100 Years of Aston Martin

Centenary Spectacular

Celebrating the centenary of Aston Martin, one of the world's most iconic brands deserves something special. We had a year long programme of events planned around the world, but we wanted a spectacular event which showed Aston Martin as it stands today, a global automotive icon.

We looked around for a building which matched the exquisite design, expert craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology we include in every one of our cars. A building to serve as the location for our Centenary spectacular, we found it in Dubai.

An Iconic Building

Rising from the sea the Burj Al Arab hotel is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Instantly recognisable and lauded for its design, the Burj Al Arab dominates the skyline of Dubai.

Over 1,000ft in the air sits the hotel's helipad. Made famous in 2004 when Tiger Woods completed a practice round there, and further immortalised when it hosted an Agassi, Federer tennis match. People on a helipad is impressive, but not as impressive as a car. We decided to create a world's first - take an Aston Martin to the Burj Al Arab helipad.

Perfect Preparation

Months of planning was required to ensure a successful event. Finding the most skillful helicopter crew, preparing the location, practicing the meticulous level of accuracy to achieve a perfect placement.

The New Vanquish, the culmination of a century of technological and engineering progress was chosen to grace the helipad. With support from our new Dubai dealership, the UAE government and the British ambassador the excitement was building. A date was set, 17th January 2013, just two days after the exact date marking 100 years of Aston Martin.

Stunning Execution

As the world's media assembled at the base of the Burj Al Arab, the event was underway. Lifted from the ground at a nearby airstrip the helicopter moved towards the hotel. A breathtaking two minutes saw the helicopter hover over the helipad as a crew scrambled to secure the Vanquish. Suddenly it was done, the helicopter lifted into the sky and we had successfully placed a car on top of the Burj Al Arab.

Met by UAE dignitaries, the British Amabassador to UAE Dominic Jermey and Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez Vanquish glistened in the Dubai sunlight. A fitting backdrop as Dr Bez announced the start of Aston Martin's second century from the top of a global icon.

Dramatic Footage

Addressing the media from a joint press conference on the ground Dr Bez expanded on the importance of Aston Martin as a global brand and its ambition to grow within the Middle East.

The work didn't stop there. Such a stunning event had produced some dramatic footage. The world needed to see it. Quickly released to the world on YouTube the film as already become one of the most viewed in Aston Martin's history...

A Celebratory Evening

A gala evening event ensured our guests and local dignitaries continued to celebrate this special occasion. With the iconic Burj Al Arab lit up with the Aston Martin wings, this exceptional Centenary spectacular served as a fitting tribute to 100 years of Aston Martin Power, Beauty, Soul.