Tell us, what do private members clubs offer the modern gentleman (and woman)?
Gone are the days when private member clubs were limited to society’s economic elite or ex-army colonels. The modern day club and its edgy atmosphere, keeps members “in the know” of people, news and opportunities – we recently launched ladies and gent’s night at the Club. It not only includes standard facilities like cocktail bars and mesmerising music, but also has some chic options for relaxation including a TV studio, game room and an art gallery. In addition, many of the clubs are social affairs, courting new members, seeking to meet creative and brilliant minds.
What are the intangible benefits of being a member?
A warm welcome and a feeling of inclusion in a high profile, top-level community is one of the major benefits of being a Capital Club member. While every member gets an opportunity to meet and develop long-lasting relationships – it becomes part of a lifestyle. Our members are not simply looking to be “seen” but rather they want to be known and that is exactly what the club offers. In addition, our members enjoy the benefits of belonging to a club that has a strong sense of community. There is no other club like it.
Can you give us an insight into the typical Capital Club member?
Capital Club boasts a membership made up of some of the UAE’s leading government officials and senior-level business leaders. While we welcome people from all walks of life, majority of our members are investors or belong to government sectors. In addition, our ultimate goal is building relationships, and since we have no age restrictions, our membership is composed of a variety of ages and backgrounds, which coincides with the demographic trends of Dubai as a city.
How many members are there currently, and what is the proportion of men to women?
Capital Club is about surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and this achieved through membership by invitation. As such, membership over the past few years has evolved with people looking for something deeper and more meaningful. The club has experienced an organic growth in the total number of members. Currently, there are 1,400 total memberships at the club from a broad number of nationalities. In 2016, we are also placing emphasis on increasing our female membership and looking towards attracting younger professionals into the fold. This strategy is in line with the understanding that Dubai is subject to a higher and more rapid turnover of members than in some other international cities.
Can you divulge any details about the assessment process or essential criteria new members must meet?
Joining the club is not just a case of networking among C-level executives, but it is also about utilising the talented people we have in our membership base to create special bonds and relationships that transcend typical business relationships. As membership to the club is by invitation only, members also have the privilege of proposing suitable colleagues, friends, family members and business associates for membership. Members’ nominees must be approved by the Membership Committee. In addition, we perform a surface-level research of those joining the membership through their public personae and then more deeply by asking their Proposer (person inviting them to membership) more information about why they might make a good member. We also meet and learn about the new member through active conversation and inquisitive questions. We care about what they want, what they need and more importantly about what they expect.
What about the cost of membership? Can you explain how that works?
At Capital Club, our members are given every opportunity to make genuine, deep and lasting connections, with like-minded individuals. To get a membership one must be vetted by the previous class of occupiers and transfer a joining fee and an annual subscription fee. In addition, being a member of Capital Club allows them to take advantage of the reciprocal club programme which has been established with International Associate Clubs (IAC) providing Capital Club members with access to some 350 leading private, business, social, country or golf clubs worldwide when they travel abroad, whether for business or pleasure.
How does the atmosphere differ at various times throughout the day and night?
With all the modern amenities, the club is buzzing with activities throughout the day. From members using the business services to holding presentations or conducting meetings, the atmosphere at the club is enthralling. Our vision and mission is to offer a place where like-minded people can connect, have interesting and stimulating conversations and can develop and grow both personally and professionally. With video conferences, galas and events shaping every day, Capital Club is always bustling with energy from dawn till late at night.
The club is known for notable events and lectures – can you tell us about some of the past events?
In addition to the Club’s many social activities and events, our series of business lectures and talks, held regularly at the club on behalf of the membership, seek to educate and encourage a dialogue on some of the world’s most salient socio-political, cultural and commercial issues. Recently, the club has hosted speakers of international repute and fame – invited to discuss issues ranging from corporate philanthropy to country-specific investment opportunities. Some of the prominent lectures and events held recently include our Investing in Iran Series, our Brexit Series, our US Election Debates, our first-in-the-world event on the Panama Papers scandal, etc. The benefits combine to offer what we hope is viewed as a comprehensive and well- rounded programme of events that either entertain or educate our membership.
David Cameron once said that gentlemen’s clubs were a “thing of the past” – what are your thoughts on that?
I think it would be safe to say that today’s clubs have made radical changes to stay in touch with the latest trends. The innovative, community-oriented, social setting that maintains exclusivity makes Capital Club a modern success.