If you’re a fan of futuristic gadgets, gismos and technical wizardry then don’t miss the Big Boys Toys luxury, innovations and technology expo at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from November 23 to 26.
Now in its seventh year, BBT draws international designers and manufacturers who wow the crowds with products in categories that include Drive, Ride, Off-Road, Marine, Aviation, Adventure, Wellness, Fashion, Lifestyle and Digital.
This year sees more than 250 companies from 42 countries showcasing luxury products with a combined worth of more than Dh1.6 billion. From the latest must-have James Bond-style gadgetry to exotic supercars, limited-edition furniture (such as humidors with a price tag from Dh36,000), expect to see some of the world’s newest, rarest and most unique innovations on show.
Here’s our suggestion of the top things to see and do at this year’s BBT:
Big Boys Toys is at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 2pm to 9pm on November 23 (for Club Royale patrons, invitations and trade only); and from 12pm to 10pm for general public on November 24, 25 and 26. Ticket prices start from Dh300. See www.bbt2016.com.
Robots in disguise
Get set for a real-life Transfomers experience in the shape of Letrons, which claims to be the world’s first life-sized robot that transforms into a car. Designed and built by Turkish company Letvision, Antimon is the first model in the Letrons robot series and is based on a sporty BMW M3. Add in 48 different joint movements – including kinetic fingers, arm and wrist movements – and Letrons transforms seamlessly via remote control from car to robot in 30 seconds.
The conversion sees the car’s side panels extend outwards before a hydraulic control system lifts the chassis up on legs. Unlike its 1980s toy inspirations this prototype cannot walk or be driven on the road.
However, its designers have hinted that walking functionality along with making Letrons road-legal in car mode are future possibilities.
Blaze of glory
Racing fans who were captivated by Marine Turbine Technologies’ legendary Y2K Turbine Superbike (recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s fastest and most expensive production motorcycle) are in for a treat because MTT will be showing off its latest superbike. Say hello to the 420RR, the world’s fastest street-legal production bike.
Powered by a Rolls-Royce 250 C-20B turbine engine which runs on a potent mixture of diesel and kerosene, the MTT 420RR is pure unadulterated speed on two wheels. Tech-savvy boffins will appreciate standout features including new Ohlin adjustable shocks, ISR brakes and levers, new-generation carbon-fibre body panels and fuel tank and SmartStart computerised ignition.
Expect an upgraded transmission, carbon-fibre wheels and a steering stabiliser installed to accommodate higher speeds.
The end result? A bike that comes with a 402+kph money-back guarantee – perfect for fearless speedsters who want to burn some serious rubber.
Wrist wear fit for royalty
If you own a Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini or McLaren, then chances are you like to keep the key to that car on something showier than a plain key fob.
Senturion claims to be the world’s only creator of bespoke luxury wrist wear that is capable of synchronising with elite cars. Essentially a high-tech key to your supercar that’s worn on your wrist, technical experts can integrate the existing encrypted security system into your Senturion wrist wear making it fully compatible with your vehicle.
Each edition in the collection is crafted from rare materials including precious stones, gold and 4 billion-year-old meteorite. Expect to see the Senturion “Tsar” edition on display at BBT, handcrafted from platinum, flawless diamonds, leather and titanium. With just seven of these sleek pieces produced, they have a price tag in excess of Dh420,000.
Ultimate quick getaway
Need a private jet that’s compact enough to fit in the garage next to your car? Indulge your James Bond fantasies with the Flaris LAR 1. Manufactured by Metal-Master in Poland this high-tech, lightweight jet claims to be the world’s smallest and fastest single-engine plane, capable of taking off from and landing on very short, grass runways.
Its manufacturers also lay claim to Flaris LAR 1 being the world’s safest business jet aircraft equipped with a unique parachute system.
Boasting advanced propulsion, exceptional aerodynamics and a glass cockpit fitted with sophisticated avionics and a cutting-edge autopilot system, Flaris LAR 1 requires only one pilot. Its green credentials are impressive too: maximum efficiency and economy of aircraft help to reduce emissions and ensure low fuel consumption.
Sonic sculptures
With 3-D printed objects currently the tech du jour, Monad Studio is set to impress music fans with its collection of fully functional 3-D printed musical instruments.
The art and architecture design firm, based in the United States, has crafted a range of instruments that not only sound beautiful, but look unlike anything you’ve seen before. Blurring the boundaries between sound and art, these futuristic sonic sculptures blend digital craft with form and playability.
The end result is a space age-looking collection of 3-D printed instruments including a two-string piezoelectric violin, a one-string electric travel bass guitar, a one-string piezoelectric monovioloncello and a small didgeridoo.
According to Monad Studio’s founders Eric Goldemberg and Veronica Zalcberg, the ecosystem that surrounds their studio in Miami, Florida, helps to provide the inspiration for their instruments’ unique and show-stopping designs.
Virtual-reality fitness
Bored by monotonous surroundings while you’re working out in the gym? Allow virtual reality (VR) engineering company, Holodia, to add pizzazz to your workout.
Winner of the 2016 Laval Virtual Prize for World’s Best Virtual Reality Sports Company, Holodia is taking the fitness industry by storm with its VR fitness software platform, Holofit. The technology aims to bring the fun into indoor fitness with interactive and immersive multisport VR solutions.
Try Holofit for yourself at Big Boys Toys and experience rowing through Ancient Babylon, navigating icebergs in Antarctica or flying around the rings of Saturn – all within a gym environment. Compete with friends at the gym, online or with others in a gym class, as well as track and improve your progress.
The software promises to transform indoor fitness into an exciting, fun and fantastical journey.
One for the ladies
For the first time at BBT there will also be the chance to experience lifestyle brands, products and services specifically for women.
With ladies making up about 40 per cent of visitors to the show, this year they can enjoy a tailored shopping experience spanning fashion, jewellery, beauty, travel, interiors, lifestyle and wellness.
Expect to see upscale couturier Shaira Fashion Boutique, designer Kubra Al Qaseer (a sought-after name in traditional fashion for Arab women) and luxury jeweller Jacob Albee, Theodoros and Sadaff Jewellery.
Adding to the line-up is Miaim miniatures, creators of modernistic furniture for premium doll’s houses; Blinga Design, which specialises in the process known as “strassing” – customising designer shoes and handbags with Swarovski crystals – and Mounia Paris, renowned for exquisite hand-painted bottles and niche perfumes.
Look out for
Don’t miss the Khalifa Boat, complete with supercar features, created by Nasser Al Marzouki, as well as the global launch of the world’s fastest supercar by C-10. Fancy getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari or a Lamborghini? More than 50 supercars will be at the Supercar Test Drive Pit. For your chance to feel the power, tand excitement of being in the driver’s seat you’ll need to be at least 25 years old and show your UAE driving licence or international licence valid in the UAE.
