World Luxury Expo will return in 2014

World Luxury Expo, the main event of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2013, finished on a one hundred year high with Aston Martin, the quintessential British sports car brand, airlifting the latest Vanquish in spectacular style onto the helipad of the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab.

Speaking from the helipad, Graham Cooke, chairman of World Luxury Group, said: “This is the first time a car has ever been placed onto the helipad at the top of the iconic Burj Al Arab.

“The serious logistical and technical challenges in placing a 1,835kg luxury vehicle on a helipad over 600ft above the ground were eventually overcome against all the odds.

“A sophisticated team, co-ordinated by Neil Slade from Aston Martin, included support from several government offices and equipment, helicopters and permissions were generously supported by the offices of the Ruling family.

“World Luxury Expo event partners, Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, were especially supportive of the World Luxury Expo as valued partners who share a common vision to further entrench Dubai as a luxury and lifestyle destination,” added Cooke.

This milestone event was witnessed by his highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the British ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Dominic Jermey, festivals coordinator general at DEPE, Ibrahim Saleh, Aston Martin shareholders and other esteemed dignitaries.

The live transmission was beamed around the globe to Aston Martin territories in over 150 countries and announced the finale of the inaugural World Luxury Expo while celebrating the Aston Martin centenary – iconic brands at an iconic location.

More than Dh250 million worth of products were on show at World Luxury Expo, Dubai which showcased the world’s leading luxury brands to an invitation-only three-day event to high-net worth private clientele from across the GCC region.

Mayaz Al Dalal, chief executive of OMS Events, said: “The success of the first edition of The World Luxury Expo exceeded our expectations; it just goes to show that this innovative event fits perfectly with the reputation of Dubai as a hub for high end luxury products and lifestyle.

“As a co-organizer of World Luxury Expo, we have been encouraged by the overall positive feedback from media, sponsors, exhibitors and invited guests which has spurred expansion plans for the 2014 event.”

Highlights from the event included a 186 carat natural pear-cushion shaped sapphire presented by Agha Jewellery, Montegrappa showcased the Ultimate Centennial Dragon fountain pen, the most expensive bed in the world, the Hastens Vividus bed, a one-off bespoke Steinway CrystalRocked Piano, a 450 year-old antique sword, exquisite jewellery, time pieces, luxury vehicles, private aviation, nautical, renowned art pieces and sculptures, fashion, luxury travel, and much more.

World Luxury Expo is proudly supported by Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Calendar and plans are already under way for an even bigger and better edition in 2014.