Jean Paul smiles as he gets busy planning the gala celebration of his five-decade journey in Dubai. He first arrived in the UAE in 1975, drawn by a French newspaper advertisement seeking a hairdresser for the Intercontinental Hotel in Deira, Dubai’s first five-star hotel. At that time, Jean Paul was working in France and seized the opportunity, driven by curiosity and a desire to explore a new place.
Back then, Dubai was a relatively small and emerging city. Little did he know that this move would not only broaden his horizons but also lay the foundation for what would become one of the most esteemed salons in Dubai.
The idea of traveling was deeply rooted in Jean Paul’s family history. Inspired by the adventurous tales of his grandfather, who ventured to the United States in 1886 at a young age, Jean Paul developed the courage and passion to leave his small village in Lebanon. Fueled by this legacy, he embarked on his own adventure and moved to Paris at the age of 16 to pursue his dreams.
Jean Paul studied at Ecole De Coiffure Saint Louis. His distinction and dynamism led him to work at one of the most famous salons in Paris at the time, ‘Roger Bouquin’ on Rue La Fayette. There, he worked with top professionals and was sent to Italy, Germany, and the US for advanced training. This extensive experience and expertise distinguished him when he moved to Dubai.
“Dubai provided me with the perfect environment to succeed. The city’s rapid growth and pleasant atmosphere allowed me to work as much as I wanted. Every day brought new opportunities, making it an exciting place to be. Dubai is a land of opportunity, with a rich diversity of cultures and people from all over the world,” said the 70-year-old Lebanese businessman.
