Jeddawis indulge taste for luxury products

Jeddawis were able to view some of the world’s most luxurious and expensive brands at a three-day exhibition recently including caviar, clothes, cars, chocolate and jewelry.
The organizers of the Saudi Investment Bank World Luxury Exhibition had sent out invites to various VIPs including chief executive officers and various wealthy residents and citizens.
World Luxury Group and Nayyara Exhibitions set up the event with the Saudi Investment Bank as the main sponsor. Mazen Batterjee, vice president of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry opened the event.
A Swiss-based watchmaker and other top jewelry manufacturers had their products on display, provided exclusively by Al-Thobaity Jewelry. Samer R. Al-Rayyan, assistant general manager personal banking at the Saudi Investment Bank, said his organization was proud to be the sponsor of the event.
“Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to deliver world class banking services and products designed to cater to the affluent lifestyle of our valued platinum and premium clientele and invited guests who attended,” he said.
Visitors were also able to indulge their taste buds by sampling the chocolates, canapés and other gourmet food on display.
Robert Molenaar, executive director of World Luxury Group, told Arab News that they first held the exhibition in Riyadh. The plan is to expand it in Jeddah in future.
“The exhibition showcases various top-of-the-line products, ranging from food such as high-quality caviar, to fully-loaded exotic cars, among others,” Molenaar said.
He said that Tea Gschwendner gave visitors a chance to have some of the world’s finest tea and chocolate from Belgium and France.
Molenaar, a Dutch national based in the United Arab Emirates, said his organization has organized four exhibitions since it started out in 2012, including for Bentley, Aston Martin and Shoppe.
Explaining how the company started, he said that the idea originated from Millar’s Fair in Holland. “It held exhibitions in Holland, Russia, and in Dubai but our concept is more beautiful. That’s why companies like our exhibitors follow us wherever we go. This first event in Jeddah is not big, but definitely not the last. We will come back to Jeddah with a bang,” he said.
Steven Hill, general manager at Al-Ghassan Motors, said his organization used the exhibition to display Bentleys, “to reinforce our status as the ultimate luxury performance sedan benchmark.” The company was the official automotive sponsor of the event.
Al-Ghassan is also the official distributor for Bugatti, Lamborghini, McLaren and Lotus in Saudi Arabia. Bentley also presented a limited edition handbag collection featuring its Barnato and Continental models. Only 160 bags were made and are valued at $6,300 and $8,000 respectively.