LF MAN #6: SULTAN MOHAMMED HABTOOR

Sultan Mohammed Habtoor has had a vast and varied career, and is still only 35. He has worked in television, the media and his family business and served in the army. Currently his affections have turned to food and he imports luxury food products into the United Arab Emirates. You say you worked in the family business, what do your family do? My father is an entrepreneur, he is a very successful businessman. He is partners with my uncle and they own a lot of businesses in the UAE that relate to different things; be it academics, insurance, hospitality, motors - my father specialises in motors. My siblings, except for the younger ones, all work for him. What was school like? I was a rebel in school, but I didn’t ever give anyone an excuse to say I wasn’t doing well. I did not want to disappoint my family and the school I went to was owned by my family, so I was always made an example of. That only made me a stronger person. What do you like to do when you are not working? When I want to shut down I cut any communication related to work and continue with my day fulfilling what I want to do, including working out, meeting friends, socialising. Working out is something I am really taking seriously at the moment. I am actually doing Electrical Muscle Stimulation training at the moment. But I also love to spend time watching movies, I am a huge television fan. How would you describe your business style? I am very much the winner wins it all and the loser eats it! What was the defining moment in your career? I have not had one yet as my journey is a road that has no ending. Every step you take is another achievement of success. Are there any of your peers that you admire? There are a lot, I have been so blessed with my social circle. I am surrounded by successful people, for example Olivier Rousting who is one of my best friends in the world. When he went to the house of Balmain when people were scrutinising him in the media and he showed them. Who did you admire when you were growing up? My father is my main influence in life and without him I don’t think I would have learnt to be as business-savvy. He has also advised me on how to make decisions. What do you think you’d be doing now if you hadn’t gone into business? Film. I think it is in me to be in the entertainment world. I would still love to achieve that some time or other. Do you have any early memories that you can share with us that are tangible to the profession you are in now? We have this thing in the Arab culture that when a baby takes its first steps they has candy thrown all over them. Like throwing flowers at a wedding. So that is my first early memory of food celebration. Whats next for you? I don’t know. I’m not going to lie to you and make something up. I am happy to be living in the moment, I’m learning from my past and changing it for the future. >Shop the Linda Farrow mens collection >Shop Sultan Mohammads Frame

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