rubbing shoulders with actors, models and politicians, even Queen Elizabeth.  We wanted to look behind his public persona and take a peek into his private life to find out who he really is.

We came up with the idea of a “Day in the Life” style documentary whereby we would follow Khalaf around during a typical day, accessing all areas, and chatting to him informally throughout the day.

Our idea was presented to him and we were delighted when he agreed to particpate.

The starting point for the documentary is his home in Jumeirah.

We arrive at 6am, still half asleep, unlike Khalaf, who bounds to the door and chirpily invites us to join him for breakfast.

After breakfast, we all make a mad dash down the Al Wasl Road to Khalaf’s office. He walks to work every day as part of his fitness regime, and fitness regime it is for the crew too, as we sprint ahead of him to get the shots!

We spend the morning in his stunning office (seeing is believing!) filming various meetings. Khalaf meets with his board of directors every single morning, claiming this is vital to the day to day running of the Group. He’s very hands on in the business and I am astounded by his energy and drive. It’s not surprising he’s been so successful.

Late morning we jump into his Bentley as he animatedly shows us some of his favourite spots in Dubai. Khalaf is naturally very fond of the Metropolitan Hotel in Sheikh Zayed Road, as it was the first of his hotels. Today he has a chain of hotels in the Middle East, as well as companies across a range of industries, including Al Habtoor Motors and Schools.

We drive past the Burj Al Arab, which he says was a complicated project for Al Habtoor Engineering and one he is very proud of.

Our final destination is the 5 star Al Habtoor Grand, where Khalaf relaxes and plays tennis every afternoon.

After a scrummy lunch buffet in the hotel, we head back to his house to meet some of his grandchildren, 26 in total, he thinks!  He has lost count!

It’s been an interesting day for all of us and, for me, a reminder of the many reasons I chose to work in film production all those years ago.

As for Khalaf, I discovered a warm, funny, caring person who clearly adores his family and works hard to maintain that elusive work/life balance, an inspiration to all of us.

Check out the film and other documentaries we have produced here: