Our Working Wonders of the UAE series takes you to some of the country's most recognisable destinations to uncover the daily duties of the talented employees working there
Troy Duazo was considering early retirement when he was invited to become general manager of La Perle, the iconic permanent show staged in a purpose-built theatre in Habtoor City in Dubai.
Born and partially raised in the Philippines before emigrating to Canada at a young age, the 54-year-old joined the Franco Dragone production in December 2021.
La Perle is an aerial and aqua circus-meets-cabaret extravaganza featuring daring acrobatics, colourful dancers and stunt motorcycles, delivering the UAE-themed story of a girl and an elusive pearl in a 10-storey auditorium setting with a central pool.
Mr Duazo has lived and worked in 29 countries during a career that has included managing a show in Macau, on China's southern coast, as well as held senior roles in marketing and human resources with Cirque du Soleil.
Here, he tells The National how he weaves La Perle into the mythology of what the UAE is.
How did your current role happen?
The live entertainment industry is a small community, and I used to manage another Dragone show, in Macau, so we always knew what was happening with La Perle.
Right after the pandemic I got the call. I’ve always loved the show and the story about how it was put together. I thought I was going to be retiring, but when La Perle comes knocking, you have to open the door and have a conversation.
I knew Franco Dragone for over 20 years – he created the first eight shows of Cirque du Soleil, basically a whole new art form, before he branched off and built his own company.
This was my first time in Dubai.
Where does the show fit into the UAE story?
We live in a city of superlatives. So, it made sense that, from an entertainment standpoint, you’re going to take a world-class creator, and put together this amazing show.
There are lots of shows around the world. But very few have a bespoke theatre, built specifically.
We’re very privileged because La Perle has an opportunity to be woven into the fabric of the mythology of what the UAE is. I’m very proud of where we are now. But in the history books, I’ll be even prouder of us being pioneers.
Personally … the most important thing is, we’re going to look back at this 20 years from now and say La Perle helped tell the story of what it meant to be Dubai at this point in time.
How did past experience lead to this job?
I had been working in live entertainment for two and a half decades, interspersed with working in public accounting firms, the finance industry and advertising.
My undergraduate studies were in music, as a performer. So, it always came through – wanting to be an entertainment.
Most people who have the honour of being the general manager of a show either come through from the artistic side, or technical side, or come through on the business side.
For me, the concept of showbusiness has always been 50/50. I like doing the business side, but I also love the show part. The commonality among all of us that work in showbusiness is the path is never direct.
But live entertainment won the day?
Passion is passion, regardless of where you are.
When I meet people who succeed in live entertainment, it’s the ones that have the crazy, twisted path that become the most passionate about what we do. I count myself among those people.
What’s interesting about live entertainment is the manifestation of that passion is direct and immediate … but if you’re working in an accounting firm, it’s at the end of the month.
The thing that turns us on is that interaction between artists and audience. When you see your audience being passionate about your show, it keeps building upon itself.
I loved working in advertising and in finance – in accounting. It’s just much more immediate gratification working in live entertainment.
Have you faced setbacks?
I started my career in music, and I was going to direct orchestras.
I was a military officer at the same time I was in university. In my last year, I broke my neck in a car accident and couldn’t walk for a while. I was a clarinet player and my fingers didn’t work.
At that point, you take a decision and say: “What am I going to do and how am I going to feel about it?”
I took a decision to intentionally enjoy what I do. Now I’m very lucky because 200 people work on my show. And on any given day, 200 people are you going to feel really good about what we do. Knowing they have that shared common goal is what leads you to success.
What does your role at La Perle entail?
One is the management of the show itself.
What isn’t seen is what happens behind the scenes. The really cool thing about working on this type of show is that it’s got to look easy, but look dangerous enough for the audience to love it as well. It’s about controlled risk – and balancing that with danger.
There’s the specialist technicians that work in close co-ordination to be able to make an act look easy.
I manage the heads of those specialists to make sure we’re concentrated and the co-ordination goes smoothly. A lot of what I focus on is about ensuring a healthy and safe environment for my artists, technicians and for the guests.
The other part of my job is managing the business. To be the interpreter for artistically what needs to be presented on stage, but the administrative and financial means to get there; I serve as a translator between the artistic people and the business people.
Who is in your prime audience?
I don’t target tourists versus local people or old people versus children – I target people who have an interest in having an experience that makes them feel more alive and dream a little more.
With everything that’s happening in the world, who doesn’t want to take 90 minutes to just escape?
How has La Perle evolved?
This is our seventh year of operation.
As of January, we revised our weekly show schedule so we now perform shows from Wednesdays to Sundays. On Sunday, we have a matinee that opens at four o’clock, and there’s more kids coming in.
The “market” changes every day, every month. And our job is to make sure I have a really good product. The market isn’t static, my show isn’t static either … there’s continuous artistic evolution.
One of my favourite moments is catching the very end of the show as people are leaving, and hearing how they’re talking about it.
What have you brought?
A very small percentage of shows are able to last a long time. La Perle has the legs to be here for many years.
So, I’m making sure that I focus on the longevity of the show, and that the management practices, management team, and the thinking behind why they do the show will last us for the long term.
It’s a timeless story and tourism gives us new audiences all the time.
However, let’s not forget we have four million people that live here and they’re also bringing friends who visit.
What would you say is your biggest task?
We perform the show 460 times a year.
My biggest task is to try and keep it fresh, not just the show itself but for the people who work here. We remind ourselves: “We’re here because we love what we do.”
There are 43 artists, from 22 different countries; that’s 22 different ways of looking at the world, of communicating and interacting.
The vast majority are high-performance athletes. They were acrobats that trained and competed at a high level. The challenge then becomes, how do we help them grow artistically to become a performer?
The next chunk of artists are specialty acts, our globe of death moto-riders, our slack liners, and the lion dancers. They come with years of experience performing in that act … how do we make sure that it fits into the artistic fabric of the show?
The last group of artists are the principal characters – four who are actors, dancers, performers.
I ask 43 people to run a marathon every night … physically, that’s what they’re doing to their bodies. And please smile while you’re doing it – and interact with the audience.
To support them, there are 120 technicians that make sure the show is able to go out. They are as critical to the performance.
Two of my artists just celebrated their seven-year anniversary on the show – they were here from day one of creation. Another artist who was here from then is now back with us as a coach.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
THREE
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RACE CARD
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (Turf) 1,000m
7.40pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (D) 2,200m
8.15pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,900m
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
9.25pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
10pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Liverpool v Manchester United - 3.30pm
Burnley v West Ham United - 6pm
Crystal Palace v Chelsea - 6pm
Manchester City v Stoke City - 6pm
Swansea City v Huddersfield Town - 6pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth - 6pm
Watford v Arsenal - 8.30pm
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton - 4.30pm
Southampton v Newcastle United - 7pm
Monday
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - 11pm
MATCH INFO
Hoffenheim v Liverpool
Uefa Champions League play-off, first leg
Location: Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim
Kick-off: Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs: 2019 Mini Cooper
Price, base: Dh141,740 (three-door) / Dh165,900 (five-door)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder (Cooper) / 2.0-litre four-cylinder (Cooper S)
Power: 136hp @ 4,500rpm (Cooper) / 192hp @ 5,000rpm (Cooper S)
Torque: 220Nm @ 1,480rpm (Cooper) / 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (Cooper S)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 4.8L to 5.4L / 100km
The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
Start-up hopes to end Japan's love affair with cash
Across most of Asia, people pay for taxi rides, restaurant meals and merchandise with smartphone-readable barcodes — except in Japan, where cash still rules. Now, as the country’s biggest web companies race to dominate the payments market, one Tokyo-based startup says it has a fighting chance to win with its QR app.
Origami had a head start when it introduced a QR-code payment service in late 2015 and has since signed up fast-food chain KFC, Tokyo’s largest cab company Nihon Kotsu and convenience store operator Lawson. The company raised $66 million in September to expand nationwide and plans to more than double its staff of about 100 employees, says founder Yoshiki Yasui.
Origami is betting that stores, which until now relied on direct mail and email newsletters, will pay for the ability to reach customers on their smartphones. For example, a hair salon using Origami’s payment app would be able to send a message to past customers with a coupon for their next haircut.
Quick Response codes, the dotted squares that can be read by smartphone cameras, were invented in the 1990s by a unit of Toyota Motor to track automotive parts. But when the Japanese pioneered digital payments almost two decades ago with contactless cards for train fares, they chose the so-called near-field communications technology. The high cost of rolling out NFC payments, convenient ATMs and a culture where lost wallets are often returned have all been cited as reasons why cash remains king in the archipelago. In China, however, QR codes dominate.
Cashless payments, which includes credit cards, accounted for just 20 per cent of total consumer spending in Japan during 2016, compared with 60 per cent in China and 89 per cent in South Korea, according to a report by the Bank of Japan.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs: 2018 Dodge Durango SRT
Price, base / as tested: Dh259,000
Engine: 6.4-litre V8
Power: 475hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 640Nm @ 4,300rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.7L / 100km
Points Classification
1. Marcel Kittel (Germany / Quick-Step) 63
2. Arnaud Demare (France / FDJ) 38
3. Andre Greipel (Germany / Lotto) 25
4. Sonny Colbrelli (Italy / Bahrain) 24
5. Mark Cavendish (Britain / Dimension Data) 22
6. Taylor Phinney (U.S. / Cannondale) 21
7. Geraint Thomas (Britain / Team Sky) 20
8. Thomas Boudat (France / Direct Energie) 20
9. Stefan Kueng (Switzerland / BMC Racing) 17
10. Michael Matthews (Australia / Sunweb) 17
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Premier Futsal 2017 Finals
Al Wasl Football Club; six teams, five-a-side
Delhi Dragons: Ronaldinho
Bengaluru Royals: Paul Scholes
Mumbai Warriors: Ryan Giggs
Chennai Ginghams: Hernan Crespo
Telugu Tigers: Deco
Kerala Cobras: Michel Salgado
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
If%20you%20go
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Generation Start-up: Awok company profile
Started: 2013
Founder: Ulugbek Yuldashev
Sector: e-commerce
Size: 600 plus
Stage: still in talks with VCs
Principal Investors: self-financed by founder
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
The Facility’s Versatility
Between the start of the 2020 IPL on September 20, and the end of the Pakistan Super League this coming Thursday, the Zayed Cricket Stadium has had an unprecedented amount of traffic.
Never before has a ground in this country – or perhaps anywhere in the world – had such a volume of major-match cricket.
And yet scoring has remained high, and Abu Dhabi has seen some classic encounters in every format of the game.
October 18, IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders tied with Sunrisers Hyderabad
The two playoff-chasing sides put on 163 apiece, before Kolkata went on to win the Super Over
January 8, ODI, UAE beat Ireland by six wickets
A century by CP Rizwan underpinned one of UAE’s greatest ever wins, as they chased 270 to win with an over to spare
February 6, T10, Northern Warriors beat Delhi Bulls by eight wickets
The final of the T10 was chiefly memorable for a ferocious over of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards to Nicholas Pooran
March 14, Test, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by six wickets
Eleven wickets for Rashid Khan, 1,305 runs scored in five days, and a last session finish
June 17, PSL, Islamabad United beat Peshawar Zalmi by 15 runs
Usman Khawaja scored a hundred as Islamabad posted the highest score ever by a Pakistan team in T20 cricket
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
