Market News

UAE luxury retail segment expected to slow down

The growth rate of the luxury retail market in the UAE is expected to slow down in the next few years compared with the last two to three years as the market matures and fluctuating oil prices force consumers to spend less. According to data from consultancy Euromonitor International, the UAE’s luxury goods market was up 9 per cent to touch Dh15 billion in 2014. However, the growth rate is forecast to decline to 7.5 per cent in 2015, with the market valued at Dh16.48 billion. 

UAE retains top 10 retail spot for emerging markets

The UAE retained a Top 10 ranking among retail destinations within the emerging markets universe, in the latest A.T. Kearney Global findings. This is the eighth straight year the UAE gets to do so, though there is a slippage from last year’s fourth position. UAE retail sales were up 6 per cent to $70.9 million last year, in A.T. Kearney’s projections. During the same period, there was a 7 per cent increase in retail capacity to 1.6 million metres. And more are on the way. On a compounded basis, retail sector volumes gained 5.3 per cent on a compounded annual basis between 2010-14.

UAE named second-biggest Rolls-Royce market

The UAE has become the second country globally in terms of its purchasing Rolls-Royce luxury vehicles. Abu Dhabi Motors, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ exclusive agent in Abu Dhabi, made a rare achievement in selling 1,000 vehicles since it obtained the rights to import the brand in 2003. Earlier this year, the Middle East was chosen as the second-best performing market for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2014, while the Abu Dhabi Motors came to the fore as the best performing agent of the brand on a global scale as the agency also has the largest showroom for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in world.

Company News

Piaget celebrates the launch of its iconic collection Piaget Possession in Dubai

Piaget hosts an exclusive event to unveil the unique Possession collection in Dubai which was held on the 21st of May at the VIP Lounge in the Dubai Mall. The event witnessed the attendance of Jean-Bernard Forot, Piaget’s Jewellery Marketing Director. The iconic collection arrives with 16 gorgeous novelties that include rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings each fitted with the special rotational feature. Made of pink gold and set with diamonds.

Officine Panerai opens its 3rd boutique in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Officine Panerai celebrates the opening of its 3rd Boutique in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in collaboration with long term partner Bahrain jewellery centre. The 12th boutique in the region is located in the city of Khobar on the 1st floor of Al Rashid Mall. The design of the boutique, with a floor space, is emblematic of all Officine Panerai boutiques.

Omega introduces Eddie Redmayne as an International Ambassador

The Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne joins OMEGA as International Ambassador. Selected for his remarkable acting skills and distinguished style, he is a superb addition to OMEGA's already impressive ambassador family. Eddie has risen to stardom in recent years with unforgettable performances both on stage and in film.

A. Lange & Söhne grants “Best of Show “trophy

Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmid recently handed over a special timepiece to the American David Sydorick. The owner of an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Spider Zagato is the winner of this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza jury award “Best of Show“. His more than 80 years old car has been chosen as the most beautiful one during the traditional competition for classic automobiles and awarded with the exclusively made LANGE 1 TIME ZONE “Como Edition“. The unique timepiece was handed over on occasion of a gala dinner at the Villa d’Este, the venue of the Concorso d’Eleganza on Lake Como.

Jaeger-LeCoultre presents its SIHH 2015 collection in Kuwait

On May 19th, Jaeger-LeCoultre welcomed distinguished guests to its boutique in Kuwait’s 360 Mall. The guests were Chief Executive Officer Daniel Riedo; International Executive Director Jerome Favier and Middle East Brand Director Marc de Panafieu. In this 2015 collection, Jaeger-LeCoultre shared its fascination for the movements of the heavenly bodies, drawing upon these inexhaustible sources of inspiration.

dunhill launches its Second Boutique in Saudi Arabia

dunhill opens its second boutique in Saudi Arabia at Boulevard, a new luxury shopping destination in Jeddah. The boutique was officially opened by dunhill CEO Fabrizio Cardinali, Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Hussain General Manager of Zaid Al Hussain and Brothers Group.

Dhamani win's Gold VIVA awards in Las Vegas 2015

Dhamani becomes the first retailer in the Middle East to win The BEST of the BEST Gold VIVA award from the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC). The Council announced the winners of the ICSC VIVA awards in Las Vegas. Dhamani won the retail category for its fabulous classic design that exudes timeless elegance. The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) congratulated Dhamani on the award.

Product Launch

Hermes presents Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus

The dial of the Cape Cod Zebra Pegasus depicts the encounter between two ancient and highly demanding arts: engraving and Grand Feu enamelling. The latter is expressed through the miniature painting of the zebra and the cloisonné technique featured on the wings. It all begins with a gold plate crafted into three different layers to create the first depth effects between the zebra and its wings. The decoration is in circular-grained and snailed bottom plate. These works of art find a worthy frame within a white gold case and glass with Antiglare sapphire crystal. The straps are matt indigo blue alligator and matt black alligator.

Richard Mille launches RM27-02 tourbillon

Richard Mille unveils the very first skeletonised baseplate known as “unibody”, in which the caseband and baseplate have been fused into a single piece, removing the need to attach the two components together. The sculptural baseplate supports the bridges in grade 5 titanium, Dressed in black and white, it inevitably catches the eye with its unique appearance. The bezel and solid case back in NTPT® carbon/TPT® quartz are then attached to the unibody baseplate using 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium. A sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment adds the final finishing touch to this unique combination.

A sparkling gift guide for Ramadan by Mouawad

Mouawad has entered into the spirit of the season with its Hilal Collection. These include the protective power of the iconic Hamsa hand, sparkling in diamonds or sapphires; the stark and beautiful Allah script in diamonds, mother-of-pearl and colored gemstones as well as the classic Evil Eye rendered in diamonds with a dramatic blue sapphire iris at its centre. Misbahas, or Islamic prayer beads, also form an essential part of Mouawad’s offerings for Ramadan. These are stunning traditional pieces designed with diamonds and black onyx detailing.

Bovet 1822 presents the Amadeo® Fleurier VIRTUOSO VII

The VIRTUOSO VII Retrograde Perpetual Calendar This movement is adapted to the functionalities of the AMADEO® case and is capable of displaying the hours, minutes, seconds and any conceivable complication simultaneously on its two faces. The calendar hand is placed beneath the hours and minutes dial. Only its arrow is visible, appearing mysteriously on a graduated scale. Available in red or white gold, the VIRTUOSO VII Retrograde Perpetual Calendar offers a black or white lacquered dial.

RAYMOND WEIL introduces the Freelancer Piper

RAYMOND WEIL partners with legendary aviation manufacturer Piper Aircraft Inc. to present its first-ever pilot watch: the freelancer Piper. Made of titanium and stainless steel, this freelancer features a mechanical self-winding chronograph movement with date and GMT functions. The shiny blue minute and hour hands resemble the aircraft’s rotor blades while the GMT hand, with its red pointer, references a compass and the openwork black leather strap completes the aviator look of the timepiece. With its tachometric bezel.

Baume & Mercier introduces Capeland Shelby® Cobra collection

The timepiece in the Capeland Shelby® Cobra collection, A case is available in polished and satin-finished stainless steel or red gold; and is finished in Shelby’s Guardsman Blue racing color with Superluminova blue emission to provide a soft evening glow. At the center of the design is the iconic Cobra logo. Completing the presentation is a sapphire crystal case back, engraved with the collection title and Carroll Shelby’s own signature. The strap is created in premium black alligator with red calfskin rubber-like lining, grey stitching and triple-folding clasp with security push-pieces.

Versace introduces DV-25 Watch

Versace presents DV-25 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Versace’s watches. The IP yellow gold case features all the iconic symbols of the House: the Greek key engraved on the bezel and dial, the studs set around the entire inner perimeter, the Medusa head in relief on the crown, and the V-shaped inserts applied to the strap.  DV-25 is also available in two Limited Editions featuring a diamond-studded bezel. The top-of-the-range model is a jewellery-watch with a gold case. The strap is glossy crocodile print leather and butterfly buckle.

Exhibitions & Events

BIJORHCA PARIS show to be held in September 2015

BIJORHCA PARIS is an International trade show which is dedicated exclusively to jewellery watches and technical industries which will be back from 4th to 7th September 2015. It features more than 550 exhibitors and brands, including 50% internationals from over 30 countries, gathered to showcase their collections to about 15000 buyers, including 35% internationals from 100 different countries.

Celebrity News

Sara Sampaio wears Avakian jewellery at 68th Cannes film festival

Sara Sampaio wears Victoria’s Secret model a pair of Diamond chandelier earrings and a striking blue Sapphire and Diamond floral ring by Avakian High Jewellery to match at the red carpet for the “Youth” premiere during the 68th Cannes Film Festival

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