Ferrari commemorates its three-decade legacy in the Middle East with the unveiling of six exclusive, bespoke 296 GTBs, each reflecting the rich heritage of the Gulf nations through unparalleled design and craftsmanship.
A Tribute to the Gulf Nations
Ferrari celebrated a monumental 30 years in the Middle East with a lavish unveiling of six custom Ferrari 296 GTBs at the prestigious Casa Ferrari event in Abu Dhabi. The occasion, coinciding with the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix weekend (6th to 8th December 2024), marked a significant milestone for the luxury automotive brand, renowned for its engineering excellence and innovation.
The cars were designed to honor the six Gulf nations—United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Each model is a work of art, meticulously tailored by Ferrari’s Special Equipment team within the Colour & Trim departments, showcasing distinctive color configurations and interior treatments that reflect the spirit and unique identity of each country.
Distinctive Aesthetic Masterpieces
The six 296 GTBs feature a striking palette of metallic colors, each chosen to represent a Gulf nation’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): A pearlescent white with a subtle shimmer, inspired by the country’s deep-rooted connection to pearl diving and the Arabian Gulf.
Saudi Arabia: Vibrant emerald green, reflecting the lush beauty of its oases and symbolizing growth, resilience, and the flourishing desert landscapes.
Kuwait: Metallic brown that captures the country’s vast desert landscapes, conveying warmth, strength, and timeless elegance.
Qatar: A deep, bold maroon, symbolizing strength, pride, and the enduring spirit of its people, inspired by the nation’s history and culture.
Bahrain: A metallic black, flecked with gold, inspired by the island’s mysterious and enchanting nightscape, paying tribute to the elegance of starlit evenings.
Oman: A rich, deep metallic blue, evoking the tranquil beauty of Oman’s seas and coastline, symbolizing serenity, depth, and natural allure.
Additionally, the innovative matte color “Arabian Golden Sheen,” never before used by Ferrari, adorns the roof, rims, and spoiler of each car. The color reflects the play of sunlight on desert sands and is applied as a finishing touch on the engine cover, where the name of each country is elegantly inscribed in Arabic calligraphy.
Luxury in Every Detail
Inside, the bespoke Ferrari 296 GTBs continue to exude opulence and innovation. The interior features a luxurious combination of Beige Honolulu leather and Gold Metallic leather, carefully selected to enhance the cars’ regal aesthetic. The diamond-stitched design on the seats and lower door panels adds a sporty yet sophisticated touch, further elevating the car’s bespoke character.
For the first time ever on the 296 GTB, Ferrari has introduced Gold Metallic leather with a translucent, radiant quality, applied to the seat inserts and central tunnel carpets. The front luggage compartment, typically utilitarian, has been upholstered in leather for the first time, underscoring Ferrari’s commitment to luxurious detail in every aspect of the car.
As a final touch of exclusivity, the Prancing Horse emblem and Ferrari logo on the headrests have been embroidered using a special glossy gold thread, providing a metallic effect that enhances the car’s overall elegance. The central gearshift gate is finished in satin gold plating, a reminder of the unparalleled craftsmanship that has gone into every element of these six extraordinary vehicles.
Exclusive Maranello Clutches
To further commemorate the anniversary, Ferrari has crafted six one-of-a-kind Maranello clutches, each designed to mirror the unique liveries of the six special edition 296 GTBs. These exquisite minaudières are inspired by Ferrari’s iconic car silhouettes, blending automotive design language with luxury fashion.
The clutch is made using the same artisanal techniques employed in Ferrari’s Maranello factory, where the cars are designed and assembled. Each clutch is lacquered in the same colors as the corresponding car, with an ultra-suede lining and a removable strap for versatility. A plaque engraved with the Ferrari logo adds an additional touch of exclusivity to this highly coveted accessory.
The clutches come in the following colors:
- Kuwait: Brown Sand
- Oman: Blue Waters
- UAE: Pearl White
- Bahrain: Night Sky
- Qatar: Maroon
- Saudi Arabia: Emerald Green
Celebrating a Legacy
Giorgio Turri, General Manager of Ferrari Middle East, reflected on the brand’s 30-year journey in the region: “As we celebrate three decades of our presence in the Middle East the outstanding six one-of-a-kind, highly customized 296 GTBs pay homage to the Gulf Nations, where we are so very proud to have forged strong connections and garnered such appreciation and passion. Every element of these cars has been designed taking inspiration from the six Gulf Countries, appreciating their unique spirit and personality. This creation serves to strengthen our bond with clients in the region, fostering an emotional connection to those that call the Middle East home.”
Ferrari’s Casa Ferrari event, held annually during the Abu Dhabi F1 GP weekend, once again provided a luxurious haven for the local Ferraristi community. The event’s villa-inspired design—echoing the concept of “Casa,” meaning home in Italian—served as a perfect setting to showcase Ferrari’s heritage and craftsmanship.
