Chopard, along with partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and Emaar Properties present the first edition of the Chopard Classic Rally Dubai, a two-day demanding competitive regularity rally. This rally will take place on November 10th and 11th bringing together 30 teams, which will pilot from Dubai in their vintage automobiles along some of the beautiful enchanting scenery of the UAE deserts, mountains and roads.
The first edition of the ultimate Chopard Classic Rally Dubai
The Chopard Classic Rally Dubai is a rigorous test of timing and navigational skills, offering to 60 aficionados the opportunity to challenge their driving abilities. Starting from the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, set in the heart of Emaar’s mega-development Downtown Dubai, and going towards the northern emirates, passing by Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, the rally map follows a different challenging itinerary each day throughout the UAE lands with the Hatta and Jebel Jais mountains as main landscapes. A gala dinner will be held on the evening of the final day during which the winners of the regularity will be rewarded.
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard Co-President and a passionate driver of collector’s cars, will be taking part in this first edition, competing along with legendary pilot Jacky Ickx.
Chopard is proud to have prestigious partners for the event sharing the same enthusiasm for classic cars. Emaar Properties, a key supporter of automotive events in the UAE as a Platinum sponsor for this inaugural rally. As well as other esteemed Bronze sponsors: Michelin, the leading French tyre manufacturer, Tomini Classics group, Dubai’s premier classic car showroom and gallery and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority which aims through this rally to boast an array of breath-taking natural vistas in Ras Al Khaimah.
A passion for Classic Racing
“People say that lovers of fine cars also have a great weakness for fine timepieces and vice versa. In both cases, sporting elegance and outstanding performance are especially important. ” The words given in 1988 by Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – himself a dedicated classic car enthusiast – upon launching the first Mille Miglia collection, ring as true today as ever. The brand’s participation in many famous classic rallies embodies a unique relationship between Chopard and racing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_column_text 0=””] The close ties between these two worlds have been strengthened ever since, largely due to the impressive number of common denominators that naturally draw them together. These include constant innovation, a tireless quest for performance and excellence, unfailing respect for traditions, the supreme importance of details – and of course a shared passion for mechanical engineering.
“There has always been a historical relation between the world of fine watchmaking and classic cars; both use highly mechanical components that are assembled in such a way to give power to an engine that is presented in beautiful cases. Some of the most iconic examples of classic cars will be on show during this prestigious event and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is proud to support the first chapter of the Chopard Classic Car Rally in the Middle East ”– said Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Office of Seddiqi Holding.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, said: “More than a personal hobby, classic car collection is a passion for many enthusiast in the UAE. Classic cars are part of the automotive history and tell us stories of how technology and human creativity has helped create automotive masterpieces. Chopard Classic Rally Dubai is a unique event that celebrates the love for classic cars and the trills of a rally across our nation.”
L.U.C Time of the Desert, a limited series
Marking the first Chopard Classic Rally Dubai 2017 held throughout the United Arab Emirates on November 10th and 11th, Chopard launches the L.U.C Time Traveler One – Time of the Desert. Produced in a 20-piece limited series with a refined sand colour dial recalling the golden sun-soaked dunes of the UAE, this timekeeper with its exceptional finishing is an indispensable instrument for the Emirati gentleman travellers embracing the world. Two of these watches will be offered to the first place winners of the Chopard Classic Rally Dubai 2017.
About Chopard
Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded his own workshop in 1860 in Sonvillier, the Swiss Jura. Since 1963, Chopard is owned by the Scheufele family and its headquarters are located in Geneva. Internationally renowned for its watch and jewellery creations, the Group today employs over 2000 people worldwide. It is independent and vertically very integrated, controlling the entire process from design to distribution. Over 30 different crafts are practised in three manufacturing sites with a strong emphasis on in-house training. Chopard has built its reputation on iconic collections such as “Happy Diamonds”, “Happy Sport” and “Mille Miglia”. The firm is also highly recognized for its High Jewellery creations and fine watchmaking and manufacture expertise, expressed in the L.U.C collection. Chopard is a faithful partner of the Cannes International Film Festival and legendary classic car events, such as the Mille Miglia in Italy and the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.
According to two of its fundamental values, respect and social responsibility, Chopard is strongly committed to various philanthropic organizations. In 2013, Chopard launched “The Journey”; a multi-year programme deepening its commitment to sustainable luxury, by sourcing from businesses that are demonstrably committed to responsible, ethical, social and environmental practices.
About Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons
Curators of time since 1950, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons is the Middle East’s most trusted destination for luxury watches and jewellery. Recognised today as a pioneer among the leading retailers in the region, the family owned-and-run company represents more than 60 luxury timepiece brands across 65 locations in the UAE.
An advocate of horology in the region’s retail landscape, Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons continues to create sustainable platforms for watchmaking and servicing, supporting watch enthusiasts and collectors in the region to increase their passion and understanding of the art of timekeeping.
Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons prides itself in offering unparalleled customer service across pre and post-sale dimensions. Led by the passion and credibility of the second, third and fourth generations of Seddiqi family members, the organisation delivers a dynamic commitment to preserving and enhancing the preservation, creation and innovation of watchmaking for decades to come.
About Emaar Properties PJSC
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer and provider of premium lifestyles, with a significant presence in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. One of the world’s largest real estate companies, Emaar has a land bank of 188 million sq. m in the UAE and key international markets.
With a proven track record in delivery, Emaar has delivered over 43,200 residential units in Dubai and other global markets since 2001. Emaar has strong recurring revenue generating assets with over 690,000 sq. m of leasing revenue generating assets and 17 hotels and resorts with over 3,400 rooms. Today, around 60 per cent of the Emaar’s revenue is from its shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure and international subsidiaries.
Burj Khalifa, a global icon, and The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, are among Emaar’s trophy developments. Emaar has now launched a magnificent new tower that will serve as the centerpiece of the Dubai Creek Harbor development.
About Michelin
Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to enhancing its clients’ mobility, sustainably
designing and distributing the most suitable tyres, services and solutions for its clients’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve the mobility industry. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 111,700 employees and operates 68 production facilities in 17 countries, which together produced 187 million tyres in 2016.
About Tomini Classics
While the story behind Tomini Group stretches as far back as the 1950’s, Tomini’s collection originated in January 2010, when the Chairman purchased his first classic car, a 1967 Jaguar E-Type 4.2-litre coupé. This purebred would later be joined by dozens of other select classics from all four corners of the world in what would eventually become Tomini Classics, Dubai’s premier classic car showroom and gallery, the first and finest postwar classic car collection in the Middle East. When designing the company headquarters in 2014, the Classics Department was given a purpose-built space, one where all cars could be displayed, stored and inspected by customers in the best possible conditions. Divided in two sections —the showroom and the private ‘vault’- Tomini’s collection rotates on a periodic basis, maintaining a diverse and colourful variety of driving machines for enthusiasts and collectors to enjoy.
About Ras Al Khaimah
One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.
About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Ras Al Khaimah TDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Chopard Middle East Office
Cyntia Bsoussi – Regional PR Manager
Tel: +971 4 554 15 00
cyntia.bsoussi@chopard.com