Dressed to influence: How World Governments Summit attendees tailored their image
Perfecting the art of diplomacy takes more than words and handshakes. Here are some of the delegates who understood that style speaks volumes, too.
The recent World Governments Summit in Dubai from 3 to 5 February pulled in dozens of prime ministers and presidents, some 500 ministers, plus economists, technology players and business leaders. For those who attended, there were speeches to polish and protocols to perfect (you need to know your HHs from your HEs in this part of the world). But there was another thing that delegates needed to consider: what to pack. The weather was not scorching – hovering near 27C – but still, nobody wants to break a sweat or look crumpled when taking to the stage or attending an important majlis. And then there was the home audience to consider. It’s easy to come off looking like a slouch when you find yourself next to well-groomed Emirati.
The solution was simple for some visitors – generals sported uniforms and medals, and others wore national dress. But, as you will see, many attendees arrived at the summit to deliver messages and forge new links while ensuring that their looks were as sharp as their ideas. Here are 16 participants who lead not only with their words and ideas but also with their style.
1.
Lieutenant Colonel Rein Vaabel, the aide-de-camp to President Alar Karis of Estonia, is a shining example of how to co-ordinate your watch and brocade.
2.
Mohamed al-Sharhan, managing director of the World Governments Summit Organisation, sporting the event pin in a WGS Blue, a new Pantone-registered colour.
3.
A triumvirate of triumphant looks from the Bhutanese delegation emphasise the branding power of national dress.
4.
Evika Silina, Latvia’s prime minister, often wears strong colours and simple tailoring to stand out – without ever being flashy.
5.
Bahraini researcher and author Abdulla Almadani in a red keffiyeh – a popular choice in his country.
6.
Rainer Stampfer, president of global operations at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, is always as neat and polished as a five-star hotel.
7.
Miu Miu, Monocle and a vision in blue.
8.
US entrepreneur and actor Miles Fisher had the sharpest look among American attendees.
9.
Tyron Lam, head of regulatory oversight at the Pacific Aviation Safety Office in Samoa, with Dana Goldfinča, Latvian ambassador to the UAE. Around Lam’s neck is an ula fala, a Samoan ceremonial necklace made from the dried fruit of the fala tree.
10.
Mamman Mahmuda, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing of Nigeria, with a colleague. An impeccable display of national dress.
11.
Rosemin Opgenhaffen, CEO of Rosemin Beauty. The Dubai-based entrepreneur, and leading figure in the city’s fashion and luxury scene, nailed the safari-chic look.
12.
Military man Theyab al-Mazrouei from the UAE looking polished in his regalia – and Porsche sunglasses.
13.
Three delegates showing the shades of abaya style.
14.
Saeed al-Gergawi, the vice president of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and perhaps the neatest man at WGS.
15.
Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of art, culture and creative economy of Nigeria, reinterprets tradition with her attire (plus an Apple watch).
16.
The sharp dress of a local photographer.
