Middle East Luxury Items & Lifestyle News

Middle Eastern Business News and Data

Harrods Qatari owners' cars clamped'

INTERNATIONAL. The US$1.9 million Koenigsegg CCXR and US$550,000 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, both in light blue, were illegally parked outside the Knightsbridge shop last week.

Police to question L'Oreal heiress as feud risks destabilising business'

INTERNATIONAL. In a statement issued by her spokesperson, Bettencourt said: "I hope my daughter will not destabilise the group which I and my father have wanted to be French".

French fashion brand Manoukian opens in Dubai Mall'

UAE. Store launch included a custom built photo studio, allowing visitors to be their own fashion model by 'shooting themselves'.

Damas extends standstill deal with majority of banks'

UAE. The standstill accord has been extended until September 30 to allow the company to complete its restructuring plan.

Convert your old jewellery collection into versatile new pieces, says Dubai's Liali '

UAE. Take your old jewellery to the nearest Liali store and your jewels will get a modern and new look for a nominal cost of remaking.

Dubai's Pure Gold Jewellers posts 55% increase in first-half sales in diamond jewellery '

UAE. Value for money is the key element for the increase in sales.

Dubai Duty Free retains number one position in the world '

UAE. For the second year running, Dubai Duty Free is ahead of London Heathrow, which recorded sales in excess of US$1 billion, while Seoul Incheon International Airport retained the third position.

Dubai's Mall of the Emirates reveals luxury line up in new Fashion Dome '

UAE. The new Fashion Dome will house over 40 new brands upon opening on 1st September 2010.

Burberry buys China retail operations'

INTERNATIONAL. Burberry's aims to take full control as it continues with moves to unify the brand on a global basis.

Prêt-à-MINI at the Life Ball in Vienna'

INTERNATIONAL. Internationally celebrated fashion designers create show-stopping MINIs for charity.

F&W Style handbag line weds nature's beauty with modern structures'

INTERNATIONAL. F&W Style presents its 2010 fall collection of luxurious handbags with snake and crocodile embossed detail and soft Italian leathers.

Damas jewellers to extend debt standstill deal with banks'

UAE. The extension to end-September is expected to be signed next week and would serve as an "interim arrangement to negotiate" debt restructuring.

Tiffany's launches Celebration Rings in the Middle East'

UAE. Glamorous, chic bands sparkling with high quality diamonds keep memories fresh.

Girard-Perregaux inaugurates flagship boutique in New York'

INTERNATIONAL. Located at number 701, Madison Avenue, the event was attended by a host of celebrities.

Jaguar's all-new XJ now in Qatar'

QATAR. Clearly positioned as the company's four-door flagship, it extends the appeal of the XJ to a new generation of customers. The XJ is available at Alfardan Premier Motors' showroom.

Givori partners with Harvey Nichols Riyadh'

SAUDI ARABIA. The luxury accessorizer specializing in mobile art, is partnering with Harvey Nichols in Riyadh to bring its unique products to customers in Saudi Arabia.

Sarkozy denies receiving cash from Liliane Bettencourt'

INTERNATIONAL. French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office denied a report in Mediapart that said he had received cash before the presidential election in 2007 from L'Oreal's heiress.

Al Futtaim to recall 1,347 selected Lexus LS 460s in the UAE'

UAE. Lexus Japan has confirmed that due to possible defective valve springs there is a small possibility of abnormal engine noise or rough idling. In extremely rare instances the engine may stall.

Victoria Beckham appointed Creative Design Executive for Range Rover'

INTERNATIONAL. 'Victoria understands luxury products - she is a Range Rover fan and has been a Range Rover owner for many years,' said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover and Range Rover Design Director.

L'Oreal heiress denies being pressured over US$1.2 billion gifts to photographer'

INTERNATIONAL. Liliane Bettencourt, France's richest woman, Friday denied being pressured by a celebrity photographer who is facing charges of exploiting her.

Range Rover Evoque previewed at 40 year celebration of the brand'

INTERNATIONAL. All all-new coupé to launch in the summer of 2011. It will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever produced, available in both 4WD and 2WD and sub 130g of CO2.

Estée Lauder completes acquisition of Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics '

INTERNATIONAL. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in fiscal year 2011, before transaction and integration costs.

Nicolas Hayek died at work'

INTERNATIONAL. The man behind the Swatch watch, Nicolas Hayek, died of heart failure while at work on Monday at the company he transformed into the world's biggest watchmaker.

Polo Ralph Lauren celebrates renewal of global partnership with Wimbledon Championships'

INTERNATIONAL. As part of this year's event, Polo Ralph Lauren introduces the first ever Legends Clinic, a live interactive virtual tennis clinic featuring tennis great Boris Becker on Thursday.

Dubai keeps Middle East luxury crown despite crisis'

INTERNATIONAL. Dubai is still seen as the luxury capital of the Middle East, despite its financial troubles, as retail sales in the emirate start to recover after steep declines during a turbulent 2009.

Damas sees debt restructuring deal end-June'

UAE. Damas is in talks with banks to restructure US$872 million and is operating under a standstill agreement.

WGC appoints David Lamb to lead marketing of gold jewellery'

INTERNATIONAL. Mr. Lamb, who will be based in New York, will have overall responsibility for the strategic development of the gold jewellery market worldwide with a particular focus in building the premium market in the USA.

Anan Fakhreddin appointed CEO of Damas '

UAE. Former World Gold Council and De Beers executive provides insight and expertise to Damas during period of renewal and transition.

Dufry to appeal against order to vacate some Brazilian travel retail concessions'

INTERNATIONAL. Dufry, the global travel retailer said in a statement that it will appeal against a provisional order by the Brazilian authorities to close some of Dufry's travel retail concessions at Rio de Janeiro International Airport.

Protégé of Jean-Paul Gaultier joins Esmod Dubai'

UAE. New Associate Artistic & Creative Director to infuse avant garde haute couture expertise into students

Abu Dhabi launches new airport brand: Shop-Dine-Unwind'

UAE. Brand transition from Abu Dhabi Duty Free to Shop-Dine-Unwind creates a 'more universal, transferable travel-retail identity'.

Harrods sold to Qatar Holding'

INTERNATIONAL. Qatar Holding, which bought the landmark London department store for US$2.25 billion, may target Shangai as a suitable site to export the brand overseas.

New Zealand and UAE unite to build market for luxury aviation fitouts '

UAE. Luxury aviation interiors market estimated at US$1 billion per annum.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free sales rise 26.1% in first quarter '

UAE. Abu Dhabi Airports Company has announced at the Airport Show 2010 in Dubai that an increase of +26.1% on its duty free sales was realised in the first quarter of 2010.

Bain & Co predicts 4% expansion of global luxury goods market in 2010'

INTERNATIONAL. Continuing growth in Asia (excluding Japan) and returning consumer confidence spark sector rebound and renewed optimism; Study shows megabrands weathered recession best.

Chalhoub Group becomes a member of Altagamma'

INTERNATIONAL. The Chalhoub Group officially entered the Altagamma International Honorary Council, aiming to promote the Italian high end industry and cultural values throughout the world.

Damas appoints new board of directors'

UAE. The new board replaces the previous members which had to resign on orders from the DFSA for failing to prevent the unauthorised withdrawal of funds.

Rolls-Royce Phantom named 'Best Luxury Car of the Year''

KUWAIT. The Rolls-Royce Phantom has been named 'Best Luxury Car of the Year' for 2009 at Kuwait's inaugural 'Car of the Year' awards ceremony.

Armani Hotel Dubai set to open in Burj Khalifa '

UAE. An unprecedented luxury hospitality venture, Armani Hotel Dubai is the first hotel to be launched under the collaboration between Emaar Properties and Giorgio Armani.

Galeries Lafayette Dubai showcases world's latest fashion'

UAE. Galeries Lafayette hosted two special fashion shows in Dubai at its premises bringing together the company's brands under one roof.

Givori launches Fine Jewellery collection '

INTERNATIONAL. Givori has launched the premier model within its new Fine Jewellery collection, Calypso, designed to showcase the classic elegance and intrigue evoked by the Greek nymph of the sea.

The changing Dubai shopping scene: luxury is out, value for money is in '

UAE. The era of the Dubai luxury super mall may have drawn to a close while new opportunities in community-led retail development, focused on convenience and service, are surfacing.

Dubai International Boat Show generates biggest sales of the year'

UAE. Dubai International Boat Show spearheads region's recovery with focus on business generation.

Dubai regulator takes action over Damas failures '

UAE. The sanctions include financial penalties against Damas, Tawhid, Tawfique and Tamjid Abdullah, and voluntary bans, for periods up to 10 years, on the Abdullah Brothers from acting as Directors of Damas.

UAE boat to population ratio at a low of 1 to 700'

UAE. The boating industry saw business slide 30% with inventories rising well above demand, especially for European and American based producers whose economies are still stuck in a state of recession.

Dubai's pearl trade jumps as gold jewellery sales sink'

UAE. Pearl consumption levels in Dubai increased in 2009. The increase was driven by a substantial growth in the natural pearls segment, where volumes jumped 50%.

Damas opens new store at Mirdif City Centre'

UAE. Damas Middle East has opened a brand new 18k store at the region's recently opened Mirdif City Centre on Tuesday.

Yacht industry transformed due to financial crisis '

UAE. Manufacturers must change how they sell yachts to survive in 2010 according to Gulf Craft COO.

US$19.62 million superyacht sells on first day of Dubai International Boat Show'

UAE. Companies at this year's Dubai International Boat Show are reporting good early sales, with one of the superyachts already sold on the first day of the show.

World's biggest privately owned boat arrives at The Dubai International Boat Show '

UAE. The 'Dubai', which is 531 feet and reportedly reaches speeds of up to 26 knots moored up within the Dubai International Boat Show for the first time, providing a spectacular backdrop to the event.

French companies to participate at the Dubai International Boat Show'

UAE. For the fourth year running, French companies will be attending the DIBS 2010, from next 9-13 March four shipbuilders.

Luxury and quality still in demand'

UAE. The high-end furnishing sector remains in a growth mode, according the UAE-based Italian Trade Commissioner.

Football teams go for goal via Royal Jet '

UAE. Royal Jet has become the carrier of choice for the UAE National, Al Wahda and Etihad football teams in their pursuit for victory

Abu Dhabi's Emocean ties up with prestige Marine Yachts'

UAE. Emocean Marine has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Prestige Marine Yachts that will offer prospective yacht enthusiasts a new range of luxurious vessels.

House of Fraser to open stores in the Middle East'

INTERNATIONAl. House of Fraser, the UK retailer, could soon open its first stores in the Middle East after signing a franchise agreement with Retail Arabia International.

Costa Deliziosa inaugurated in Dubai today '

UAE. Costa Deliziosa, the new diamond of the Costa Cruises fleet, is the first cruise ship ever to be inaugurated in an Arab city.

Dubai's Grosvenor House joins the Luxury Collection hotels & resorts'

UAE. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide today announced the debut of its renowned Luxury Collection brand in the United Arab Emirates with the addition of Grosvenor House.

Roger Dubuis presents Excalibur'

INTERNATIONAL. The fully reconstructed movement, bearing the Geneva seal, powers the double Tourbillon in unison, as evidenced by the blue javelin seconds-hand, and is mounted in a platinum case enhanced with a hand-stitched alligator strap.

Qatar sparkles as the 7th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition opens its doors '

QATAR. The six-day international jewellery and watches exhibition showcases a wide range of luxurious and unique collections from the world's most famous names.

Middle East gold market demand fell 28% in 2009 '

UAE. According to World Gold Council's Gold Demand Trends, the gold market in the Middle East struggled in 2009 as weak economic conditions and high gold prices pushed down demand to 250.6t.

Costa Deliziosa cruise ship to be named in Dubai '

UAE. Costa Cruises' new 'top of the range' ship, will be the first-ever cruise ship to be named in an Arab city.

STR reports performance of luxury hotel spas for year-end 2009'

INTERNATIONAL. The summary Spa STAR data shows that the Average Treatment Rate was reported at US$135.39, a 4.5% decline compared with full-year 2008.

Designer Alexander McQueen found dead'

INTERNATIONAL. British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died in London, his press office said Thursday, after media reports said he had apparently committed suicide aged 40.

Hanhart appoints Amiri Gems as distributor for Qatar'

QATAR. The move is part of the company's Middle East thrust which included their recent opening of a Middle East headquarters in Dubai and the appointment of Atamian as distributor in Lebanon.

Officine Panerai to showcase Nautical Heritage at Dubai International Boat Show'

UAE. Officine Panerai has announced it will be the 'Supporting Partner' of the 18th Dubai International Boat Show.

Major UAE brand joins world's leading luxury Marketing Group'

UAE. Gulf Craft has recently joined the world's leading luxury marketing group, The Luxury Network, as part of its longer term business development strategy.

The Luxury Network pioneers Affinity Marketing for luxury brands in the UAE'

UAE. The Luxury Network has announced its plans to formally establish an office in the UAE as part of its global expansion strategy.

Online booking for world's first Armani Hotel Dubai now live'

UAE. Armani Hotel Dubai has unveiled the online booking system that will go live starting 31 January 2010.

Valentino fragrance licenses move to Puig'

INTERNATIONAL. Spanish fragrance house Puig will be taking over the perfume licensing agreement for the Italian Fashion Group Valentino, from US-based consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble.

Middle East's most exciting display of powerful and luxury boats '

UAE. Dubai International Boat Show continues to lead as the region' most influential boating event with an impressive list of top marine companies from around the world showcasing the latest spectacular boats and equipment.

Chalhoub Group signs regional joint venture with Christian Louboutin in the Middle East'

UAE. The new Joint-Venture agreement covers the brand's retail development throughout the Middle East region with the Chalhoub Group and will take effect from early 2010.

Burberry tops sales expectations'

INTERNATIONAL. Luxury fashion group Burberry has hailed the success of its 'snood' headgear in pre-Christmas trading as it flagged up stronger than expected annual profits.

Burj Al and Arab Royal Jet introduce the world's finest travel experience'

UAE. The pinnacle of luxurious travel is now open to discerning travellers as Royal Jet and Burj Al Arab have teamed up to offer a unique travel experience.

Damas close to signing debt standstill agreement, says report'

UAE. Damas is reportedly close to signing a debt standstill on up to US$1.08 billion it owes, and asset liquidation has begun.

Temperley London opens in Abu Dhabi '

UAE. Temperley London has opened their second store in the Middle East region at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Duty Free launch best of the Sony Ericson WTA Tour 2010 guide'

UAE. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and its premier sponsor Dubai Duty Free has announced the release of the third annual Best of The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour 2010 Zagat Guide, a must-have guide to the best of shopping and dining in 24 of the top tournament cities around the world.

Cadillac unveils XTS Platinum Concept'

INTERNATIONAL. INTERNATIONAL. Cadillac unveiled the XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

Hugo Boss chooses Retaligent for retail clienteling solution'

INTERNATIONAL. Retaligent Solutions has been selected by Hugo Boss Fashions to implement its Clarience 1:1 solution for its US retail stores.

Tiffany & Co. introduces wedding jewellery, gifts '

UAE. Tiffany & Co. presents a new generation of jewellery for couples in love with celebrated diamond engagement rings, as well as bridal jewellery and gifts.

Dubai Duty Free announces record annual sales '

UAE. Duty Free operation bucks global trend to announce 3.76% increase in sales.

World's first Armani Hotel to open on 18 March 2010 in Dubai'

UAE. Armani Hotel Dubai is the first of a series of hotels, resorts and residences designed by Giorgio Armani to be opened around the globe and marks fashion maestro Giorgio Armani's debut in to the world of hospitality.

Abu Dhabi Airport's Duty Free revenue surges 12.7% '

UAE. Abu Dhabi International Airport's Duty Free has announced that revenues crossed the AED500 million mark, a significant year-on-year increase of 12.7%.

Damas unveils Hayati's jewels'

UAE. Damas unveils new jewels for year-end festivities in one of its most popular and highly acclaimed diamond jewellery collections, Hayati.

Abdullah brothers pledge Damas shares to repay 'unauthorised transactions''

UAE. Damas said that two executives and the former head of the company had registered 350 million shares to repay nearly US$165 million in 'unauthorised transactions.'

Liquid Glass launches '41 Luxury Cat' powerboat at 'Dubai International Motor Show 2009''

UAE. This luxurious, recreational catamaran is capable of safely reaching top speeds near 200 km/h, and features modern hull and interior designs.

Beauty Contact set to drive Cadillac fragrance to Middle East '

UAE. The Cadillac Fragrance for Men range of perfumes comes to the UAE and the region after successful introductions in other international markets including Los Angeles and Toronto.

Ingie Chalhoub named Businesswoman of the Year 2009'

UAE. Ingie Chalhoub, President and Managing Director of Etoile Group was presented with a prestigious Businesswoman of the Year Award 2009 by L'Officiel Middle East magazine.

Gulf Craft business model heralded as example to top business students '

UAE. Gulf Craft unveiled the secret behind the company's international success and regional dominance at the eagerly awaited 'Pocket MBA' programme hosted by the Hult International Business School.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa boosts Australian luxury travel market'

INTERNATIONAL. Two months after its soft opening, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has been recognised as one of the world's best luxury resorts.

Gulf Craft participates at Abu Dhabi's Emirates International Boat Show'

UAE. Gulf Craft will exhibit its signature range of Majesty Yachts along with its sporty and youthful Oryx line.

TAG Heuer opens first boutique in Abu Dhabi'

UAE. The opening of the new boutique, the third in the UAE marks the brands continued expansion plans in the region.

Cartier partners with 6th DIFF'

UAE. Cartier is happy to partner with the 6th Dubai International Film Festival as the 'Official Jeweller' set to take place on the evening of 9 December.

Montblanc attracts Hollywood stars'

INTERNATIONAL. Demi Moore, Eva Mendes, Jenifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher and Julia Stiles are set to attend The 24 Hour Plays On Broadway sponsored by Montblanc.

Chaumet celebrates its first anniversary in Dubai Mall'

UAE. Sophie Marceau, the international French Actress and Chaumet advertising ambassador in Dubai to celebrate the first anniversary of the Chaumet boutique in Dubai Mall.

Roger Dubuis announces partnership with Bahrain's Asia Jewellers '

BAHRAIN. Roger Dubuis announced its regional expansion plans during the ongoing Jewellery Arabia exhibition at the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Saks Fifth Avenue to launch holiday season with Swarovski'

INTERNATIONAL. Saks Fifth Avenue will host its first ever 'winter wonderland' event in partnership with Swarovski, with a magical unveiling set to illuminate the entire Dubai store in crystals for the season.

Automobile Lamborghini revs-up the ante for luxury comunication instruments '

UAE. TAG Heuer's limited-edition MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini mobile phone was launched yesterday at the Dubai Mall by Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Tag Heuer and UAE desert rally champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Dubai's Damas agrees repayment programme of US$165 million with Abdullah brothers'

UAE. The payment schedule is part of the formal settlement agreement between the Abdullah family and the Company, in respect of the repayment of transactions that led to the resignation of Tawhid Abdullah as CEO last month.

Formula 1 star Paul Belmondo new brand ambassador for SAINT HONORE'

INTERNATIONAL. SAINT HONORE announced the signing of former French Formula one star and actor Paul Belmondo as a brand ambassador to endorse its range of products creating an association with the world of racing.

Tag Heuer opens first boutique in Abu Dhabi'

UAE. The opening of the new boutique, the third in the UAE marks the brands continued expansion plans in the region.