From made-to-measure to motorsport, explore five luxury gift ideas for him.
Men can be easy to please, but not easy to shop for. For the man who already has everything (or needs very little), the best gifts add precision rather than noise: a sharper fit, a better bottle, a weekend that doesn’t need explaining. Whether it’s your partner, your father or a friend, these five gift ideas favour substance over surplus. Understated and built to last – this is luxury that speaks his language.
A Collector’s Watch or Timepiece Accessory
A mark of legacy on the wrist, a watch is a gift that lasts a lifetime – and one that often sees its way through generations. A truly coveted dress watch worthy of gifting is F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu. Independent and uncompromising, François-Paul Journe crafts every component in-house, down to the hairspring. The Bleu is his most minimalist creation: a rich, reflective dial set in blue-grey tantalum – a rare, corrosion-resistant metal. Its limited production and classical design have made it a cult favourite among collectors.
For something more fashion-forward, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is timeless for a reason. Designed overnight by Gérald Genta and launched in 1972, it marked a radical break from traditional gold dress watches, with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet. It’s thin, comfortable and as unmistakable as it has always been.
A purist’s choice, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 is a faithful reissue of the 1977 original and a subtle nod to the golden age of horological design. Less mainstream than the Royal Oak, the 222 offers the same integrated bracelet and sharp tonneau case, but with a distinct, sporty modernity. It’s a piece that speaks to history: Vacheron has been continuously crafting timepieces since 1755.
Well-regarded entry-level luxury watches include the Tudor Black Bay and the classic Rolex Submariner. For a quieter, more casual gesture, consider a bespoke watch strap in alligator or calfskin from Jean Rousseau.
An Exclusive Concierge Membership
A thoughtful gift for the man who doesn’t like asking for help, a concierge membership brings elevated ease to the everyday. In the UAE, trusted names like Quintessentially, The Fixer and Knightsbridge Circle offer personalised lifestyle assistance that ranges from the practical to the extraordinary: last-minute travel plans handled with precision, tickets booked before they’re released, rare items sourced and delivered without fuss.
This is luxury at its most understated – not something you see, but something he will feel in the flow of daily life.
A Rare Whisky, Cognac, or Vintage Spirit
Some gifts are best poured slowly. Whether whisky, cognac, or wine, a fine bottle is one that lingers in memory long after the final glass. For whisky devotees, Suntory’s Yamazaki 18 remains one of Japan’s most cherished single malts. Aged in a combination of American, Spanish, and rare Mizunara oak, it has notes of dark cherry and incense with a faint trace of smoke – a genuine masterpiece from the country’s oldest malt distillery. With limited production and soaring global demand, Yamazaki 18 is increasingly hard to find, but select bottles can still be sourced through Le Clos in Dubai.
From Scotland, there’s The Macallan 30 Sherry Oak single malt. This mahogany-hued scotch matures in hand-selected Oloroso casks from Jerez, building deep complexity with notes of dried fruit and wood spice. Macallan released just 2,222 bottles of the 30 Sherry Oak, making it a collector’s prize as much as a celebratory pour.
If the gesture calls for something silkier and perhaps more romantic, reach for Hennessy Paradis. A blend of over 100 eaux-de-vie, some aged for up to a century, Paradis is floral and spicy with an enduring finish. When bottled as part of a collaboration, like the recent Paradis x Loewe edition, it becomes both drink and objet d’art in one. A more traditional choice, Rémy Martin Centaure de Diamant is about as refined as a pour of cognac gets, crafted exclusively from Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie.
Motorsport Experiences
Not all luxury gifts fit in boxes – sometimes, they’re heard in the growl of an engine. For the man who measures wealth in experience, not accumulation, the UAE is brimming with high-adrenaline motor pursuits. The crown jewel is Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, home of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Beyond spectating, he can take the wheel of an Aston Martin GT4, push the limits in a Formula Yas 3000, or ride shotgun with a professional driver on the track. To make a full weekend of it, check into W Abu Dhabi – the only hotel in the world built directly over an F1 circuit. It offers front-row views and has world-class amenities, including the award-winning AWAY Spa.
For something more off-grid and understated, the Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival is motorsport at its most local and cinematic. Watch 4x4s race up one of the world’s tallest sand dunes by day, then retreat to a private camp under the stars by night. Nearby, the Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa resort elevates the experience with sandstone villas, private plunge pools, and a horizon untouched by anything but dunes and sky.
A Made-To-Measure Suit
The embodiment of quiet luxury, a good suit is an investment in confidence and quality. Worn properly, it sharpens presence, signals intention and does what true luxury should: removes the need to say anything at all. In Dubai, Zegna – a century-old house with its own fabric mills in northern Italy – offers made-to-measure suits through its Su Misura service. Expect fluid silhouettes, meticulous handwork, and access to one of the most sophisticated cloth libraries in the world. Brioni, the Roman tailoring house favoured among Hollywood elite, is another excellent choice, renowned for its hand-finished construction, lightweight canvassing, and signature soft-shouldered silhouette.
Those looking beyond the big houses will find Ascot & Chapels, a Savile Row staple now well-established in DIFC. Here, traditional British tailoring is updated with modern precision: clean cuts, strong shoulders, and service that’s sincerely personal. Meanwhile, Dubai-based tailor Benjamin Siggers brings a progressive, sustainable edge to made-to-measure, crafting suits with organic, traceable materials, proving that style and responsibility can go hand in hand.
From the first fitting to the final buttonhole, the experience is personal, deliberate, and lasting – exactly what a meaningful gift should be.
