Farewell, Alex!
Alexander Bell, affectionately known as ‘Alex’ by his colleagues and clients whom he liked to call habibi, arrived in Dubai in 1990. Despite his family’s concern as the Gulf war had just started, he decided to leave his native Britain and embark on a new journey to the Middle East. His then boss offered to keep his job until the end of the year in case the adventure wouldn’t work out. Little did he know that Alex would end up staying 30 years in the United Arab Emirates.
How did you come to the UAE?
Whilst working in Frinton-on-Sea, England, I applied for a Service Manager position in Dubai with Galadari Automobiles. The truth being told, I had no idea where Dubai was but later fondly referred to the UAE as the best kept secret in the Middle East.
What are the main differences between the UAE in 1990 and now?
In 1990, the UAE was simpler. Mobile telephones were the size of a paving block and the GPS system used was building landmarks. The transformation in such a short period of time is simply astonishing and has caused even an old-timer like me to get lost just as a newcomer would.
Later on, how did you join the Al Mazroui Group?
Back in 2000, I was headhunted by Mr Dilip Banerjee, the CFO of the Al Mazroui Group at the time, for the position of Sales and Marketing Manager. We met for a coffee and, as they say, the rest is history. I joined the Group on the 1st of December 2000 and a short time later, I was promoted to General Manager of Al Mazroui Trading and General Services (MTGS) – Paints Division.
What will be your best memories of working for MTGS – Paints Division?
I had the opportunity to collaborate in several prestigious projects. Paints Division formulated the colour for a brand-new Maybach. I met with an Abu Dhabi sheikh to create the new car colour of the local police. Our division also collaborated in various art projects such as: the golden painted horses at Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel, the golden painted camels at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai and the amazing mural art in Port Zayed. In 2019, we even supplied the products to repaint the Pope’s vehicle for his UAE visit. But my best memories are kept for the daily dialogue and banter with my valued customers.
How is Paints Division different from its competitors?
The first bodyshop in the UAE to have water-based automotive refinishing products was supplied by us. Loyal to our chairman’s ideal, Mr Rashed Al Mazroui, the service provided is simple: we listen to our customers’ needs and live up to our promises. Our team has an excellent rapport with the local bodyshops, many of whom consider us a vital part of their operations. To keep our customers a step or two ahead of the competition, we are always looking for cost-effective products, whilst promoting world-leading brands such as: Spies Hecker, 3M, Henkel, Spanesi, and P1 Coatings to name but a few.
What are you plans for the future?
After 30 years in the UAE and driving more than a million kilometres, the time has come for my family and I to say goodbye. We will be leaving the UAE with heavy hearts but our memories will last a lifetime. I don’t have a crystal ball but I hope the experiences learned here will help me in my future endeavours. I would like to thank all who have helped, guided and supported me, with a special thanks toAl Mazroui Group’s Chairman, Mr Rashed Al Mazroui.
