Sun Sets On The First Ever Gulf Concours

The UAE’s love for all things automotive reached new heights with the successful running of the inaugural Gulf Concours, the Emirates’ first Concours d’Elegance held at the seven star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Over 2,000 invitation-only guests attended the first-time event which ran over three days on the lawns of the world’s most luxurious hotel’s new Terrace and surrounding gardens.

Among the many shining lights from the likes of Bentley, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and more was the world’s most expensive car, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO valued at more than $60 million and owned by Talacrest, the leading classic Ferrari specialist.

Judging was carried out over two days with the “Best Bespoke Limited Edition” and “Best Modern Bespoke” awards completed on Friday and the “Best Classic Design” and “Best Classic” cars also going under the microscope during Saturday’s ceremony.

During Saturday’s award ceremony, the best car in the “Best Classic Design” category was the 1970 Citroen DS21 IE, followed by the “Best Classic” winner, the 1954 Ferrari 250 GT Competition Speciale.

Al Yemni Family said: “We are delighted to have won the award for the “Best Classic”, it was always a winner in our eyes. This is the third Concours that it’s won in a row, so we were pretty confident that this unique car was going to be the winner over here in Dubai. ”

After being officially opened on Friday by Prince Michael of Kent, the display of 50 cars attracted a diverse collection of enthusiasts as the Gulf Concours rewrote the rule book for a Concours d’Elegance by widening its appeal to include a hand-picked selection of exotic new cars.

Cars such as the new Bentley Mulsanne EWB which made its UAE debut on the lawns as well as the new Aston Martin DB11, Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Series and the Lykan Hypersport from W Motors were parked alongside the world’s rarest and most valuable classic and sports cars.

Among the highlights was Gilles Villeneuve’s 1982 Ferrari Formula One car, a 1954 Ferrari 250 GT Competition Berlinetta Sport Speciale made to order for Hollywood star Ingrid Bergmann and an immaculate low mileage Porsche 550 Spyder by Zagato.

David Crisp, Chief Executive Officer, Boadicea The Victorious said: “Boadicea the Victorious were delighted to attend Gulf Concours at the Burj Al Arab. Our luxury perfume brand were basking in elevated company, and made many new friends.”

“The inaugural Gulf Concours was an extraordinary event. We were very proud to see the rarest classic and modern cars displayed in our gardens and to welcome thousands of collectors and connoisseurs from the GCC and beyond.” said Mr. Scott Murray, Hotel Manager, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

The Gulf Concours was supported by Emirates Sky Cargo and the world’s oldest watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin which has enjoyed uninterrupted activity since Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his workshop in the heart of Geneva in 1755.

Emirates SkyCargo is the freight division of Emirates airline and the world’s largest international air cargo carrier headquartered in Dubai, connecting cargo customers to over 150 destinations across 82 countries in six continents. As part of its product portfolio Emirates SkyCargo offers specialised solutions for the transport of exclusive automobiles.

Set to become one of the world’s most noted Concours d’ elegance events globally, the Gulf Concours attracted the wealthiest collectors and connoisseurs from within the region and around the globe.