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Volkswagen Middle East has officially launched the all-new Passat, marking the return of one of the brand’s most iconic sedans to the region. A global best-seller with over 34 million units sold since its debut in 1973, the Passat now returns completely reimagined — bigger, bolder, and more advanced than ever before — combining German engineering precision with segment-leading comfort and innovation.

 

The all-new Passat represents a full generational leap in design, space, and technology. At 4.99 metres in length with a 2.87-metre wheelbase, it is the longest in its segment and it redefines what comfort means for both drivers and passengers. The cabin offers a true business-class experience with ventilated and massaging front and rear seats, soft rear headrest pillows, three-zone smart climate control, and 30-colour ambient lighting that transforms every journey into a first-class experience.

 

The exterior showcases Volkswagen’s new design direction with a floating front fascia, seamless LED strip connecting grille and headlights, and illuminated VW logos that enhance its instantly recognisable presence. Intelligent IQ.Light LED Matrix Headlights adapt dynamically to surrounding traffic, while dynamic indicators and the distinctive red LED taillights create a confident signature both day and night.

 

Inside, the Passat’s focus on technology and practicality stands out. A 15-inch infotainment display, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, and head-up display keep drivers connected and always informed. Additional features such as App-Connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), front and rear USB ports, wireless charging, and a high-fidelity audio system ensure convenience and entertainment for all occupants.


 

Powered by a choice of efficient 1.5L TSI and 2.0L TSI engines delivering up to 217 hp and 350 Nm of torque, both paired with a smooth 7-speed DSG transmission, the new Passat offers refined performance across all driving conditions. Safety and driver-assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring, front assist, and pedestrian protection, while the pre-crash occupant protection system further enhances confidence behind the wheel.

 

“The all-new Passat embodies everything Volkswagen stands for – German engineering, innovation, and quality – all delivered in a way that is accessible to our customers,” said Matthias Ziegler, Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East. “This is more than a sedan; this is our new flagship in our fleet. Volkswagen’s new business class.”

 

Available in three trims — Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline — and priced from $29,700 to $37,500, the Passat offers unmatched comfort, space, and advanced features that set a new benchmark in the segment. Customers can now visit their nearest Volkswagen dealership to experience the all-new Passat and book their test drives.

 

Volkswagen is pleased to share the outstanding  response following the reveal of the new Jetta and Passat. In just four weeks, we have received over 1,500 customer bookings across its markets — a strong reflection of the growing demand for Volkswagen’s latest sedan models.

 

The digital launch also achieved remarkable results, with videos across social media platforms surpassing one million views. This impressive engagement highlights the continued popularity of the Jetta and Passat and reinforces the strength of Volkswagen’s sedan line-up in the region.

 

While a positive reception was expected, the speed and scale of the response have gone beyond all expectations. We extend our sincere appreciation to customers for their trust and enthusiasm and looks forward to seeing more of these models on roads across the Middle East soon.



With 1.4x magnification, advanced stabilization, and optimized macro controls, the FE 100mm F2.8 macro GM OSS delivers stunning detail.



Sony Middle East and Africa, the leading consumer electronics brand, together with Modern Home, its strategic and exclusive partner in Qatar, released in the Qatari market the FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS (SEL100M28GM), the first medium telephoto macro lens in the G Master™ series, compatible with α™ (Alpha™) E-mount cameras, featuring 1.4x magnification, advanced stabilization, and intuitive handling.

 

The new lens is now available in Qatar at Modern Home in Al Maha Center on Salwa Road and Fnac stores in Lagoona Mall, Doha Festival City, and Place Vendôme, in addition to other major electronics retailers in town.

 

Beyond Life Size

The FE 100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS achieves a maximum magnification of 1.4x, making it easy to capture flowers, small objects, and other close-up subjects in vivid detail, revealing subtle textures and features that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

 

Compatible with an optional teleconverter[1] (sold separately), the lens offers up to 2.8x magnification[2]. This enables impressive close-up shots while keeping a comfortable working distance. It is ideal for subjects that are hard to approach or for avoiding unwanted reflections.

 

State-of-the-art Hardware Design

The optical design effectively positions elements, including two XA (extreme aspherical) lenses and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, to achieve high-resolution performance from the center to the periphery of the image, reducing chromatic and other aberrations.

 

To allow precise and intuitive focus adjustments for a variety of macro photography scenes, the lens offers three focus-dedicated features: a "Full-time DMF switch" that enables instant MF (manual focus) by rotating the focus ring, even in AF (autofocus) mode; the "Focus Mode switch" allows instant switching between AF and MF; the "Sliding Focus Ring" enables FULL MF mode, linked to the distance and magnification scales.

 

The four unique XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that enable high-speed, high-precision and quiet lens drive, make autofocus (AF) performance up to approximately 1.9 times faster[3] than previous models.

 

A dedicated aperture ring offers quick, direct control over aperture settings.

 

Exquisite Image Quality

The 11-blade circular aperture produces beautiful, ball bokeh, while carefully controlled spherical aberration ensures an ideal balance of resolution and background blur – creating the signature creamy bokeh of the G Master line.

 

The unique "Nano AR Coating II" applies a uniform thin film to the entire lens surface, resulting in clear image quality that suppresses flare and ghosting even in backlit conditions.

 

An integrated optical image stabilization system, designed for macro photography, accurately compensates for shift shake (up/down/left/right), angular shake, and front/back shake, ensuring steady handheld shots.


[1] Compatible with the 1.4X Teleconverter SEL14TC and 2X Teleconverter SEL20TC.

[2] When the 2X Teleconverter "SEL20TC" is attached.

[3] Sony measurement conditions. Compared to the FE 90mm F2.8 MACRO G OSS SEL90M28G lens for the α E-mount digital single-lens camera.




RIMOWA introduces two seasonal colours to its iconic Essential collection: Clay and Terracotta. Inspired by the grounding beauty of nature, the new hues celebrate the elemental connection between material and harmony, evoking the warmth of the sun-baked earth and the calming softness of raw clay.


Clay represents a timeless and sophisticated greige that recalls the primary material, while Terracotta is a subdued earthy red, reminiscent of kiln-fired ceramics. Together, they symbolize transformation: Clay as the soft, mouldable beginning, and Terracotta as the enduring creation.

To accompany the launch, a visual journey unfolds across sweeping natural landscapes of cracked dunes, green peaks, and clay-rich mountains. Through it all, the Clay and Terracotta Essential suitcases become more than just travel companions — they are tributes to the beauty and simplicity of nature itself.


Crafted from high-performance polycarbonate, the RIMOWA Essential Clay and Terracotta suitcases are covered by the German Maison’s lifetime guarantee. Featuring a monochromatic colour finish, the RIMOWA Essential range is expertly matched from shell to handles, zippers, wheel housing, and logo badge. Each suitcase is equipped with RIMOWA’s signature Multiwheel System, stage-free telescopic handle, TSA-approved locks, and a dual-organization interior with a zipped compartment and adjustable Flex Divider. A complimentary leather address tag completes each piece, underscoring its refined design.

 

Starting November 13, 2025, the RIMOWA Essential Cabin in Clay (RRP 750€), the RIMOWA Essential Check-In L in Clay (RRP 940€), and the RIMOWA Essential Trunk Plus in Clay (RRP 1190€) will be available alongside the RIMOWA Essential Cabin in Terracotta (RRP 750€), the RIMOWA Essential Check-In M in Terracotta (RRP 865€), and the RIMOWA Essential Trunk Plus in Terracotta (RRP 1190€). The full collection will be available at RIMOWA stores worldwide and online at RIMOWA.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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