From our Archives: The Short Story of THE One
In 2006, THE One celebrated 10 years on the planet and boy, did we go BIG! We sponsored Robbie Williams’ Dubai gig, which created such media hype that Thomas was interviewed on BBC as well as CNBC, in addition to attracting interest from international retailers looking for possible tie-ups. At the time we produced this movie to give them an idea of what THE One is all about… Enjoy this blast from the past!

THE One Service with Heart Kick Off
From 27 – 29 August, THE One's annual three-day Kick Off event was held at Dubai's luxurious Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, where 150 Tribe members and suppliers came together from across THE One planet for some inspiration, information, motivation and good vibrations.

Aspiring to be THE No. 1 in Service in the world of retail, THE One's theme for this year's Kick Off was aptly 'Service with Heart'. At a jam-packed event designed to align the company, Thomas unveiled his 'top secret' plans for an exciting new concept that is set to take THE One somewhere retail has never gone before. This new extravaganza is due to hit the stage next year and Dubai shoppers will be the first to experience the show.

Not one to do anything in half measures, Thomas shared moving stories and videos of his recent trip to the Pimbiniet community in Kenya, where he kicked off the inaugural project of THE Onederworld – our Sustainable Village Community programme. He went on to encourage THE Tribe to become brand ambassadors through living THE One's Core Values – LIVE, DARE, BELIEVE and LOVE and emphasised the importance of listening with your heart, selling feelings and making a meaningful difference in the world and our communities: "We must make the world a better place. Use the opportunity you have with us to make a real difference. And remember, it starts with YOU."

But, as one would expect from the Recommended Employer for 2007 (IIR Middle East Business Achievement Awards), it wasn't all work and no play! The fun started the very first day with rocking entertainment by Canadian duo Keith and Renee, whom Thomas had met on his Kenya trip, followed that evening with POOFF (Planet One Official Film Festival), where each store and office screened their very own Handmade Production and our Mall of the Emirates Theatre was unanimously voted winner of THE Best Picture award. On the second night Thomas treated us to a 'rocktastic' evening with ZU2 - Europe's most authentic U2 tribute band, while Dubai Drums made a welcome return on the last day, and had THE budding musos boisterously beating and shaking various percussion instruments in gloriously synchronised chaos. This resulted in THE One SYMPHONology, recorded for posterity! 

After a whirlwind of 'Thomasology' presentations, brain analysis rules and storytelling, 'THE One rockers' donned our glad rags on the last night to celebrate each other's successes and achievements during the 2008 TOSCAR (THE One Store and Company Achievement Rewards) closing ceremony. There's no doubt that THE One is now ready to rock the retail world!

THE One ME to WE Kick Off
In November, 120 members of THE One Tribe got together in Dubai to embark on a three-day magical journey of Revelation, Information, Inspiration and Participation that aimed to change the way we work and help us Change the World Together! From drumming on bongos and laughter yoga through to listening to Free the Children founder Craig Kielburger's moving philanthropic story, Kick Off 2007 was an emotional rollercoaster. During the spiritual journey, we participated in various workshops, went to the TOSCAR (THE One Store and Company Achievement Rewards) ceremony and sang on stage with our band in Hippie Idol. What a blast!

'The Power of Colour' Jordan River Foundation
In May 2006, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) put on an exhibition, sponsored by THE One Jordan, to raise funds for the Jordanian Child Safety Programme. The exhibition, entitled 'The Power of Colour', featured paintings created by underprivileged children attending the Queen Rania Family & Child Centre arts workshop, a facility of the Jordan River Foundation. THE One is now selling 'The Power of Colour' paintings in our stores, with all proceeds going towards the Jordanian Child Safety Programme. The movie will give you an insight into the lives of some of the children who attend these art workshops. 

THE One presents Robbie Williams Live in Dubai
THE One proved that retail can be fun and more rock and roll by being the sole sponsor of Robbie Williams' Dubai concert in April 2006. The gig went on to scoop the What's On  2006 Award for Best Concert in the UAE.

THE One ROCK Off
One hundred members of THE One Tribe flocked together from all over the Middle East and Sweden to celebrate our annual kick-off in Dubai with a two-day team-building rock fest. Over the course of 48 hours, employees were transformed into rock stars, recording their own versions of classic power ballads in a professional studio and shooting music videos to match!

The grand finale, THE One Rock-Off Awards night, featured live entertainment by one of Dubai's hottest rock bands, which had everyone head-banging, stage-diving and partying like Rock Stars until the wee hours of the morning. In between sets, THE One rock bands' videos were screened and our musical accomplishments (or lack thereof) recognised. Each 'band' member received a framed award with categories ranging from 'One Hit Wonder' and 'Stick To Your Day Job' to 'Random Rockumentary' and 'Lip Sync? What Lip Sync?'. Dubious honours indeed, yet proudly received!

One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly when Thomas took to the stage to sing 'You are so Beautiful' to his wife, Ewa, in honour of their 20th wedding anniversary, after which he joined the band and drummed his heart out to 'We will Rock You'. All in all, a fitting start to a new year, especially for a brand set on changing the world! One hundred members of THE One Tribe flocked together from all over the Middle East and Sweden to celebrate our annual kick-off in Dubai with a two-day team-building rock fest. Over the course of 48 hours, employees were transformed into rock stars, recording their own versions of classic power ballads in a professional studio and shooting music videos to match!

The grand finale, THE One Rock-Off Awards night, featured live entertainment by one of Dubai's hottest rock bands, which had everyone head-banging, stage-diving and partying like Rock Stars until the wee hours of the morning. In between sets, THE One rock bands' videos were screened and our musical accomplishments (or lack thereof) recognised. Each 'band' member received a framed award with categories ranging from 'One Hit Wonder' and 'Stick To Your Day Job' to 'Random Rockumentary' and 'Lip Sync? What Lip Sync?'. Dubious honours indeed, yet proudly received!

One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly when Thomas took to the stage to sing 'You are so Beautiful' to his wife, Ewa, in honour of their 20th wedding anniversary, after which he joined the band and drummed his heart out to 'We will Rock You'. All in all, a fitting start to a new year, especially for a brand set on changing the world!

A Day at THE Office
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at THE Office?

THE One FUNKology Kick Off
As our 2005 Kick-off team-building exercise, 80 members of THE One Tribe were divided into groups and each set the task of scripting and producing a 10 minute version of a Hollywood blockbuster, including the likes of Titanic, Jaws, Mission Impossible, Gladiator and The Wizard of Oz. This hilarious exercise was followed by an unforgettable black tie 'Oscar' Night, complete with red carpet and hired paparazzi. Funky!