More stories

  • in

    Eco-luxury drives the future: Blacklane ME’s bold move ahead of COP28

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    In an ambitious stride towards sustainable luxury travel, Blacklane Middle East has announced a tenfold expansion of its all-electric fleet.
    The providers of premium global chauffeur services have unveiled first-class Mercedes EQS-SUVs in response to the region’s burgeoning demand for eco-friendly transportation.
    The move, strategically timed ahead of COP28, solidifies Blacklane ME’s commitment to green initiatives in the UAE.

    The regional expansion doesn’t stop at vehicles; it extends to the workforce with a noteworthy surge in female chauffeurs. Over 50% of the 120 chauffeurs completing the rigorous training at Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy are women, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.

    Dubai residents can now effortlessly book the new Mercedes-Benz EQS-SUVs through the app, offering both on-demand and scheduled rides.
    Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME, emphasized the company’s dedication to impeccable service standards, reflecting the high calibre of their offerings. “We are witnessing an exhilarating phase of expansion in our business with remarkable tenfold growth of our dedicated all-electric fleet since March 2023. The introduction of our newest fleet member, the Mercedes EQS-SUVs, directly reflects the high calibre of services that Blacklane ME is committed to delivering,” said Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME. “Our focus on maintaining the highest standards for our chauffeurs has been exceptionally well-received by the local residents, driving unprecedented progress in a market that values sustainability as much as we do,” Nicholas expressed.

    The UAE expansion, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, caters to both B2B and B2C customers, ensuring reliable and convenient transportation options. Notably, all Blacklane rides globally are now 100% carbon neutral, a pioneering move in the industry to offset emissions from every journey.
    Internationally, Blacklane operates in over 50 countries and recently expanded its City-to-City service to nearly 200 routes, with the Dubai – Abu Dhabi route becoming a local favorite. The company’s global revenues soared to a record €200 million in 2022, marking a year of strategic advancements.
    As Blacklane paves the way for the future of premium chauffeur services, its commitment to inspiring a better future and setting industry standards for climate protection stands as a testament to its mission and vision for discerning travelers worldwide.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Blacklane  More

  • in

    End of an era: Torsten Müller-Ötvös retires as Rolls-Royce CEO

    Emirates Man

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    After nearly 14 years at the helm, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, has announced his retirement.
    Müller-Ötvös, the marque’s longest-serving CEO since its inception, leaves behind a legacy of transformation and growth.
    Under his leadership, Rolls-Royce transitioned from being a pinnacle automotive manufacturer to a true luxury house. The company’s annual sales increased sixfold, bringing substantial economic benefits to the United Kingdom.
    Notably, Müller-Ötvös introduced the first all-electric Rolls-Royce in the marque’s 120-year history, paving the way for a fully electric Rolls-Royce product portfolio by the end of 2030.
    Müller-Ötvös’s tenure also saw the introduction of several new models, including the Rolls-Royce Wraith, Dawn, and Cullinan, the marque’s first-ever SUV. This year, Rolls-Royce is set to launch the Spectre, an ultra-luxury electric super coupé, further advancing its journey toward electric mobility.

    One of Müller-Ötvös’s significant achievements was redefining Bespoke craftsmanship at Rolls-Royce, ensuring that every vehicle leaving the company’s Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex, is tailor-made to the specific wishes of its owner.
    Furthermore, Müller-Ötvös’s strategic vision expanded the brand’s appeal, attracting a younger clientele, with the average age of a Rolls-Royce client now at just 43.
    His legacy extends beyond sales figures. Rolls-Royce under his leadership contributed significantly to the UK economy, employing over 2,500 individuals from more than 50 nationalities in West Sussex.
    Chris Brownridge, currently CEO of BMW UK, will succeed Müller-Ötvös on December 1, 2023. Brownridge brings nearly three decades of experience with the BMW Group and is poised to lead Rolls-Royce into its all-electric future.

    Chris Brownridge
    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    May’s – The Horology Issue with Blacklane

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    3 hours ago

    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotographer: Ziga MihelcicFashion Editor: Camille MacawiliMakeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMGModel: Kristina Stojanovic at MMG
    Welcome to The Horology Issue.
    In a society where everything is so fast-paced, time has become a precious commodity. From maximizing your time to spending it wisely and saving it – the focus on time has never been more important.
    For the cover, we have partnered with Blacklane, a luxury brand synonymous with a top-tier approach to saving time, with a dedicated team of professional Academy-trained chauffeurs that allow you to maximise your travel time.
    We also focus on the timeless craft of watchmaking in this issue from an edit of the most outstanding novelties at the annual Watches and Wonders in Geneva in The Watch Addict, to discussing the art of watch collecting with Melika Yazdjerdi, Co-founder of Perpétuel and Ashfields Consultancies in Time to Begin. Private Label London tell us how the secure impossible-to-find pieces in A Rare Breed, and Christie’s Remy Julia discusses the art of the watch auction process in Timeless Investments.

    Beauty and lifestyle wise, we compile an edit of anti-aging products that deliver results in Turn Back Time, we look at innovative designs that make the best long-term investment pieces in The Pad, and we ask some of the most incredible women we know how they optimise time and what wisdom time has brought to their lives in Priceless Time.
    Time is precious, spend it wisely.
    The Hero Buys

    May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    Elevate Your Ride with Blacklane’s premium Chauffeur service in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    31 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Introducing a seamless, stress-free, and eco-conscious chauffeur service in Dubai.
    Blacklane is a combined concept of stress-free and sustainable travel that allows fast-paced travellers to move through the city seamlessly – and save the planet one ride at a time. Currently operating in more than 50 countries globally, Blacklane is the leading chauffeur-hailing service offering a premium experience with sustainability in mind. Providing a comfortable ride experience, passengers can enjoy the journey with its ventilated seats, in-chair massage, and ambient cabin lighting, creating an oasis of calm – which is all a tap away.
    This month sees Blacklane’s first-of its-kind launch in the region of an all-electric fleet of customised, top-of-the-range Mercedes EQs, captained by impeccably dressed male and female chauffeurs that provide the highest standards of service, safety, etiquette, and discretion.
    “As part of our commitment to the environment, we are proud to offer an all-electric fleet, which will dramatically reduce carbon emissions […] a step forward towards a more sustainable future,” says Nicolas Soucailler, General Manager.

    The electric vehicle rollout bolsters Blacklane’s already impressive eco-credentials that align with the United Arab Emirates Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and supports the UAE’s announcement to declare 2023 as the year of sustainability. One of out of the many service highlights of Blacklane includes transparent fixed pricing at the time of booking for short trips and inter-emirate journeys, with a 15-minute complimentary wait time. Guests have the option of booking rides on-demand or using the pre-booked option with a minimum wait time of 60-minutes. These updates are just the beginning and there is more to come.
    “We are strategically investing in the important Middle East market as a test bed to introduce new offerings which will diversify our business model and allow us to expand and open new markets,” says Dr Jens Wholtorf, Co-Founder and CEO of Blacklane.
    April’s – The Elevate Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    ‘Not to be missed’: Region’s largest Porsche showcase to take place in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    18 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: The Middle East’s largest Porsche showcase is set to take place in Dubai at the end of November.
    Icons of Porsche will return to the Dubai Design District for its second-ever instalment following its hugely successful launch last year.
    Just like its 2021 inaugural event, the two-day Porsche extravaganza will showcase the largest gathering of Porsches in the region, with a huge turnout expected, surpassing the 7,000 visitors from last year.
    This year in d3, Icons of Porsche will take visitors on a safari-themed journey to celebrate Porsche’s rallying heritage, as well as spotlighting the passionate Porsche community in this region.

    Amongst its expansive 17,000 square-metre venue, Porsche enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a host of experiences including a huge showcase of classic Porsche cars, entertainment acts from across the region, art installations from renowned artists and a host of F&B vendors.
    It’s a spectacle which, as described by Porsche Middle East’s CEO Dr Manfred Bräunl, that is “not to be missed”.
    “The safari theme for this year’s event will deliver a lot of exciting moments and engaging experiences,” he said. “Attendees can expect to see some famous Porsche vehicles from throughout our rich history, with pedigree and success off-road as well as on the race track.
    “We are planning to deliver a calendar event that is not to be missed. It will be the ultimate platform to experience classic car nostalgia in connection with art, culture and the community.”
    As part of this experience, the two-day festival will feature five zones, each with its own theme, immersing each visitor into what the Porsche heritage represents.

    The Adventure Camp will showcase the adventurous side of Porsche; Community Village will encourage attendees to embrace the lifestyle of the heritage car brand; Design Factory will be a hub for the artistry behind the classic cars; Electric Field will act as a zone for the thrill-seekers with a passion for speed; and finally Art Valley will showcase a number of unique artworks from renowned international and local artists who have been inspired by Porsche.
    It doesn’t end there, Icons of Porsche will also mark several key milestones of the German automobile manufacturer throughout its history including 20 years of its first SUV model, the Porsche Cayenne, as well as 50 years of Porsche design. Seventy years of Porsche clubs will also be celebrated, with the festival acting as a meeting place for Porsche Clubs in this region.
    The 2022 Icons of Porsche is certainly one not to be missed.

    Register for the two-day festival free of charge at iconsofporsche.com and follow the #IconsofPorsche hashtag on social media.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More