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Melanie Stauffer was born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. For nearly a decade, she has called the vibrant United Arab Emirates her home. A serial entrepreneur and a dedicated mother of two girls, Melanie boasts over twenty years of experience in international investment and private banking, having successfully established and managed wealth management companies in both Switzerland and the UAE.
As a passionate traveller and adventure enthusiast, Melanie has seamlessly blended her Swiss roots with the dynamic spirit of the UAE. Her desire for exotic travel and adventure began early; at just 17, Melanie ventured to West Africa on her own, where she had the unique honour of attending the funeral of the late King of the Ashanti. This profound experience ignited her love for travel and authentic cultural encounters.
This passion culminated in the creation of Swiss Arabenture, a luxury travel company that crafts unforgettable journeys bridging Switzerland and the UAE. Swiss Arabenture celebrates and appreciates the cultural, heritage, natural, and culinary differences and similarities between these two regions. Melanie and her team curate tailored, authentic experiences that fill her guests with awe and excitement.
When she’s not planning the next exotic getaway, Melanie enjoys exploring new destinations, indulging in local cuisines, and capturing breathtaking landscapes. Her mission is to inspire others to discover the world and create lasting memories.
She holds a Master’s degree from the University of St. Gallen HSG Switzerland with focus on Finance and Capital Markets and a CEMS (Community of European Management Schools) Master’s in European Business Management.
Chief Operating Officer
Farman Ullah was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, a country he holds close to his heart. His profound love for the country drives his dedication to showcasing the UAE’s rich culture and breathtaking beauty to the world.
As the Chief Operating Officer of Swiss Arabenture, Farman plays an instrumental role in the company. He is responsible for establishing and managing the entire operations of the tourism activities on the ground. His meticulous planning and execution ensure that every aspect of the travel experience is flawlessly orchestrated. Farman’s leadership extends to selecting and guiding Swiss Arabenture’s elite team of drivers and guides, guaranteeing that each guest receives unparalleled service and enjoys unforgettable adventures.
Farman’s passion for automobiles and driving has taken him on numerous journeys across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region and Asia. With formal training in automotive mechanics, he possesses an in-depth understanding of cars and their intricate workings. This technical knowledge, combined with his enthusiasm for driving, enables him to excel in the exhilarating art of dune driving and bashing, skilfully navigating the majestic desert dunes. His extensive experience behind the wheel has not only fuelled his passion for driving but also deepened his connection to the UAE’s stunning natural landscapes. Prioritizing the safety of his guests, Farman leverages his vast experience in the desert to ensure a secure and thrilling adventure for all.
In addition to his technical expertise, Farman is a polyglot, speaking five languages fluently. His deep and natural understanding of diverse cultures and their customs enhances his interactions with guests from around the globe, making their experiences even more enriching and memorable.
Cindy Aguilar is a passionate traveller and adventure enthusiast, as well as a Mexican marketing professional with nearly a decade of diverse and enriching experience across various sectors. Known for her chameleon-like ability to adapt and thrive in every company she has worked for, Cindy’s expertise spans marketing, sales, public relations, finance, and process management, with a specialization in luxury brands.
Throughout her career, Cindy has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead marketing efforts with a holistic approach. She excels at generating fresh ideas and actively engaging with customers, ensuring that strategies are dynamic and effective. Her dedication to adding a personal touch to each client’s request allows her to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the luxury travel market.
Cindy’s journey took her to Dubai, where she worked in luxury hospitality for a Mexican group, managing the marketing of three upscale restaurants. She implemented strategies to promote authentic Mexican food and enhance the customer experience, showcasing her ability to blend cultural authenticity with high-end service.
Cindy is an important pillar of her company, heading the office with a strong focus on business development and customer services. Her innovative mindset and comprehensive understanding of various business aspects make her an invaluable asset to Swiss Arabenture.
Mohammad Aftab has lived and worked in the United Arab Emirates for nearly twenty years. With a wealth of experience in the tourism industry, he has become an invaluable asset, particularly in leading teams of desert safari drivers. As the head of the desert safari fleet and experiences at Swiss Arabenture, Aftab plays a crucial role in ensuring that every adventure is accurately planned and executed to perfection.
His skills in dune bashing and off-road driving are unmatched within the field, providing both thrilling and safe adventures for his guests.
Aftab’s deep love for the desert and nature is evident in his work. His passion for the UAE’s stunning lands drives him to create remarkable experiences for guests, showcasing the beauty and excitement of desert safaris. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him a trusted leader and a key part of the Swiss Arabenture team on the ground.
Known for his cheerful and caring personality, Aftab brings joy and laughter to those around him. His sense of humour, combined with his vast knowledge of the desert, ensures that guests not only have a safe and thrilling adventure but also an enjoyable and unforgettable one.
Sandra Macnamara is a distinguished sociologist with a master’s degree in Sociology and a penchant for exploring the world. Having resided in seven different countries, Sandra has acquired a wealth of diverse experiences that have shaped her perspective.
Driven by her commitment to human rights, Sandra’s work has led her to the lesser-explored regions of various countries, far from the beaten tourist paths. She has delved into the backstreets of Japan, unravelling the essence of its cultural tapestry, and immersed herself in the lives of indigenous communities deep within the Amazon rainforest, gaining profound insights into their traditions and way of life.
Through her journeys to remote and secluded destinations, Sandra has cultivated a deep appreciation for the intricate tapestry of global cultures, their demographics, and the extraordinary culinary traditions they embrace.
Passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others, Sandra is dedicated to enabling fellow explorers to embark on mind-blowing experiences akin to her own. Through her expertise and insights, she strives to provide individuals with the opportunity to delve into the depths of different cultures, to appreciate the beauty of our shared human experience, and to cultivate a profound sense of connection and understanding across borders.
At Swiss Arabenture she is responsible for curating luxury experiences for corporates and our high-end client segment.
