Right-hand man of tennis

Some call him a "Dynamo", while some others want to pose for pictures with him. Meet Magdy Al Shaikh, Dubai Duty Free's face for VIPs attending the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Magdy is everywhere — you see him welcoming the guests, making them comfortable in the "Majlis", having a quick word with Captain Eisa Hamza Al Ali from Dubai Police or requesting Tournament Director Salah Tahlak to sort out a pressing matter via radio. Magdy is literally everywhere — at least for two weeks of this annual tournament taking place at the Dubai Tennis Stadium.

"I love the excitement of this position, and each year my one challenge is to become better," Magdy says.

Though he spends just two weeks at the tennis, Magdy does not find it too difficult doing what he does. "My big boss Colm [McLoughlin, Vice President of Dubai Duty Free] has taught me so many things, and Salah [Tahlak, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, DDF] is always around. They have such a high standard set in Dubai Duty Free. So all that I do is stick to this and ensure everyone just feels at home during the tennis," he adds. Considering that the VIP Majlis can seat a good 500 guests at a time, it is amazing how Magdy is your man should you want to locate someone in the crowd. "I have come to know so many people over the years of this tournament. In addition, we get special tours coming in from the UK, from Canada and from Russia, and I have to ensure they are all feeling at home," Magdy says.

"Some people have even told me that they find it amusing that I can manage so many things at one time. But there is no secret: I just smile," he adds.