Abu Dhabi: ‘Big Boys Toys' the luxury lifestyle exhibition catering to big spenders opened its doors yesterday. On display was a mixture of lifestyle, automotive and electronics products catering to every aspect of the ultimate luxury lifestyle.
Open only to VIPs on the first day, interested buyers viewed the different exhibitions which showcased everything from mini helicopters run completely on water, to the world's largest 3D television screens and cameras made by Ferrari.
In terms of moving, flying and driving the toys included a luxury 4x4 RV, with enough space at the back to hold quad bikes and other off road essentials, the world's fastest GTR and the ‘Dragonfly DF1' Tip Jet Helicopter. The Forged company was also there displaying motorised skateboards which, going up to 35km per hour, provide a quick and easy alternative to walking.
Other essentials in the luxury lifestyle include speakers from Cessaro Horn Acoustics.
What Ralph Krebs, the managing director of Cessaro describes as the "Ferrari of sound systems", the speakers, which are selling for ¤300, aim to create the sound and experience of a concert hall.
"People who love music very much and they really understand what music means can transfer their living room into a concert hall," said Krebs.
Interior design and art were also a feature. Designer, custom made pool tables launched to the international market in January from France were proving popular.
"We can adapt the table cloth to the decoration and anything. Many of our customers want to use it for their VIP area or in nice hotels or offices," said Martine-Isabelle Moreau Gustin, managing director of M.I.M.G French Design.
Hidden away in the corner was a curtain that covered the Kaaba presented by Sultan Saleem the Third about 250 years ago.
According to Fayez Barakat whose antiques are on display in Emirates Palace, it's one of the finest of its kind and age on the antique market.
While speedboats and customised desert racing cars were present, exhibitors report a waning market for luxury high end motorsports.
John Lehmen of Offroad, which sells customised racing cars, has been selling their cars in the UAE for three years.
The product, which he sells mainly in Mexico for Baha racing, is not as popular here, especially since the downturn.
"I was hoping that stuff changed when the economy came around, it's still a bit slow. This year is the deciding point as to whether we still want to keep coming to the GCC," said Lehmen.
Starting at $4 million, the company currently has eight cars in the UAE.
Mid-range boats
Riadh Hachicha the general manager of Rineh Emirates Trading, the exclusive dealer for Stingray boats in the GCC said they specialised in mid-range boats, which sell well.
"Our company specialises in non expensive boats which is maybe one of the reasons why sales have been good. We don't sell anything more than Dh300,000," said Hachicha.
Running alongside the exhibitions are a series of shows including entertainment from contortionist Lilia Stepanova, motorcycle stunt rider, Humberto Ribeiro, and football freestylers, Billy and Jeremy.
The event was inaugurated by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan.
The exhibition was opened on Wednesday, March 16, and will run for three days. Organisers are expecting more than 60,000 visitors to attend the event.
The first day of the exhibition is open only to VIPs with tickets selling at Dh1,000 each.
Gold tickets which are selling at Dh250 per day and Dh500 for all three days are already sold out. Silver tickets priced at Dh100 a day and Dh200 for all three are still on sale.
The tickets give visitors access to all the shows and in some cases to try out some of the products on display.
