- The world’s biggest & most unique event in the watch and jewellery 

   - 122,000 visitors from 100 countries 

   - 1450 exhibitors from 40 countries 

   - 141,000 m2 exhibition surface

PingDubai.com this year brings you a special coverage of precision and beauty. Aficionados and enthusiasts flew in from all over the world to attend BaselWorld 2013 and we were there to bring you 40 different stories of luxury, passion, artifacts, and precision all through out the month of May.

During the month of May, you will live the experience that engaged the senses and triggered feelings of passion and admiration to this precise art of watch making. Enjoy the sophisticated ambiance that prevails at BASELWORLD.

Tours in different halls, interviews with industry decision makers and exhibitors, product launches and spectacular presentations.

Hublot, Breguet, Patek Philippe, Blancpain, TAG Heuer, Omega, HYT, MB&F, Rolex and more of the top brands in the world all under one roof and through one lens the best innovations in the watch-making industry are showcased.

So be ready for a truly engaging experience this month on PingDubai.com from Basel with more 120,000 visitors from the specialist retail and wholesale trade make their way to the Swiss City from all over the world to discover the current trends and view the latest creations from the watch and jewelry sectors.

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Hennessy, Patchi , Magnum 50 H.Upmann and Cuaba Exclusivos also joined the delightful evening, enjoying one last drink at the Address Downtown with a breath taking scenery to make it a perfect night.

Until our next rendez-vous…

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Limitada Club 20130420

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The final was watched by a sell-out audience on the beautiful stretch of beach transformed into a beach polo field by mamemo productions. With the sun quickly setting on a stunning weekend of action, the pulsating grand finals was a fitting finale to Dubai’s exciting sporting event.

Julius Baer team captain and patron, Rashid Al Habtoor was awarded the Julius Baer Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2013 at the official prize giving ceremony.

Sam Katiela, ‘Beach Polo Cup’ Creator & Founder as well as mamemo productions’ Managing & Creative Director, said: “The final was a wonderful way to complete a memorable weekend for the return of the ‘Beach Polo Cup’ to the heart of Dubai. We are so proud of how the event went and we hope Dubai thoroughly enjoyed themselves at what was ‘something a little different’ for the events scene here.”

He added, “We could not have asked for a more entertaining final and along with the beach polo there was so much more for people to experience. Corporate hospitality was abuzz with activity throughout the weekend.”

Julius Baer Beach Polo Cup, Dubai, 2013 was played on a pitch a third smaller than a regular polo field, which meant the spectators were closer to the action. Each team had three players (Reduced from the usual four).

It was a unique take on the traditions of polo and proved to be a winning formula for spectators who flocked to the stunning venue.

A charity auction was held prior to the closing ceremony, showcasing modeled replicas of white horses which were built during the 2 day event and painted beautifully by attending children. All four horses were sold at the total price of AED 130,000. In addition, the Julius Baer management pledged a cheque of AED 50,000 bringing the total to AED180,000. All proceeds were donated to the Noor Dubai Foundation.

The successful realization of the Julius Baer Beach Polo Cup Dubai 2013 could not have been possible without the support and involvement of its sponsors for the four competing teams, Julius Baer Group, Aston Martin, Le Clos and Maradiva, as well as all the event partners involved.

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With over 100 guests in attendance, they were treated to displays from Rolls Royce who showcased the MY 2013 Drophead Coupe featuring bespoke cassopian exterior paint and consort red leather interior. S.T Dupont showcased the Big five collection, the new defi extreme lighter as well as many more accessories that were very much appreciated by our crowd of connoisseurs.

Some pieces of the Billionaire’s gallery present at Harvey Nichols, were also showcased featuring frameworks of the finest sportstars. An admirable collection of priceless pieces of all categories are available at Harvey Nichols Dubai. The Dubai department store also displayed a few fashionable items for the ladies.

Members enjoyed a good taste of the Hennessy X.O. eaux de vie and Glenmorangie single malts. The cigar companion for the night from Davidoff was a short perfecto for a start-up, and a selection of Cuban double coronas, Punch and Ramon Allones Gigantes.

We don’t like to forget the ladies and they were treated to flavoured cigarillos complemented with a selection of red and white wines from the Argentinian winery, Terrazas.

The evening was tailored to create a unique experience of elegance with a distinguished choice of elements.

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Limitada Club 20130402

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RedBull X-Fighters 2013

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This year again, the Stirrup Lounge was an oasis of glamour where the city’s elite, as well as visiting cosmopolites, watched the race, enjoyed food and clicked glasses.

A fine crowd highlighting luxury at its best could be seen around the Meydan venue: the royal family, horse owners and their families, and VIPs from all around the world were present for the big one.

After HH Sheikh Mohammed’s speech, we were treated to a big show that lasted around 10 minutes;  an airplane diffusing laser beams shot out of the Dubai sky, multiple choreographies were presented, and the performance was crowned by impressive fireworks which everyone awaits year after year.

When we say: “We’re going to the races,” we do it with style!

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Dubai World Cup 2013

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We at PING congratulate all the winners, and thank TimeOut Dubai for their lovely yearly event which keeps the competition growing towards a better and healthier nightlife and music scene.

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Timeout Dubai Music Nightlife Awards 2013

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International designers joined local talent to showcase the hottest trends for the spring season at The Radisson Royal Hotel.

On Saturday March 9th, the Radisson Royal’s Origami Ballroom was transformed into a world of origami flowers and birds to celebrate the highly anticipated 8th edition of the hugely popular Vibrance fashion exhibition titled “Vibrance Spring Fling”. This exclusive trunk show featured couture fashion, bespoke jewellery and luxury beauty in a five star setting. By bringing together the concepts of luxury fashion and beauty under one roof, made the event the season’s most unique shopping experience.

Dubai’s most discerning fashionable crowd joined bloggers and media for a day filled with the best in fashion, jewellery and beauty from around the world. Conceptualized by Tamanna Vasandani, the Vibrance Spring Fling featured designers Azza Bijou, Zooni, Pallavi Puri, Nour Shurdom, Cotton & Silk, Sanskriti, Heavenly Regalia and Fuchsia by Pooja Jaising showcasing their unique, handcrafted wearable designs.

Each of the hand-selected designers participating in the Vibrance Spring Fling all brought a unique story to the exhibition. Each individual designer was also on hand to offer styling tips to guests and help them find pieces, which would suit their individual style.

The exhibition provided more than just fashion. Guests were treated to a fun-filled candy station courtesy of sponsors IT Sugar which kept children of all ages entertained, whilst Bijou Beauty Boutique offered complimentary nail polish changes and hairstyling from their celebrity stylist, Alessandra Pandolfi. Ponds were also on hand to give guests one-on-one skin care analysis using their scientifically proven methods with their expertly trained staff. Taste of Dubai also contributed by giving tickets for their next event.

Guests were also able to have their photographs instantly printed at the exhibition through the use of Photobooth and take away their chosen pictures as a souvenir from the day.

“Vibrance is one of the most highly anticipated exhibitions of the season, but we always strive to offer more than just a place to shop for our guests. Every edition of Vibrance we want to offer a unique shopping experience to everyone who walks through the doors and this has been one of the most fun and interactive editions of Vibrance yet! By bringing these beautiful designers together and showcasing their unique pieces to our customers, we want to offer a platform for designers” said Tamanna Vasandani.

Among the highlights of the collections at the Vibrance Spring Fling included pieces from New Delhi-based designer Pallavi Puri whose designs capture the femininity of the modern woman by combining both urban and chic elements into the brand. Speaking directly to Vibrance, the designer commented on how her label is an embodiment of a very special woman:  “Each season, I take inspiration from Indian heritage and craft traditional embroideries and weaves, developing collections that are authentic, yet different. By keeping my concepts unique and catering to a woman who enjoys a luxurious sense of style, I am able to win women over,” said founder of Delhi based label, Pallavi Puri.

“Designing beautiful jewellery has been a near-lifelong passion of mine. I launched Azza Bijou last year, a collection that draws its inspiration from Islamic architecture and is heavily influenced by the unique geometric patterns present in Islamic structures. I wanted to combine these shapes with bright colours and organic silhouettes to create pieces that become an extension of women, their character and their style and become a piece that my customers can wear every day. The response at Vibrance has been nothing but positive,” said Azza El-Arabi.

Congratulations on a successful event. We look forward to the next edition!

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Celebrating 25 Years of Ferrari in the U.A.E.! 

The fusion of two luxury brands that define the future. 

 Live Pit Stop practice with the Scuderia Ferrari! A team first in Dubai! 

An exciting combination of time and speed to reflect the perfect fusion between Hublot and Ferrari.

Hublot is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ferrari in U.A.E. with an exclusive Ferrari-Stamped Hublot watch: only 25 pieces of the U.A.E. Limited Edition exist, making it an immediate collector’s item. On this occasion, Giulio Zauner, who represents Ferrari in Dubai, and Marco Tedeschi, who represents Hublot in the U.A.E., unveiled this exceptional example of craftsmanship in the company of Ferrari and Hublot owners and fans at the Al Tayer Ferrari Showroom in Dubai. ‘Bravo!’ sets the tone for yet another testament to the 360° partnership between Hublot and Ferrari. 

 ”Hublot? A different way maintain forward motion,” say those who know this unique Swiss watch company, where each and every moment moves forward to shape the future at breathtaking speed! In 1980, Hublot pioneered the combination of gold and rubber, igniting a revolution in horology. Since then, Hublot has come to symbolize the Art of Fusion in watchmaking with its unique aesthetics. In November 2011, Hublot and Ferrari announced their partnership, with Hublot becoming the exclusive watchmaker of Ferrari. This was not a simple question of creating a tie-in product, for licensing or sponsorship. It is a comprehensive agreement covering the full branding, marketing and communications spectrum, including “Official Watch” of Ferrari, “Official Timekeeper” of Ferrari, “Official Watch” of Scuderia Ferrari, “Official Timekeeper” of the Ferrari Challenge, and partner to Ferrari on the special events with which Hublot will be closely associated.

Today, Ferrari and Hublot hosted one of these very special events at the Al Tayer Ferrari Showroom in Dubai. 80 journalists, and 200 selected guests looked on in amazement as 18 pros from the Official Team of la Scuderia Ferrari went all out to beat the clock in pit stop practice under real-world conditions! A first in Dubai.

Giulio Zauner, Ferrari Director for Middle East, commented: “Exclusivity, technology, passion, style: Hublot and Ferrari share many core values. Today, we are extremely proud to unveil the first Big Bang Ferrari U.A.E. Limited Edition. This is truly a fitting symbol for what unites two such highly prestigious brands because we share the same values: raw passion, a love of perfection and technical precision right down to the smallest detail.”

 ”This collaboration, rich in a host of synergies, is a major milestone for Hublot on the road into the future,” added Marco Tedeschi, Hublot Director for U.A.E.“Ferrari is indeed one of the world’s leading luxury brands and proud to be so cherished in the Middle East. Hublot is honored to be associated and recognized as one of its most strategic partner. This win-win agreement is symbolic of the perfect combination between our two brands, and will undoubtedly be a partnership filled with thrills and passion.” 

The Big Bang Ferrari – U.A.E. Limited Edition, sporting color accents to reflect the national flag, is unlike any other Big Bang, 

As an ultra-exclusive symbol of the long-term partnership between Hublot and Ferrari, Hublot is proud to unveil the first exclusive Ferrari-stamped Big Bang U.A.E. Limited Edition watch: a pure collector’s item which will be produced in a series of just 25, in reference to the 25th Anniversary of Ferrari in the Middle East.

All of the specifically designed and crafted details are in keeping with the DNA shared by Hublot and Ferrari: innovation, performance, technology and exclusivity. No useless gadgetry; the design is functional, logical. As for the dial, the Prancing Horse is featured discreetly in relief at 9 o’clock. A minute counter is positioned at 3 o’clock (completed by a yellow date window), and the style of the hands and indices is inspired by the counters in the cockpit of a Ferrari – perfectly in line with the Italian manufacturer’s sport DNA and yet true to Hublot’s design codes.

The UNICO chronograph movement can be compared to the ultimate racing car engine, designed and developed by Hublot to power the Big Bang Ferrari. With no fewer than 330 components, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, the column wheel and dual horizontal coupling on the dial side appear in a new constellation reminiscent of Ferrari alloy wheel rims. The watch has a 72-hour power reserve, and is water resistant to 100m.

The whole perfectly illustrates “the Art of Fusion” between great watchmaking tradition and the technology of the future, which is so dear to Hublot. What distinguishes this particular Hublot are the green, red, black and white accents that herald the national flag of the U.A.E.

Besides a larger case (45.5 mm in diameter), it comes with more power and more mechanical and design features: a cylindrical bezel that offers added depth to showcase the movement (visible through the sapphire dial); an indexed crown (the H signet automatically positions itself to remain in line); elongated push buttons fixed along a rotating axis (like the foot pedals in a car); carbon inserts on the case profile; two interchangeable straps with a highly innovative quick change system (inspired by racing car seat belts) and tone-on-tone stitching as a nod to the sumptuous upholstery in a Ferrari.

TECHNICAL DETAILS 

Reference 401.NM.0123.VR.SDQ13 25-piece limited edition

Case Diameter 45.5 mm, made from satin-finished titanium

Bezel Satin-finished black ceramic with 6 H-shaped embedded, polished and locked titanium screws

Crystal Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating

Bezel Lugs Black composite resin

Lateral inserts Black composite resin with carbon insert at 9 o’clock

Crown Satin-finished titanium, with black rubber insert and Hublot logo

Push-pieces 2 o’clock, Polished and micro-blasted black PVD titanium with black rubber insert

4 o’clock, Polished and micro-blasted black PVD titanium with black rubber insert, and engraved Ferrari logo, red lacquer

Case back Open, comprising sapphire crystal with interior anti-reflective coating, and micro-blasted titanium with circular satin finish

Ferrari stallion transfer, with flag of the United Arab Emirates

Water resistance 10 ATM, i.e. approx. 100 metres

Dial Sapphire with white Hublot logo transfer, and polished rhodium-plated Ferrari Prancing Stallion applique

Black coated indexes, green coloured transfer spots

Hands Hour & minute hands coated black, with white SuperLuminova™

Seconds hand coated black, with green SuperLuminova™

Minute counter hand and chronograph hand with Ferrari red coating

Movement UNICO HUB 1241, developed and manufactured in-house by Hublot. Automatic flyback chronograph

Date Yellow window at 3 o’clock

Oscillating weight Satin-finished and micro-blasted black coating, imitating the shape of a wheel rim

Power reserve Approximately 72 hours

Bracelets Supplied with two straps

Black rubber and black schedoni leather with red stitching; Black rubber and red schedoni leather with black stitching

Clasp Satin-finished titanium deployant buckle with carbon inser

Hublot Ferrari 25 Years UAE

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2 March 2013 DUBAI UAE  Top seed and world number one Novak Djokovic defeated Tomas Berdych 7-5 6-3 to win his fourth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title in five years.

With Petra Kvitova winning the women’s title, Berdych was bidding to make the Czech Republic the first country to provide both winners since Amelie Mauresmo and Fabrice Santoro won in 2002.

The match was a tightly-contested affair from beginning to end, with Djokovic unsure of victory until he clinched his 36th career title with his second match point.

Berdych gained the first advantage, breaking to lead 3-2 with a spectacular crosscourt winner, and although Djokovic broke back to level at 4-4 he then had to fight off three break points to hold for a 5-4 lead.

The set ended with Djokovic breaking again when Berdych double-faulted on break point.

The second set was equally close, with the only break coming at 4-3 when Berdych put a smash wide. Even then, Djokovic has to survive a break point with an ace as he served out the match.

“My serving today was great, very high percentage of first serves, over 200Ks,” said the 2013 champion. “I really felt that I could rely on my serve. And in tough moments, that part of my game actually helped me to prevail. I hung in there and stayed tough. This is the important thing.

“I felt when I came from break down that I started believing in myself a little bit more. He basically gave me that break on 43 when he missed an easy volley, but still, I fight and I believed I can come back.

“That’s I think something that can eventually decide the winner in these kind of matches in this kind of level, just hanging in there and waiting for your chance and then going for it.”

Berdych said although he earned the first break he was very far from victory.

“I was able to play the rallies with him quite well, especially from the baseline, and try to hold him under the pressure. He also make a couple of mistakes. So, yeah, I mean, the beginning was really good.

“But it’s been very, very far, you know. I would say, couple of chances that I had a break, but playing with the best returning guy on tour, it’s just an advantage but not something really huge, you know. It was a quite good game, but it was not enough today.”

Both players support the tournament being upgraded from an ATP 500 series to the highest 1000 level.

“I was actually talking with Tomas on court about it,” Djokovic said. “I don’t know a single player who has played here and has a negative feeling about the tournament. On the contrary, everybody wishes that this tournament is played for a bit longer time, also, like we have Indian Wells and Miami, and I think that this tournament deserves.”

Berdych added, “That’s definitely the way that this place should try to be and try to do it. I mean, they don’t have to be afraid of actually anything because they have everything to accommodate, to make the hospitality on that level and for the players, people around, everybody.

“It would be very interesting to see. I have to tell you that it could be really easily competing for the best 1000 tournament in the world, as well. Yeah, they have a pretty good chance.”

In the doubles final, Mahesh Bhupathi and Michael Llodra beat Robert Lindstedt and Nenad Zimonjic 7-6(8-6) 7-6(8-6). It was the first time the pair had played together, and it was Bhupathi’s fifth win in Dubai with each title coming with a different partner.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

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Dubai Tennis 2013 Final

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