Business | Technology
'Big Boys' flock to exhibition to test range of high-end products
From luxury on wheels to gold plated sheesha pipes — all on show
- By Aya Lowe, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 February 10, 2012
- Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
- Visitors try their hand at an Archery Simulator by Laporte on the first day of the Big Boys’ Toys exhibition on Thursday.
Dubai: A range of new luxury and innovative brands are using the Big Boys' Toys exhibition to test the GCC market.
Big Boys' Toys, the annual exhibition which showcases the most luxurious and innovative products on the market, opened its doors yesterday.
"This year we're seeing a lot more unique products. For most of the exhibitors, it is their first time in the region. For some, such as the GTR VVIP, it's the first worldwide public viewing. It's a chance to test the market here," said Raha Moradi, exhibition director at Artaaj.
"Big Boys' Toys is not just about luxury products; there are things that can be bought by the average man. It's to do with innovation in the products and uniqueness rather than the price tags," she added.
According to Moradi, most visitors come from the GCC countries. "We are expecting a lot of dignitaries and VIPs from Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar," she said.
One new entrant causing a lot of fuss is Marchi Mobile, the luxury mobile home. With a price tag starting at Dh10 million, the mobile home is luxury on wheels.
Olympic caravan
"Our products fit perfectly to the market. The streets are built for our vehicle. The exhibition started two hours ago and we have already had two interests," said Juliane Ronish, chief brand manager at Marchi Mobile.
The two-year-old company has sold eight units worldwide, three of which are being used in Russia for the Olympics.
Hulme super car, named after News Zealand's Formula One champion Denny Hulme, is also attracting a lot of interest, being showcased publicly for the second time at Big Boys' Toys.
"We market it as the closest thing to driving a Formula One car on the road. It's 700 horsepower and will go for around $1 million (Dh3.67 million). We're looking for potential buyers and investors in the company who can take this prototype through to sale," said Peter van Breugal, team engineer at Hulme Supercars.
Desvall is a new entrant in the market. Their bespoke shisha pipes made from hand-stitched leather, gold plated casing, Swarovski crystal and handblown glass, are the most expensive pipes on the market.
"The design is unique. Everything is handmade and sourced from Sweden," said Salim Kermally, business development manager. Prices start at around Dh150,000.
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