Luxurious. An adjective specially reserved for that exclusive class of things so expensive, so glamorous, and so utterly deluxe that it could easily be associated with another, less enchanting word: inaccessible. However, spotting the occasional Bentley Continental GT or Lamborghini Murcielago, not to mention all the Porsche Cayenne’s on our region’s road, reminds us that nothing is unattainable here, luxury being no exception. Middle Easterners, with an informed taste for high-quality goods at astounding price tags, have an insatiable hunger for luxury and the means to live such a lifestyle.
We live in an age when everything is customized from suits to private yachts; no detail is overlooked, no request is unreasonable. Luxury has come to represent a comprehensive ethos, a lifestyle whereby the consumer gets exactly what he wants, when he wants it, how he wants it. It can be a frothy latte from your favorite café in the morning, an occasional splurge, a reward celebrating an accomplishment, or a lifestyle.
Luxury is not about consuming though; by buying something indulgent people display not just their wealth but their refinement and their personal taste. Luxury is increasingly defined not by the grandiose traditions of others, but by how we want to define ourselves. What counts as a luxury has become more fluid and confusing. It is no longer restricted to the mass-produced, romanticized vision of a white sandy beach overhung by palm trees, champagne, caviar, and gold-plated bathroom sinks. The definition of luxury has become more subjective. Something is a luxury only if it carries a particular kind of exclusivity, yet exclusivity is no longer the most important facet. True extravagance is about the personal experience of enjoying that which you have worked hard for.
Demand for luxury
Despite the US recession and the lag of the European markets, the Middle Eastern sector for luxury goods thrives, unfettered. The demand for premium goods — be it the newest, most technologically innovative German-manufactured car, an exquisite limited edition Swiss timepiece, or a GoldVish 120-carat diamond and white gold cell phone — is real. It’s no longer in your dreams; just look around.
Today’s premium vehicles — cars, boats, and motorcycles — boast previously unimaginable capabilities. Bigger engines and softer leather, all conscientiously wrapped in the most fetching package we’ve ever seen. And when you can’t drive your Porsche into the boardroom, distinguish yourself with a gorgeous luxury watch, a classic symbol of sophistication and style.
Luxury fashion brands continue to impress us with enviable designs, quality, and originality. A smart wardrobe of esteemed designers like Hermes, Cartier, and Gucci seems almost requisite amongst the region’s classiest professionals and chicest socialites. Even luxury gadgets raise the technical and aesthetic bar for the everyday pen, lighter, and cell phone we carry around in our deep pockets.
Tourism remains one of the most profitable sectors of the luxury market in the Middle East. The region is famous for its culture of servicing the lavish traveler and catering to his every desire. Luxury spas overlooking the Dead Sea, thematic tours of Oman’s stunning and varying landscape, a chance to explore the rich cultural heritage of Lebanon, and the world’s first 7-star hotel put the MENA region on the map for those seeking extravagance and luxurious adventure.
Towering oil prices fuel the progress of the real estate sector just in time to calm the frenetic demands for luxury living. There’s no better place to relax and escape the busy world than in the comfort of your own custom home, especially if your posh residence offers its own marina, golf course, and helipad.
As the Middle East continues to have an appetite for all things luxurious, we keep looking for experiences that are surprising, exotic, and above all authentic. However, in a world that always seems to be in hurry, going a little faster is not a luxury; being able to slow down and enjoy all that we have is the real deal. That is what we envy and strive for.
