What do Rich Arabs do in London?
Many Arabs are making their way into British society, and little by little, they are changing their norms.
Muslims of higher education and higher remuneration, such as the 300,000 Middle Eastern Arabs residing in London, do not live in segregated communities and are well integrated into society.
According to NGO Oxfam, Arabs make up the one percent of humanity boasting as much wealth as the remaining 99% of the planet. This new global elite is displacing traditional English aristocracy and the opulent classes of all life.
If you take a look at the census of the Mayfair neighbourhood, famous for being the most expensive square on London’s Monopoly board, 60% of its 5,100 residents are Arab and Russian.
Image: Camerawalker
Many Arabs in London are young princes or sultans who bring their luxury cars from the Gulf, usually coinciding with the holidays or religious festivities. Some of the richest men from Arab countries, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, pay around £20,000 to Qatar Airways for their luxury cars to be shipped to London for just a few weeks. Most of these luxury cars are displayed on the London street of Knightsbridge, attracting the attention of tourists and lovers of motoring.
Taking photos with those luxury cars has become a hobby for some. These kinds of cars range from Lamborghini Aventadors (£345,000), blue Ferrari 458 Italias (£184,000), gold-plated Range Rovers, or Bugattis with Swarovski crystals. The drivers go around and around until three in the morning, with the engine revving past. They attract the curious— but also the police, who usually fine them.
They spend a few weeks in London, burning wheels, before flying back.
Image: Loco Steve
When it comes to food, the go-to restaurants are typically Novikov, Hakkasan, C-London, Zuma, Veeraswamy, with many of them boasting Michelin stars. These restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines from Italian, European, Chinese, Japanese to Indian.
Mostly found in and around Mayfair and Knightsbridge, hotels with good afternoon tea for meeting with friends is essential. Women usually gather with friends and other family members and talk over tea and warm scones. Top picks include Claridge’s 5-star hotel, The Dorchester, The Wolseley, JW Marriott Grosvenor House and the Berkeley Hotel.
Image: FineDining Indian
London also attracts wealthy Arab businesswomen because it is the paradise of luxury shopping.
Merchants of Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street hire female staff members who speak Arabic during the month of Ramadan for their Middle Eastern clients, especially Qatari’s who spend an average of £1,432 per transaction. Harrods and Selfridges are at the top of the list with their extravagant fashion collection and sales.
But what do Arabs think about the stereotypes surrounding them? Have a listen below.
London is a city of opportunity and tranquility for the rich. Arab billionaires, Russian oligarchs and various bankers all have homes here. Along with the ease of communication, it’s a very multicultural and diverse city.
Words: Duha Ali | Subbing: Taylor Paatalo