Cigar connections

Anna Cheung

As a senior director of sales at Luxury Binghatti, heading up the luxury sales department of Dubai’s leading real estate developer, and a founding member of Habibi Cigar Club — Anna’s taste for the finer things in life is, naturally, impeccable.

Deremi Ajidahun: Tell us about your journey to the UAE; what first brought you here, and what made you stay?
Anna Cheung: My love affair with the UAE started almost 20 years ago, when I visited Dubai for the first time. We used to visit Dubai yearly and since that first visit, I knew one day we would call it home, and that is exactly what happened when we decided to sell our business in the UK and move permanently to Dubai over 10 years ago. I must say, it’s been the best decision for all of us, by far.
The UAE draws attention from all over the world. What do you think fascinates people most about this country and its people?
I believe in the magic of this beautiful country, I feel at home here and have no desire to move anywhere else. Most people move here to have a better life, and its safety and stability is just one of the many reasons why many move here and never want to leave.
What do you personally love most about living here; the energy, the culture or the community?
It’s a combination of all the above and so much more, this place has the most amazing energy. It’s a proper melting pot of so many nationalities and cultures. It’s the country with the most advanced technologies, yet remains a country that manages to preserve culture, heritage and traditions.
How has living here influenced your sense of style, ambition or outlook on life?
Living here, you’re influenced to make the most of your abilities and push your goals to success. It’s the country that empowers women to grow and advance in their careers, it is the place that you cannot be mediocre, you are driven to be the best. It’s here that I have met the most ambitious and the most driven people.
You have a distinctive style that blends sophistication with personality. How would you describe your visual or lifestyle aesthetic?
That’s very kind of you, to say that about me! I believe in having your own style, which should be the true reflection of your personality and uniqueness and what makes you stand out, what makes you memorable. Plus, it’s so much better to be yourself and not to follow trends like everyone else. Your style of clothing, your life choices and how you interact with others should be natural, it shouldn’t be forced or altered to fit the ‘mould’ of an expected norm or current trend. It should be authentically you.
When did your passion for watches begin, and what sparked it?
I started my small watch collection with a TAG Heuer Formula 1 Diamond ceramic watch, followed by few interesting pieces from Rolex and the last piece I have recently bought is a Santos de Cartier, which I wear the most these days.
What are your favourite luxury watch brands, and why do they stand out to you?
My next piece will be from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak collection, it’s purely elegant and that type of watch that can be worn daily.
Do you prefer watches that make a statement or ones that whisper quiet elegance?
True elegance is not loud or flashy, it is quiet.
You’re known for your appreciation of cigars. When did that journey start for you?
I am relatively new to cigars, I only started a couple of years ago and in the past year or so, it has become more of a lifestyle for me rather than an occasional hobby.

Was there someone or an experience that first introduced you to the cigar culture?
I am blessed with the most amazing cigar aficionados that I am very proud to call friends. In fact, the most interesting people I have ever met in my life, I’ve met through sharing the passion of cigars.
How would you describe the ritual of smoking a fine cigar; what does that moment represent to you?
It is the moment of calmness, you cannot be rushed to truly enjoy a great cigar. It’s not just smoking, it’s the savouring the flavour and enjoying the stillness of the moment.
What are your five favourite cigar brands, and what makes each one memorable?
I was recently given an absolutely amazing cigar, a Behike 54. To be honest, it’s the best cigar I have smoked in my life. My other all-time favourites are the Bolivar Libertador, Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo de San Juan and Cohiba Robusto, as well as my favourite daily smokes like Quai d’Orsay No. 50 and Partagás Maduro No. 1.
In your opinion, what distinguishes Cuban cigars from non-Cuban ones?
For me it is about flavour and I do prefer Cuban to non-Cuban, but saying that there are absolutely great cigars out there that are non-Cuban. It is all about your palate and I do have non-Cuban cigars in my humidor and enjoy smoking them occasionally.
Do you enjoy cigars more in solitude or do you prefer they be shared among friends?
I prefer smoking cigars with friends and people I love. A good cigar takes at least one or even two hours to smoke and having great company with interesting conversations is what makes this whole experience so wonderful for me.
Do you belong to a cigar club or have a circle of friends who share that same passion?
I do indeed! Recently I became a founding member of Habibi Cigar Club, created by a small group of friends who share a true passion for Cuban cigars. But to be honest, you do not need to be a member of any club to enjoy a great cigar. I smoke a few times a week with different groups of cigar lovers. My Saturday night smoke is usually with an Emirati group and we have so many interesting topics to discuss while enjoying the smoke. We don’t just share our thoughts, but we share cigars and experiences too.My other group is the original people who I started enjoying cigars with at the beginning, they are the ones who helped me to develop my taste in cigars. They are mainly located in DIFC and we have so much fun when we meet. We travel together to different cigar events around the world and enjoy sharing not just passion for cigars, but our great friendships too.
Name three of your favourite places to enjoy a cigar, and tell us why those settings feel perfect.
Well, we are lucky in Dubai to have so many great places to enjoy cigars. I recently had the lovely experience of enjoying very delicious food while smoking one of my favourite cigars at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab’s fabulous steakhouse, The Cullinan. I also love the vibe of Hendricks Bar at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach, as well as The Churchill Club at Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre and Sunken Garden at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. Another place I love is The Lana by Dorchester Collection, which has a very private cigar lounge with a stunning view over Downtown Dubai.
How did you meet GMT GCC’s publisher, and what’s the story behind your friendship?
Deremi and I met at a TAG Heuer event a couple of years ago and connected over a mutual passion for cigars, fast cars and watches, of course.
What great human qualities do you (and perhaps your wider circle) have in common?
Having an ability to connect with people, being curious about life and willing to learn every day. One of the most thought-provoking conversations I had in my life was with the people who share the same passion for cigars. Because we are not rushed, we can really bring up deep topics and share some of the most interesting life stories.

Jasim Ahmed

The official Master of Habanos in the UAE, and the winner of Habanos Hombre Habano in Communication 2023, Jasim works, lives and breathes all things cigar — an enthusiast, expert and true aficionado.

Deremi Ajidahun: Where do you consider home, Dubai, Al Ain or Abu Dhabi?
Jasim Ahmed: Although I am Italian by nationality, I was born in the United Arab Emirates and have spent most of my life here. I lived 17 years in Abu Dhabi, where I developed a deep love for the culture and heritage of the UAE. Today, I reside in Dubai, a city that truly feels like home. It’s the pulse of innovation and elegance, where my passions for cigars, timeless fashion and cultural fusion continue to thrive.
How would you describe each of those three cities?
Dubai is vibrant and cosmopolitan, where luxury is a lifestyle and everything moves fast. Abu Dhabi is stately and cultural with deep roots, calm energy and measured elegance. Al Ain is heritage in motion, a peaceful reflection of Emirati traditions, full of greenery and history.
You have a distinctive Instagram style. How would you describe it?
It’s a curated reflection of who I am: refined, classic and honest. I don’t chase trends. I celebrate the elegance of a well-cut suit, the beauty of a rare cigar and the power of authenticity. My style is timeless with touches of vintage Cuba and modern Gulf luxury.
Why do you love watches so much? How long have you been collecting timepieces?
Watches tell more than time, they tell stories. They reflect discipline, legacy and style. I’ve been collecting for over a decade, but it started with admiration. Every timepiece I own reminds me of a milestone or a moment I wanted to remember forever.
What are your favourite watch brands? One of my favourite watches is from Jaeger-LeCoultre, it’s my go-to timepiece for its craftsmanship and understated sophistication. I also have a deep admiration for Rolex, a symbol of resilience and timeless design. Beyond the renowned names, I’m drawn to boutique watchmakers and vintage pieces from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly those connected to Cuba.
I’m not focused on collecting from a specific brand; what captivates me is the history and character behind each watch. Some of the pieces in my collection are almost a century old, acquired during my visits to Cuba — true treasures that I’ve carefully reconditioned while preserving their scratches and the life they carry. Each one tells a story and seamlessly complements my personal style.
What’s your favourite watch in your collection?
One of my favourites is a vintage Omega that I acquired in Cuba, a timepiece that carries not just craftsmanship, but deep history within it. It’s a simple, elegant watch with a faded dial and a plated gold case, completely devoid of complications — no date, no fuss, just pure time. What makes it truly special to me isn’t only its vintage charm, but the story it holds. The watch dates back to before the Cuban Revolution, and I received it as a gift during my visit, after admiring it immensely. For me, it represents more than horology; it’s a symbol of resilience and history.
I often think about how many hands might have held it. How, at some point, it may have helped someone through difficult times when watches were not just accessories, but assets of survival. It’s a piece of Cuba’s past that carries the essence of time, struggle and endurance — and that’s exactly why it remains one of my most cherished watches.
When did you start smoking cigars?
I began about 20 years ago, around 2003 to 2004, and since then it has become far more than just a habit, it’s a way of life. Over the years, what started as curiosity evolved into a genuine passion and appreciation for the culture, craftsmanship and tradition behind every cigar. It’s been a long journey immersed in this world — one that continues to inspire me, connect me with incredible people and remind me why cigars are not merely to be smoked, but to be truly experienced.
Who influenced you, and do you still share cigar moments with them?
My journey into the cigar world happened purely by coincidence. It wasn’t a single person who influenced me, it was the industry itself that captivated me. I began working in this world at a very young age, surrounded by true aficionados and aficionadas, people whose passion and knowledge left a deep impression on me.
What truly inspired me was witnessing how tobacco brings people together, how a cigar can create moments of camaraderie, friendship, trust and genuine connection. I’ve never seen another product that embodies such elegance, culture and happiness all in one. Even today, I continue to share those same kinds of cigar moments; the laughter, the conversations and the timeless sense of togetherness that only a fine cigar can create.

What are your five favourite cigar brands?
All my favourite cigars are Cuban, they represent the soul of tradition, craftsmanship and passion. If I were to name a few, I’d start with Cohiba, Trinidad, Montecristo, H. Upmann, Hoyo de Monterrey, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, La Gloria Cubana and Ramon Allones — and I must also mention Por Larrañaga, one of the oldest and most authentic brands of Cuba, a name that carries deep historical significance.
Each cigar from these Houses offers a distinct taste, aroma and emotion — from creamy and delicate to rich and powerful. That’s the beauty of the cigar world: no two cigars are ever the same, yet each one delivers its own form of pleasure. Cuba produces cigars for every palate, every moment and every soul — from light and aromatic to bold and full-bodied. I’ve had the privilege to enjoy and understand their differences, personalities and stories, and I can say with certainty that every cigar is a work of art, a result of immense love, passion and human dedication.
For me, it’s more than just brands — it’s about the people behind them. In Cuba, tobacco is not just a crop; it’s a way of life. The people who grow, roll and craft these cigars put their heart into every leaf, giving the world a product born not of luxury, but of passion and pride.
How do you describe the difference between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars?
The difference between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars begins with something deeper than just taste — it’s about heritage, soil and soul. Cuba has been perfecting the art of tobacco cultivation and cigar making for centuries. Its microclimate, rich volcanic soil and unmatched craftsmanship create a harmony that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. The land in Pinar del Río — especially the Vuelta Abajo region — is a divine blessing, producing leaves with the perfect balance of aroma, flavour and strength. But even beyond the earth, it’s the hands of the Cuban people — their passion, patience and inherited skill — that transform tobacco into an art form. Without these three elements of climate, soil and craftsmanship no cigar could ever be truly Cuban.
Non-Cuban cigars, on the other hand, tell a different story. Over the years, countries like the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras and Mexico have developed their own identities, crafting blends that reflect their unique terroirs. These cigars often have more diverse flavour profiles — spicier, woodier or sweeter — and many of them emerged from the embargo period, when the United States could no longer import Cuban cigars. To meet the enormous American demand, entire industries were born in these countries, producing exceptional cigars that now stand proudly on their own.
In a way, it mirrors the world of wine, as each region carries its own expression, its own personality. American smokers, for example, often develop a palate shaped by Nicaraguan or Dominican blends, just as European smokers tend to gravitate toward Cuban cigars. But despite this expansion, Cuba remains the beating heart of the cigar world, the benchmark of authenticity, tradition and excellence. Non-Cuban cigars have brought variety, innovation and accessibility, but Cuba still holds the crown as the land where tobacco becomes poetry — a timeless expression of craftsmanship, culture and soul.

Tell us about sharing great times, talking watches and cigars with him and other buddies.
These are the best moments; laughs over clinking glasses, debates on which year’s Behike was better, and passionate talks about movements and vintage cases. It’s not just conversation, it’s bonding.
What great human qualities do you all share in common?
Authenticity, humility and taste. We don’t show off. We share. That’s what makes it real.
Where did you spend your summer?
I usually spend my summers in Italy, a country that never fails to inspire me. I have a deep love for Florence: its art, architecture and timeless charm always make me feel connected to a refined and elegant way of life. There’s something magical about walking through its historic streets, enjoying an espresso, and watching the world move at its own graceful pace.
Beyond Italy, one of my favourite destinations throughout the year is Cuba. Every February, I travel there for the Festival del Habano, the world’s most celebrated cigar event. Though it’s not summer in the traditional sense, Cuba’s tropical warmth and vibrant energy make it feel like it. That period — the last week of February — brings together aficionados from around the world to celebrate the art of tobacco, and it’s always an unforgettable experience.
Aside from these two, I try to explore new destinations every year, each chosen with a purpose — to learn, to discover and to immerse myself in different cultures. For me, travel is not just leisure; it’s an ongoing education, a way to broaden perspectives and connect with people, history and traditions that enrich both life and passion.
Outside local cuisine, what are your favourite foods?
When it comes to food, my taste is truly global. I’ve always been drawn to Italian cuisine — the simplicity, the balance of flavours and the way every dish carries a sense of history and passion. I also have a deep appreciation for Lebanese and Mediterranean food, with its freshness, vibrant ingredients and perfect mix of herbs and olive oil that make every bite feel alive.
I enjoy Indian cuisine for its bold spices and complexity, there’s something deeply comforting about a perfectly spiced curry or biryani. I also love Chinese food, especially Sichuan-style cooking, with its fiery flavours and balance of heat and depth. And of course, Japanese cuisine — elegant, precise and beautifully minimal — always feels like an art form.
Lately, I’ve been wanting to explore more of the Latin American world, beyond the comida criolla or Cuban Creole food I know from Cuba. There’s so much character and tradition in the flavours of countries like Peru, Argentina and Brazil, and I’d love to experience them in their authentic settings. That said, living in the UAE is like having the entire world’s culinary map at your fingertips. You name it — Brazilian, Peruvian, Argentinian or Mediterranean — it’s all here. The beauty of Dubai and the UAE is that every culture brings its best to this place. You don’t need to travel far to taste the world; it’s already waiting for you right here.
What inspires you most in life?
What inspires me most in life is timeless elegance, the kind that never fades with trends or seasons. I’ve always believed that true style, much like character, is eternal. It’s not about what’s new; it’s about what endures — the details, the grace, and the refinement that stand the test of time. I’m deeply inspired by the classic way of living, where elegance is not just in appearance but in attitude. In how you speak, how you treat people and how you carry yourself. To me, being a true aficionado means being a true gentleman — someone who values authenticity, culture and respect in every form.
My goal has always been to keep learning, evolving and experiencing life in ways that enrich both taste and understanding. I’m inspired by the pursuit of wisdom, by meaningful conversations, by art, by travel and by the kind of experiences that refine the soul. Because in the end, elegance is not what you own — it’s how you live, and that’s the philosophy that continues to drive me every day.
What keeps you grounded despite your passions and success?
Faith, family and purpose. I know where I come from, and I know where I’m going.
Who has had the greatest influence on your outlook or character?
For me, influence has never come from a single person. It comes from life itself and the countless souls who cross our path along the way. I believe every encounter, no matter how brief, carries a lesson. Some people inspire through their success, others through their humility, and many without even realizing the impact they leave behind.
Over the years, I’ve learned to observe, to listen, and to absorb wisdom from all kinds of people, from visionaries and leaders to strangers I met only once. Every person carries a story, and if you stay curious, you’ll always find something to learn. That continuous learning shapes character far more deeply than any one influence ever could.
I’ve also come to understand that inspiration is not something you chase, it’s something you cultivate. It grows through gratitude, discipline and the willingness to see beauty in the smallest things: a sunrise, a conversation, a quiet moment of reflection. Ultimately, what has influenced my outlook most is the belief that life is a classroom, and the world is filled with teachers. Every experience — good or bad — refines us, humbles us and teaches us to see things with a wiser and more compassionate eye.
What’s one life philosophy or guiding quote you live by?
“Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.” And I always add: just like a great cigar.