Rolls-Royce has long stood as the ultimate symbol of automotive luxury, but increasingly, exclusivity is no longer just about price. Today’s high-end clientele demand truly unique, often unattainable creations—and the Phantom Arabesque exemplifies this trend. Commissioned through Rolls-Royce’s Dubai Private Office, the Phantom Arabesque is the first car ever produced with a laser-etched hood, pushing the boundaries of automotive craftsmanship.
The Art of Laser Engraving
This isn’t a simple aftermarket modification. Rolls-Royce spent five years developing the laser engraving technique, ensuring it would be both visually striking and structurally sound. The process starts with layering dark and clear paints, followed by a lighter top coat to create sufficient depth for the engraving. The resulting Mashrabiya pattern is carved to a depth of just 145–190 microns, demonstrating an extreme level of precision.
Why does this matter? The Mashrabiya pattern isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a key element of Middle Eastern architecture, known for providing privacy, regulating light, and allowing airflow. Rolls-Royce’s use of this design acknowledges cultural roots while maintaining the brand’s identity.
Exterior Details
The Phantom Arabesque is further distinguished by its two-tone exterior: Diamond Black lower bodywork paired with Silver upper surfaces. A hand-painted coachline and an illuminated Dark Chrome grille add further luxury touches. The car also features polished 22-inch wheels, completing the exterior statement.
Interior Refinement
The bespoke touches continue inside. The dashboard centerpiece is crafted from Blackwood and Black Bolivar wood, mirroring the hood’s Mashrabiya pattern. Selby Grey and black leather, with black seat piping, carpets, and embroidered motifs on the headrests, finish the cabin.
“Mashrabiya is one of the Middle East’s best-known and most enduring design languages,” said Michelle Lusby, bespoke lead designer at Rolls-Royce’s Dubai Private Office. “For Phantom Arabesque, we were inspired not only by its beauty but also by the privacy, light, and airflow it creates. Our aim was to interpret these qualities in ways that feel both culturally rooted and unmistakably Rolls-Royce.”
The Phantom Arabesque isn’t just a car; it’s a statement of wealth, exclusivity, and cultural appreciation. As ultra-luxury brands continue to cater to the world’s elite, expect to see even more personalized and extravagant creations pushing the limits of automotive design.
