The UAE’s first ever concours d’elegance, held at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah earlier this month, has been hailed as a success by visitors and participants.

Over 2,000 invitation-only guests attended the Gulf Concours, which ran from November 17 to 19 on the lawns of the world’s most luxurious hotel’s new terrace and surrounding gardens.

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.

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 for the Best Bespoke Limited Edition, Best Modern Bespoke, Best Classic Design and Best Classic awards.

The best car in the Best Classic Design category was won by 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 opened 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 Scott Murray, Hotel Manager, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

The Gulf Concours was organised by Thorough Events and supported by Emirates Sky Cargo and watchmaker Vacheron Constantin.