Damas x INFINITI QX80: When Automotive Tech Meets Fine Jewellery

Listen: Damas x INFINITI QX80 When Automotive Tech Meets Fine Jewellery

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If there is one thing Dubai does better than anywhere else, it is taking something already luxurious and adding a layer of sparkle to it just because we can. Arabian Automobiles and Damas Jewellery have teamed up to drop a very limited edition Infiniti QX80 to celebrate the UAE’s 54th National Day.

This isn't just a badge-swap job. We are talking about a dashboard that costs more than most people's entire wardrobe. With only seven units in existence, this collaboration between two local heavyweights—Arabian Automobiles (AWR) and Damas—is aiming for collectors who think a standard luxury SUV is a bit too "pedestrian."

The Intersection of Automotive Excellence and Fine Jewellery

Collaborations between car manufacturers and fashion houses are nothing new, but sticking actual fine jewellery onto the dashboard is a distinctively regional flex. This partnership merges the engineering of the QX80 with the craftsmanship of Damas, one of the region's most prominent jewellers.

• Partnership: A collaboration between Arabian Automobiles (AWR) and Damas Jewellery.
• Concept: Merging "automotive innovation" with "fine jewellery craftsmanship."
• Launch: Officially unveiled by Hussam Baghdadi (AWR) and Ananthanarayanan Hariharan (Damas).

This project goes a bit deeper than a marketing stunt. According to Entrepreneur, the collaboration is framed as a tribute to the UAE's "boundless ambition." It essentially allows the car to serve as a mobile display case for Damas's artisans, moving the luxury experience from the driver's wrist or neck directly to the vehicle's interior command centre.

Quick Summary: What is the Damas Infiniti QX80 Limited Edition?

This is a specialized version of the flagship QX80, tweaked visually and materially to honour the UAE's 54th anniversary. It is not a new model year, but a highly specific collector's trim.

• Production Run: Strictly limited to seven vehicles.
• Base Model: The current generation INFINITI QX80.
• Availability: Exclusive to Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates via AWR.

The exclusivity is the main selling point here. As noted by Observer Dubai, this edition is "more than a commemorative release; it is a statement of pride." Owning one of these means you have 1 of only 7 in the world, which generally helps with residual value—assuming you don't scratch the diamonds.

Design Philosophy: A Tribute to UAE Heritage

The design team didn't just throw glitter at the dashboard and call it a day. The aesthetic is rooted in the history of the Emirates, specifically the night the union was formed.

The Significance of the Seven Constellations

The central theme revolves around the night sky of 2 December 1971. The design incorporates a precision-mapped star design representing the constellations visible over the UAE on that historic night. It is a subtle nod to navigation and heritage, fitting for a vehicle designed to cross deserts.

Integrating the Damas Identity into the Infiniti QX80

Damas brought their jewellery making techniques into the automotive assembly process. As detailed on their official site, the goal was to redefine personalization. The integration feels organic rather than tacked on, with the jewellery elements serving as a focal point in the cabin without hindering the functionality of the tech behind it.

Detailed Material Breakdown: Inside the Cabin

Here is where the money went. The interior of this QX80 differentiates itself through materials you usually find in a safe, not a glovebox.

White Gold and Black Rhodium Plating Accents

The centrepiece is a custom bezel. According to Retail Jeweller ME, the piece features a 9-karat white gold bezel. This frames the star design, which sits on a custom silver base treated with black rhodium plating. The black rhodium gives it a sleek, modern look that contrasts sharply with the white gold, preventing it from looking too gaudy.

Usage of Semi-Precious Stones and Custom Stitching

You can't have a Damas collaboration without stones. The dashboard piece is set with 38 lab-grown diamonds.

• Stone Count: 38 Lab-grown diamonds.
• Setting: Precision-mapped star design.
• Craftsmanship: Hand-crafted by Damas artisans.

While some purists might argue for natural stones, lab-grown diamonds offer clarity and durability—traits explicitly mentioned in the press materials as reflecting the "UAE’s ever-rising spirit." Plus, they are less likely to carry conflict baggage, which is always a plus for a National Day tribute.

Performance and Technical Specifications

Underneath the jewellery store interior, this is still a beast of an SUV.

Engine Capabilities and Handling

The press release doesn't mention mechanical upgrades, so we can assume it retains the standard QX80 powertrain. That means a potent V8 engine (or the newer twin-turbo V6 depending on the specific 2025 spec sheet used for the base) capable of hauling the family and the gold comfortably. It focuses on comfort and presence rather than track times.

How It Differs from the Standard Infiniti Qx60 and QX80

While the Infiniti Qx60 is a crossover built for school runs and grocery getting, the QX80 is a body-on-frame tank designed to rival the Land Cruiser. The Damas edition takes the standard QX80's "Sensory" or "Autograph" trim levels and pushes them into bespoke territory. You get the same towing capacity and off-road capability, just with a much higher anxiety level if you spill coffee on the dash.

Comparison Table: Damas Edition vs. Luxury Competitors

Buying vs. Renting: Navigating the Luxury Market

Getting your hands on one of these seven units will be a battle of connections and speed.

Availability and Pricing Transparency

The vehicle is available for viewing at the INFINITI showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road throughout December 2025. Pricing hasn't been publicised, which usually means "if you have to ask, you can't afford it."

Alternative Options: Alfa Romeo and Car Rentals

If you miss out on the Damas edition (which is likely), you have options. For those wanting Italian flair rather than diamonds, you might look at Alfa Romeo, specifically the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, though it lacks the sheer size of the QX80.

Using Selfdrive Mobility for High-End SUV Access

Not ready to drop half a million dirhams on a car? The smart money in Dubai often moves to Car Rentals. Platforms like Selfdrive Mobility allow you to rent high-end SUVs (including standard QX80s) for a month or a year. It’s a practical way to look the part for National Day without committing to a 5-year loan on a vehicle that has literal diamonds glued to it.

Expert Analysis: The Value Proposition of Automotive Collaborations

Is this car worth the premium? From a collector's standpoint, yes. Limited edition vehicles specific to the UAE market tend to hold value well locally. The addition of verified materials from Damas adds intrinsic value beyond just the badge. However, for the average driver, the standard QX80 offers 99% of the experience for significantly less cash. This is a trophy, not a daily driver.

Conclusion: Is the Damas Infiniti QX80 the Ultimate Collector's Item?

The 54th UAE National Day Edition INFINITI QX80 is a masterclass in localized marketing. It hits all the right notes for the Dubai market: exclusivity, heritage, and bling. While 38 diamonds on a dashboard might seem excessive to the rest of the world, in the UAE, it fits right in. If you are one of the lucky seven to secure one, you own a piece of history. For the rest of us, it’s a cool thing to look at on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Infiniti Damas Collaboration

Q: How many Damas Infiniti QX80s are being made?
A: Only seven units will be produced, symbolizing the seven Emirates of the UAE.

Q: Are the diamonds in the car real?
A: Yes, the dashboard piece features 38 lab-grown diamonds set in a 9-karat white gold bezel.

Q: Does the Damas edition have a different engine?
A: No, the mechanical specifications remain consistent with the high-performance standard QX80; the upgrades are purely aesthetic and material.

Q: Where can I buy the Damas Infiniti QX80?
A: It is available exclusively through Arabian Automobiles in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, specifically at the Sheikh Zayed Road showroom.

Q: Is the jewellery removable?
A: The press release describes it as a dashboard piece; typically, these are integrated into the vehicle's trim to prevent theft and ensure safety, so don't plan on wearing it to dinner.

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