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Abu Dhabi stands today as a global capital for luxury mobility, says HONGQI’s Global Chief Designer


HONGQI, China’s leading ultra luxury automotive marque since 1958 and a global symbol of Oriental premium craftsmanship, unveiled its latest Golden Sunflower flagship, the HONGQI GUOYA, during an exclusive gala event in Abu Dhabi. As the Official Luxury Automotive Partner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, HONGQI marked this prestigious collaboration with a dedicated press gala attended by regional and international media.


The reveal represents an important milestone in HONGQI’s expanding global luxury strategy, further strengthening the brand’s presence in international markets. Abu Dhabi’s status as a world class destination for innovation, culture and luxury mobility continues to position it as a strategic market for HONGQI’s global growth.


The event brought together regional and international media for an immersive brand experience, beginning with a dedicated press conference followed by a gala dinner. Attendees gained exclusive insights from Giles Taylor, Chief Designer and Vice President of Global Design at China FAW, and were among the first in the Middle East to experience the HONGQI GUOYA in person.


“HONGQI GUOYA represents a new chapter in Oriental ultra luxury. It carries the depth of Chinese cultural heritage while embracing a forward looking global design spirit,” said Giles Taylor, Chief Designer and Vice President of Global Design, China FAW. “It is especially meaningful to unveil this model in Abu Dhabi, a city that has rapidly become a global capital for luxury, design and high-performance experiences. The Emirate provides an exceptional stage for HONGQI to connect with discerning customers who appreciate artistry that lives beyond trends.”

A New Expression of Oriental Ultra-Luxury: The HONGQI GUOYA


HONGQI GUOYA is the latest flagship under the brand’s renowned Golden Sunflower ultra-luxury line, embodying HONGQI’s vision of ‘New Oriental Luxury for the World’. The model blends profound Chinese cultural heritage with contemporary global design standards, presenting a sedan crafted for distinguished users who seek identity, artistry, and refinement in every detail.


Drawing inspiration from the architectural symmetry of Beijing’s central axis and the timeless grandeur of the Forbidden City, GUOYA features a proud, sculptural exterior marked by:

  • A front fascia reflecting the proportions of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

  • A 23.5° hood ornament symbolizing cosmic balance

  • Rear design elements inspired by Tian’anmen’s skyline and traditional palace lanterns


Inside, the cabin transforms Chinese artistry into modern luxury through lacquerwork, cloisonné enamel, gold-and-silver filigree, and classical embroidery — all presented through HONGQI’s new global design language.


Performance, Serenity, and Intelligent Craftsmanship


Powered by a self-developed V8 platform refined over 67 years, the GUOYA delivers 430 kW, 800 N·m of torque, and rapid responsiveness via a mid-mounted HOT-V twin-turbocharger architecture. Its lightweight structure and advanced NVH solutions ensure a quiet, graceful drive worthy of its ultra-luxury stature.


The interior experience is elevated through:

  • S-Nappa leather with enhanced softness and breathability

  • 24-way front and 22-way rear seat adjustments with massage, ventilation, and heating

  • 4D seat-audio interaction, translating music into tactile sensations

  • A 3,240-watt, 32-speaker audio system tuned with master musicians over 1,000 hours

Together, these innovations reflect HONGQI’s commitment to creating a multisensory sanctuary that seamlessly merges heritage, technology, and comfort.



Exclusive Ownership for the First 30 Global Pioneers


Aligned with HONGQI’s philosophy of “Serene Assurance,” the first 30 GUOYA owners worldwide will receive four lifetime privileges:

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Lifetime roadside assistance

  • Lifetime on-demand inspection

  • Lifetime dedicated customer care

Personalized craftsmanship options — including two-tone paint, hand-painted waistlines, custom embroidery, pure wool floor mats, and artisan lacquer keys — enable each owner to create a masterpiece reflecting their own identity and taste.


Advancing HONGQI’s Global Luxury Strategy


HONGQI’s participation at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix reflects its commitment to engaging with global audiences and reinforcing its expanding international footprint. The Middle East remains one of the brand’s most important growth regions, aligning with HONGQI’s global vision of building a premium mobility ecosystem grounded in innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural confidence.


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– United Arab Emirates Ralph Lauren announced the opening of its new Polo Ralph Lauren store at the St. Regis Hotel located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The store features a selection of apparel, accessories and leather goods across Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s, Women’s and Childrenswear, marking the brand’s first beach store in the capital.


Inspired by the authentic style of Ralph Lauren, the new store on Saadiyat Island blends Ralph Lauren’s timeless luxury with modern beach-inspired elements that are both classic and casual with a modern twist. The store’s interior features white wood flooring and louvers, paired with abaca and seagrass inspired by the local surroundings to create an inviting environment against a distinctive backdrop. The refined design captures the iconic spirit of the brand while honouring craftsmanship and deep-rooted heritage.



The opening of the Polo Ralph Lauren store on Saadiyat Island is part of Ralph Lauren Corporation’s key city ecosystem expansion across Asia, Europe and North America as part of its Next Great Chapter: Drive strategy. This new location further strengthens the Company’s presence in the United Arab Emirates, and underscores the Company’s commitment to delivering elevated experiences for Ralph Lauren consumers across all touch points.


Polo Ralph Lauren

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort,

Abu Dhabi, UAE


Store Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 9AM – 6PM


MEDIA CONTACT

FAUX Fashion Consultancy

Candice Camara


+971 50 788 4248


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As festive celebrations, travel and year-end demands reach their peak, Jala Spa & Wellness at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa invites guests to reset, rebalance and step into the new year with intention. Returning by popular demand, advanced healing practitioner Rajeshwari Nerukar will lead a six-week residency from 20 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, offering transformative energy therapies designed to restore clarity, harmony and inner calm after the hectic holiday season.

 

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on Oman’s iconic Green Mountain, Jala Spa’s natural setting provides the ideal backdrop for a meaningful reset. Rajeshwari’s residency forms part of the hotel’s Visiting Practitioners Programme, bringing world-class healers and specialists to Oman for limited-edition experiences rarely available in the region.

 

With over 20 years of experience spanning physical therapy, traditional Indian healing, and advanced energy work, Rajeshwari’s treatments support guests seeking to release emotional overload, ease holiday-induced tension, restore vitality, and begin 2026 feeling centred and renewed.

 

Signature Treatments for the 2025–2026 Festive Reset

 

Chakra Healing and Balancing (90 minutes, OMR 90++ per person):

-        Experience complete cleansing of all seven energy centers, resulting in lightness, reduced physical pressure, positive energy shifts, mental clarity, and improved spiritual connection.

 

Reiki (60 minutes, OMR 70++ per person):

-        This ancient healing system works on mind, body, and spirit, promoting deep relaxation, stress reduction, increased energy, and overall wellbeing.

 

Abhyanga (60/90 minutes, OMR 70++/90++ per person):

-        Traditional Indian massage using soothing, symmetrical long strokes. This detoxifying treatment with warm herbal oil leaves guests refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

Marma Point Massage (90 minutes, OMR 90++ per person):

-        Focuses on 107 energy points throughout the body to relieve stress, release toxins, and promote complete harmony and bliss.

 

Asian Sound Healing Therapy (45 minutes, OMR 40++ per person):

-        The sound of Tibetan singing bowls harmonises both sides of the brain, allowing deep relaxation. This 6,000-year-old practice stimulates stress relief and continues to affect the body even after the session ends.

 


Asian Bodywork Therapy (60/90 minutes, OMR 70++/90++ per person):

-        This targeted massage technique addresses musculoskeletal issues such as strains and sports injuries. Slow, deep strokes apply sustained pressure to inner layers of muscles and connective tissues, breaking up scar tissue and reducing tension. The treatment increases blood flow and reduces inflammation, promoting faster healing.

 

Jala Spa & Wellness provides an ideal setting for these transformative practices. Nestled amidst dramatic mountain vistas with designs inspired by Oman's ancient falaj water systems and Jabal Akhdar's prized damask roses, the spa creates a natural sanctuary where energy work can reach its fullest potential.

 

To book a wellness experience with Rajeshwari Amol Nerukar, please contact: spa.indigojabalakhdar@ihg.com



© 2025 DUNES


Dunes Magazine is the Middle East’s luxury lifestyle magazine, featuring the latest in fashion, lifestyle, health & fitness, watches & jewelry, beauty, travel & hospitality, and exclusive interviews. A proud supplement of Maqina, it delivers premium editorial content and insights for the region’s luxury enthusiasts.

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