Category: Retail Therapy

The Regal Elegance and aura of Maxim Artsinovich

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My favourite piece from MaximiliaN

My favourite piece from MaximiliaN

Maxim Artsinovich Shereen Shabnam Maxim’s jewellery designs are creatively intense just like him

Moments with Founder and President of The Jewellery House of MaximiliaN

I often meet inspiring individuals who lead incredibly hectic lifestyles but finally I have met the ideal man whose self-confessed vices are outweighed by all his good points and how amazing he is in all aspects of his life. He not only creates masterpieces, but can also be referred to as one with his unique persona, business acumen, creativity, heart breaking looks and out of this world charming disposition.

Seeing Maxim again now, I can’t help but highlight that the above mentioned amazing few qualities are just a tip on the iceberg when it comes to trying to do justice to the incredible skill and talent of this International Jeweller.

Russian born Maxim, who is also a Caribbean national embodies the best of all qualities a man can possess and more. One of the youngest jewelers in the world at 41 years, Maxim wears many hats as an entrepreneur but there is no doubt that when it comes to the high-end luxury market for cars, jewellery and the finer things in life, there is no better authority to consult than Maxim.

Coming from a family with five generations of military background meant that Maxim was disciplined and very focused on whatever he set his heart on. He started sketching at the age of six with a passion that gave him an edge well ahead in life – he started creating jewellery with materials he came across and treated, hence being able to give unique pieces to his first love.

After leaving the navy, Maxim was able to quench his creativity thirst with delving deeper into the world of jewellery before being recognized within the jewellery industry globally for his innovative ideas, in particular for his ‘I love you’ rings that serve as a unique calling card to women who touch his or the buyer’s heart…sigh!

Maxim’s romantic nature may have given him an edge to win and charm discerning clients hearts worldwide, but it is his astute financial decisions, founded by his knowledge of ‘on the mark’ marketing strategies that work, that have also helped him become a leading jeweller who is seen also as an authority on gemstones. As a designer, a trendsetter who trots the globe for inspiration and unique resources, every piece of MaximiliaN jewellery reflects the ethos of being a rare, priceless gem.

The presence of MaximiliaN in Dubai is no accident. Maxim recognizes the value and potential of Dubai and its location as the number one tourism destination that has the backing of a forward thinking Government. He points out how safe Dubai is and the joy in being able to do business with ease because of the structures set up for investors and the commercial sector that makes Dubai a leader in the world of commodities.

No matter what we talk about when we meet, Maxim always brings in his main passion, The Jewellery House of MaximiliaN that was founded in London as an international family of like-minded artists, designers and jewelers living in different countries. The brand has now positioned itself as an exclusive and prestigious Jewellery Retailer and is best known for its expertise, handmade craftsmanship, high quality gems and innovative precious stone settings.

Maxim firmly believes that he is not just designing jewellery, watches, accessories or clothes but creating the personal luxury lifestyle of his clients. This belief has placed MaximiliaN as one of the Top 10 Jewellery Houses of the World according to Robb report since 2007. His international designers around the world constantly create unique masterpieces to fit the standard of the Brand. Production teams are based in the world-famous jewelers regions such as New York, Lausanne, Pforzheim, Vicenza and Tokyo.

Although MaximiliaN operates in the Top 7 Cities for Fine Jewellery Sales, Dubai, London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Hong Kong, Singapore with plans in the next 5 years to expand to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo, the brand also aims to have 40-60 point of sales in places where jet set clientele go to such as Miami, Aspen, Monte Carlo, San Tropez, Cannes, Biarritz etc.

The MaximiliaN Flagship Boutique on The Palm Jumeirah in Zabeel Saray Hotel attracts clients with unique taste who love the fact that 90% of MaximiliaN jewellery pieces are transformers. For instance, a tennis necklace can be adjusted to a bracelet or earrings etc. I tried one an amazing piece a few nights ago for the Arab Woman Awards and it was awesome.

Maxim is adamant about using exceptional Gemstones such as Burma Rubies, Colombian Emeralds, Kashmir and Burma Sapphires and Fancy Colored Diamonds are specialization and a Brand signature of MaximiliaN Jewellery House. All MaximiliaN Gem stones are certified by the Top 5 gemological laboratories.

MaximiliaN provides the most refined qualities of Western “Art de Vivre” to customers all around the World. The brand believes in establishing long-term relationships with customers in the way of forming Family Collection of rare gemstones and providing investment prices.

I have also come to know that Maxim is an ardent art collector.  Not long ago, he showcased the most significant gemstone artworks collection of Saint-Petersburg’s current school masters at the Museum. In fact, Maxim also collaborates with one designer a year to create a limited edition collection where every sign art piece is unique.

Maxim, with his warm nature naturally does a lot of CSR work. He is known to have donated one of his unique art pieces to the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburgh so that funds from its sale could be used for the reconstruction of a museum. I certainly appreciate people like him who have time for the science centre and museum industry. He also teaches students in Saint Petersburgh about modern jewellery design and regularly gets invited to give lectures on the sales and marketing of luxury goods and would also like to see his brand expand into other premium products like perfumes, clothes, watches and leather accessories. I’ve learnt a lot from Maxim in terms of strategic marketing and the importance of creating look and feel of media that portrays the high-end ethos of a brand.

Like me, Maxim is passionate about cars and I loved checking out his top of the range Audi that was designed by him and hence, customized to meet his discerning taste. He took me for a short spin and it was very much…Maxim :). The interior reflected his trendy but practical persona with luxury detailing that set my pulses racing. As a car lover, Maxim naturally goes for uniqueness and has a fond attachment to his 2007 Bugatti Veyron and his Bentley but I would say the Audi was just perfect for him.

The best bit that I love about Maxim – he runs about 4 marathons a year and does not smoke or drink any alcohol. Instead he focuses all his energy towards martial arts with disciplines like Kando, Sanse, karate and boxing. He inspired me to get up at 6am to get to the gym and getting me to do that is a mean feat for any man… I reckon Eric and Tash are still reeling from shock at seeing me tumble down the stairs in the mornings and wondering what has possessed me this time. Its must be hard living with someone like me who is so hard to figure out even after 17 years.

Another good example Maxim set for me is indulging in green tea. He made me get used to drinking this awesome tea he gets from abroad and now I am trying all the different green tea brands to see what I like most. It is so refreshing to meet someone like Maxim who can stand tall and do business at the highest levels internationally without feeling the need to drink or smoke socially. That shows pure confidence of a man who does what is best for him and his body and not what is expected of people in his line of work during social events.

Maxim likes to continue his healthy and holistic lifestyle while he travels around the world to take the MaximiliaN name to new locations around the globe and we certainly want him more in Dubai. A few nights ago, Maxim sponsored the Arab Woman’s Awards at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. I love the fact that he respects women this way and elevates them much more than just designing beautiful jewellery for them and I am glad I was there to support him.

It is such a pleasure to spend time in the company of such an inspiring individual who lives life to its maximum potential and makes no apologies for it. We can all learn a thing or two from him and for starters, I am making Maxim my new role model in terms of work ethics, healthy lifestyle, getting active in sports and making the most of life while I still am on planet earth….

Inspired by the energy and creativity of KALA

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Funky :)

Funky 🙂

“Fashion is art, where the needle is the brush and the fabric is the canvas.”

Young people these days inspire me. Last year, I met an incredible young designer, Sasi Kala at a Women to Women event who looked slightly older than Tash but in fact she is an established designer in Dubai who decided to take her passion for fashion a step further by studying fashion design.

Sasi is from Kerala and she ventured to Singapore to attend Raffles Design Institute. It meant 3 years of sleepless nights with projects and sewing but learning the art and history of designing was what she was born to do and use the knowledge for her designs.

I met Sasi once again after that for coffee and she told me how her first Spring Summer 2012 collection was accepted at the Dubai Fashion Week, as a New Generation Designer. I was delighted for her as she deserved it more than anyone I know.

The first store that started stocking her first collection was United Designers, which is amazing. They help give platform and recognition to young emerging designers.  Sasi also stocks at O Concept.

Her label KALA (meaning art in Sanskrit) has a unique identity that uses structure, draping and appliqué amongst other techniques. Every garment has a story behind them, in form of inspiration, process and fabrics.

My favourite has to be the Hidden Hippie collection. Anyone who knows me has come to accept the fact that I have no specific style or identity when it comes to my clothes. I wake up, drag myself to the wardrobe and come back looking like a bohemian, demure, desi, once in a blue moon corporate, slutty or totally contemporary where there is no rhyme or reason for the combinations that result in the end.

And I make no apologies for it….so KALA’s collections of clothes that showed a bit of rebel appealed heaps to me. Modern hippies may be in the corporate world blending in for the sake of propriety but as Sasi says, even if they are hidden they still believe in love, peace and freedom.

KALA went towards a minimal and a formal look for this collection. The main details for the collection are the chiffon ruffle, the circular dart and also peace symbols designed by KALA’

For her Spring Summer 2013 collection, the theme is ‘Andy Warhol’s Silver Factory’. The factory was a hip hangout for the artsy types and super stars. They all inspired Warhol in many ways. So this collection is inspired by those who inspired him. This is going to be a very fun and colorful collection so I look forward to it.

Sasi is definitely a designer to look out for… I have asked her to give us a sneak peek into her next collection…fingers crossed; you will see some cool stuff soon. One option is to get great deals on the exquisite designs from KALA on 8th December, 2-8pm at Villa 16, Hattan Street 2, Arabian Ranches. Enjoy!

Bahrain Writer’s Circle meets at the Bahrain Science Centre

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The monthly meeting of the Bahrain Writer’s Circle was held at the Bahrain Science Centre last Sunday. The meeting was attended by 45 people, including writers, poets, actors, newspaper columnists, editors and members of the general public.

The MTE Studios Director of the Science Centre, Professor Mike Bruton, gave a talk entitled ‘Brain Power: Boys vs Girls’ in which he discussed the structural and functional differences between male and female brains. Some of the main differences are in the way that men and women communicate and visualize three-dimensional spaces. He also discussed the impact of digital media on brain development in children, and pointed out the importance of ‘old fashioned’ three-dimensional play in the development of brain power.

A wide range of issues was discussed after the talk, such as how to achieve the right balance between conventional play and play on digital media, how to avoid digital addictions, and how to develop one’s creativity as a writer. After the talk Professor Bruton took members of the Bahrain Writer’s Circle and guests on a tour of the Science Centre, including the ‘Scary Skeletons’ exhibition and interactive galleries.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

Press release issued on behalf of Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

‘United Arab Emirates Edition’ Capeland timepiece from Baume & Mercier

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UAE inspired timepiece – Nice indeed

As UAE national day gets closer, most luxury goods providers are turning to personalise and brand items to a patriotic theme and the Swiss maison d’Horlogerie also announced a new ‘United Arab Emirates Edition’ Capeland timepiece. Since I started delving into marketing, its interesting to watch brands immerse their products and services with relevant local events and move with the times.

The new limited edition was specially designed to represent the colours of the UAE flag and is a true reflection of Baume & Mercier’s dedication to the country, reiterated by the brand having its only boutique in the world in the world-famous Dubai Mall.

The UAE Edition Capeland flyback chronograph has a diameter of 44mm. The off-white dial features a red tachymeter & green telemeter and a black alligator strap with red stitching. The sapphire crystal case back offers wearers the chance to view the manufacture self-winding movement (La Joux-Perret 8147) featuring an open worked oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève” snailed décor and Phi symbol, the brand signature. Only 100 pieces are available, and each is engraved “UAE Edition – 001/100” highlighting the exclusivity of this exceptional edition.

The sport-chic Capeland series of men’s exclusive automatic flyback chronographs possesses its own lineage, offering immediately identifiable features that reflect the line’s heritage and inspiration. The collection blends historical tradition with contemporary style and elegant appeal – enabling the wearer to celebrate each of life’s moments.

Inspired by a 1948 single-push piece chronograph vintage model, the collection was designed for easy daily wear. The charismatic series epitomizes a relaxed lifestyle and strength of character….sounds a bit like how one would describe me I reckon (Cheeky grin!) 🙂

Multiple health benefits of rooibos tea

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Checking out rooibos flavours with Hala

Caffeine-free tea from South Africa is linked with treatment for diabetes, cancer and heart disease

I love alternative healing and detoxing therapies and thanks to some forward thinking individuals and gorgeous nutritionists in the UAE like Hala Barghout, I often get enlightened on what I should be eating and drinking to keep myself fairly healthy. Especially as I have a huge appetite for the good stuff in life, super foods somehow help me keep a balance so that my voluptuous figure doesn’t go totally toxic.

I first got introduced to rooibos tea when Eric came home few years ago raving about it and coaxed me into bringing some of the more organic stuff back from one of my previous trips to Cape Town.  Since then, friends have brought this herbal tea for me plus one can also get them easily here now in nutrition shops in UAE.

As Hala mentions, rooibos offers a range of health benefits and has been shown to slow down cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and help with a range of other conditions, including diabetes. Rooibos is a national drink in South Africa but it’s not just about taste –rooibos contains a complex and unique blend of antioxidants that play a major role in boosting the body’s natural defences.

I met Hala at Pullman Hotel after a long time – my last contact with her was when she enlightened me about the benefits of kiwi fruit. This time, it was all about rooibos which she delightfully tells me also contains no calories and no caffeine, and researchers have found that it can help to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, prevent liver disease as well as cut the risk of heart disease and stroke.

New evidence has just emerged of the anti-diabetes potential of rooibos, following a joint study conducted by the Diabetes Discovery Platform from South Africa’s Medical Research Council (MRC) and the South African Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Institute.

Researchers found that an aspalathin-enriched extract of green rooibos is able to lower raised glucose levels in the blood of diabetic rats. Aspalathin is a unique antioxidant found in nature only in the rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis). When combined with rutin, another key compound in rooibos tea, the glucose-lowering action was further enhanced.

Working with diabetic rats, the researchers were able to show that the Rooibos extract could achieve a glucose-lowering effect comparable to existing diabetic drugs.

Hala said that research has also shown rooibos to be effective in easing stomach cramps and other digestive disorders, relieving allergies and soothing itching skin. Substituting regular tea or coffee with rooibos, drinking camel’s milk instead of cow’s milk, adding kiwifruit to the fruit bowl – these are all easy steps to a healthier lifestyle. In fact, to get the maximum health benefits from rooibos tea, researchers in South Africa recommend the consumption of up to six cups per day, spread throughout the day, including a cup at bedtime.

I was not able to meet with Fanus Schoeman, South Africa’s Consul-General in Dubai but he had mentioned earlier that there is a large potential market in UAE for rooibos tea. He hopes the health benefits will help rooibos win many new fans in the UAE.

The rooibos plant is indigenous and unique to the Cederberg and surrounding areas of the Western and Northern Cape in South Africa, where rooibos tea is produced. The plant and the tea brewed from it were first documented in 1772, and today the tea can be found in 72% of South African homes. About half the annual production of 12,000 tonnes is exported, and it is already widely available in UAE supermarkets.

The manner in which the rooibos leaves and stems are harvested and dried determines whether the tea will be the traditional amber or red colour or the lighter and milder green variety. Both versions are entirely natural products and contain no colourants, additives or preservatives.

The Rooibos Council in South Africa is currently funding AED 1 million worth of independent research to advance the understanding of the health-promoting properties of rooibos – and in particular its ability to slow down and prevent various forms of cancer as well as its potential to protect heart health in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. Other topics being researched include the possibility that rooibos could be beneficial in slowing down the effects of ageing, its anti-obesity properties, its role in post-exercise recovery and its potential in combatting stress.

Looks like I am switching from my dear Maxim’s premium organic tea to rooibos to get my detox accelerated and my chakras aligned. Could this be diva’s next ultimate health drink alternative?

Rooibos tea in glass

Looking oh so feminine with Vhernier

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Simple, elegant…am loving the Vhernier bracelet

Being a Fijian has its ups and downs but the best bit about being one is our FIJI water and the fact that we have awesome soft velvet skin texture which I attribute to the large amounts of FIJI water we gulp down with its high content of the magic potion, silica. So normally I don’t flinch when a fashionista touches my hand to say how soft the skin is – but this time, it had nothing to do with my skin but the delicate bracelet I was wearing from Vhernier, masters of Italian contemporary jewellery.

Normally I would not go for jewellery from Vhernier but it was love at first sight with this bracelet and I have become an advocate of the brand….not for all pieces but the delicate, simple and classy pieces that are so subtle and yet somehow make statement that one normally gets from a boldly designed piece.

Although I don’t go much to the Emirates Towers boulevard, it was worth going there to see the jewellery collections of the Italian House which is influenced in their design by trends in modern and contemporary art. I am so glad AW Rostamani Lifestyle brought this amazing brand to Dubai for us savvy females who appreciate inimitable pieces that make us stand out as  individuals. Hey, if it’s good for Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and Jessica Biel, then its good for Fijianchick as well!

Infiniti FX Vettel Edition

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Infiniti FX Vettel Edition does look nice

If you get time this weekend, check out the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, which is currently displayed at the Arabian Automobiles Infiniti Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road.

It is after all the most exclusive crossover in the world and Infiniti has dedicated only 50 units of this 420bhp V8-engine crossover for the Middle East region.

In a unique event next week, Formula One Double World champion and Infiniti brand ambassador, Sebastian Vettel, will give customers and potential buyers of the car (he personally helped to develop) a once-in-a-lifetime ride of their lives in the build up to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix….how cool is that?

Loving Ermanno Scervino

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Mohidin Bin Hendi with Ermanno Scervino at Dubai Mall


It is always a pleasure to catch up with Mohi-Din BenHendi to see what he is up to and it’s almost always at a launch where he has played a crucial role in bringing a superb brand into the UAE for the fashion conscious shoppers.

This time it is the luxury Italian fashion brand Ermanno Scervino – its first boutique is now at the Dubai Mall. Ermanno Scervino himself hosted a beautiful evening along with Mr Mohi-Din Binhendi together with Dubai VIPs and fashion lovers and it gave us an opportunity again to catch up with old and new friends.

Guests mingled in the elegant new space and had the opportunity to meet the designer who flew into Dubai especially for the momentous occasion. The boutique opening was followed by a private dinner held at the chic Joe’s Café for a select few VIPs and fans of the brand.

The new boutique is set to become one of the most visited fashion destinations in Dubai, with Scervino showcasing the best of the best of Italian fashion. The new collection was so well received that his covetable styles are already flying off the shelves, and into every Dubai fashion maven’s wardrobes. It has an edgy femininity. For fitting and elegant, the equestrian inspired collection was an instant winner with Dubai’s discerning fashion lovers.

A very dear friend of mine just celebrated her birthday – she is one of the best dressed local Emirati friends I have and she absolutely loved the piece I gave her. To me, her approval was the best testimony to the awesomeness of the brand and its success in Dubai.

Having a ValleyDez moment

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Some really cool pieces in the new collection

One of my favourite places for retail therapy is ValleyDez and they are now introducing a new set of collections from Fall 2012 collections to their Boutiques.

The fall collection this season reveals a new take on military. Prints and bold blocks of colours are still strong. Floral for fall is smaller in scale and leaning towards liberty, and is seen in a retro mix with lace. Knit tweeds and shawls are big, as well as fur accents and baroque embroidery. There’s also a lot of black leather or all-white which means there will definitely be something for everyone.

The accessories have the two extremes and feature many tribal designs, statement jewellery pieces, and dramatic epaulettes to take any top or jacket to the next level. On the other hand, clean simple pieces are also making an understated statement which is normally what I look for these days.

As for me, in honour of Maxim’s heritage, I reckon I will look into the military look. Just the vision makes me excited as I reckon it will be a weird contrast to what I am normally used to. 

Comfort, luxury and power – BMW 7 Series

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How Gorgeous is the new 7 series…loved every minute exploring the cool features of this baby!


 Walking to the BMW showroom is always an awesome experience especially after a rough day at work when the massage chair and the warm people of BMW totally hit the spot. My last visit was particularly out of this world as I checked out the new and refined 7 Series model, which is set to strengthen its leading position as the most dynamic and innovative luxury sedan in the premium automotive segment. Thanks to Kevin and his team, I got thoroughly enlightened on all the cool features of the 7 series.

BMW Middle East currently ranks as the third biggest worldwide for BMW 7 Series sales and the flagship model is consistently amongst BMW’s best-sellers across the GCC markets. The new refined 7 Series therefore, which offers new levels of luxury, comfort and power are expected to further amplify BMW’s 7 Series success story.

At first, I thought there will be just some subtle additions but in fact the design and technology modifications made give the car a stronger presence on the road and provide an even more luxurious and powerful driving experience – even as a passenger in the back seat, I felt like royalty.

The exterior design modifications enhance the car’s sophisticated and elegant appearance. The most eye-catching exterior feature is the new Adaptive LED headlights featuring hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip followed by the enhanced new front and rear bumper, new kidney grille and indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors.

Quality workmanship, premium materials and outstanding practicality enhance the levels of comfort in the interior of the new 7 Series. The newly designed leather seats offer optimum lateral support and unbeatable long-distance comfort and can be adapted to passengers’ needs. An optional Rear Seat Entertainment package comes with a new 9.2-inch flat screen monitor while the new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System delivers unrivalled sound quality, meeting my diva level requirements.

A class-leader in advanced technology, BMW’s ConnectedDrive features that give the driver and passengers information and services makes their driving experience safer and more comfortable giving the 7 Series an innovative edge over its rivals.  Tailored to the Middle East market the on board iDrive control system has an Arabic interface and navigation system.

In the cockpit, the all-new multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel meets all of the driver’s needs. Using extended black-panel technology, BMW opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen, including instruments that use different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provides situation-specific information such as status and function displays.

Alongside the flagship BMW 760Li with its 12-cylinder engine and the entry-level BMW 730i engine, Middle East customers can also choose from the new six-cylinder in-line engine powering the BMW 740Li and the new V8 engine in the 750Li.

It is rare to find a brand that can offer you the chance to personalize such a high-end product – the BMW Individual programme ensures that your BMW vehicle reflects your own personal taste and unique sense of individuality. The program is a specialised service offered whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create one’s own, unique model. The Bespoke team is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars.

A BMW Individual vehicle comes fully loaded with features and options permitting the driver to convey even further their fondness for superb quality and unique styling. And to make the BMW Individual even more special it provides the customers with the opportunity to choose their favourite seams in the leather from some patterns proposed by the programme, from the stitching to the vehicle trim. The BMW customers have come to expect only the finest and most exclusive ownership experience available in the premium segment.

Apart from exclusive upholstery, BMW Individual also offers interesting highlights in entertainment and information electronics for the tech-savvy clientele, including the ability to use various DVD, TV, navigation and on-board computer functions complete with access to the Internet.

Naturally I like anything that’s exclusive so it is delightful to know that one can have personalized or limited edition cars from BMW.  For instance, to mark the 40th Anniversary of the unification of the United Arab Emirates, BMW Group launched the BMW 7 Series UAE 40th Anniversary Limited Edition limited to just 40 cars.

The BMW 7 Series UAE 40th Anniversary Limited Edition features an exclusive Marakesh Brown exterior colour, coupled with a Merino Platinum leather interior, which features the UAE emblem on the headrest, iDrive button and other areas of the interior trim. An elegant ‘UAE 40 years’ designation features on the chrome trim at the rear of the 7 Series. Similar special features can be customized for the discerning BMW customers of the region. I can’t wait to get better acquainted with this new love wheels 🙂