Can you explain who you are and what you do exactly do you do?
I am Yaqoub Mousa Muhammad. People know me as Dr. Bu Abdullah. I am from dubai. I am a businessman and a Guinness Book of World Records holder. I currently own 270 companies across the Middle East. I own companies from different sectors such as real estate, law, construction, business advisory, events, investments, auctions, etc.
You particularly like movies and cinema, why did you come to Cannes?
Cannes is widely regarded as the world’s most popular film festival, mainly due to its exclusivity and long history of showcasing some of the greatest films of all time. The festival launched the careers of several prominent filmmakers. Because I am very fond of the film industry, have many relationships with the biggest personalities and have been part of many projects, I would like to extend my interest towards international media.
What do you think of the Cannes Film Festival and the fact that Spikey Lee represents it this year?
The organizers of Cannes have given themselves a huge task: to organize the first large-scale film festival in the era of the Corona virus, despite growing concerns about the variable delta that is spreading rapidly across Europe.
After a series of lockdowns and curfews, visitors are finally back at the city’s famous Croisette Beach for the enticing film festival,
And the first president of a jury and the first black president of a jury, Spike Lee will represent Cannes, and it’s going to be a great experience to watch. Looking forward to it
What is your favorite movie of choice?
The movie I’m interested in seeing in Fast and Furious 9. It’s my all-time favorite. I love cars and love racing
Do you have a favorite actress or actor?
Of course the most beautiful women in the world Aishwarya Rai. I was hoping to see her in Cannes too
Do you have projects in the cinema?
Yes I do. I have a lot of projects from Bollywood movie industry, Netflix series, reality TV show in the pipeline. We hope to launch a wonderful project soon, God willing.
We went through a very difficult period with Covid, do you think the world of cinema has changed?
The COVID-19 outbreak has set off a dramatic first for the film industry: movies are made available at home at the same time as they are available in cinemas. The coronavirus pandemic has clearly changed the way films are made, with the added costs involved in testing and implementing strict health regulations,
Do you rub your shoulders with the biggest movie stars? Can we say these are your friends and why?
Hahahaha yes you can say that. I have good relations with many of them. To answer your question why is it so is because we are both connected in terms of working with each other. They need me for their business and I need them to promote me. It’s that easy.
How did you manage to create so many links?
Everyone knows that it is important to build a network. Networking is associated with many measures of professional success – including promotion, influence, earning more money, and feeling more satisfied in your career.
Would you like to enter the cinema? Or cinema in any way?
As an aspiring entrepreneur, yes of course I would like to be associated with cinema in any way possible. It is one of the biggest platforms to get the attention of a larger audience for your brand.
Do you have projects?
Yes as I mentioned earlier, I have a lot of projects in the pipeline.. I have been working on them with the best team. God willing, soon you will see something wonderful on the big screen.
Can you give us your cult movie?
So far I haven’t found anything good about cult movies. But I’m definitely looking forward to getting a good script, a story line to think about.
If you had to add something to the Cannes Film Festival tomorrow, what would you do?
Without thinking, I would just like to add more Emirati films.. Promote more of my culture here. Get more recognition from our media.. and we would like the Cannes Film Festival to choose us more as a jury, as a film or associated with it in any way.
When you received an invitation to participate in the Luxury Place interview, you accepted and we thank you, do you have a specific message to convey?
Prince Jean-Barthélémy Bokassa, France Marie Myriam Larriere and Dr. Bu Abdullah
First thank you for the invitation. I am honored to be invited and interviewed. It’s my first experience in Cannes and my first visit to France, and I must say the warmth of hospitality. The people of France are very welcome. I hope and hope that the relationship between the Emirates and France will strengthen!
