Dh13 million G-Wagon covered in diamond dust takes centre stage at Abu Dhabi exhibition
One-off Mercedes-AMG G 63 features a roof requiring more than 3,000 hours of craftsmanship
ABU DHABI – A Dh13 million Mercedes G-Wagon covered in diamond dust has become one of the most striking attractions at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026.
The one-off Mercedes-AMG G 63, created by Polish luxury vehicle customiser Carlex, draws its design inspiration from the Arabian horse and features gold-plated elements and a sculpted roof. Alongside it, Carlex is showcasing a Dh4.7 million safari-themed G-Wagon, with both vehicles reflecting the company's focus on highly individualised collector cars.
Carlex is participating in ADIHEX from 28 August to 6 September at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, presenting three projects connected to its collector vehicle collection. The centrepiece is the world premiere of the Carlex One of One Stallion, while the Safari Grande Royal is making its Middle East debut. The company is also offering a private preview of its forthcoming One of One Viking project.
The exhibition, held under the theme ‘A Legacy of Pride’, brings together falconry, hunting, equestrian pursuits, craftsmanship, outdoor activities and heritage. For Carlex, the setting also marks another chapter in its relationship with the Middle East, following the opening of its permanent Dubai showroom earlier this year.
Arabian inspiration
The One of One Stallion is based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and takes its inspiration from Pogrom, a purebred Arabian champion associated with the renowned Janow Podlaski Stud. Carlex has translated the horse theme into the vehicle's proportions, engraved surfaces and handcrafted details, with the roof becoming its most distinctive feature.
Rather than using a conventional painted finish, Carlex created a textured and sculpted roof through a specialised engraving process. The company says the finishing process incorporates seven layers of hand-brushing and seven layers of diamond dust. Around 3kg of diamond dust is used in the vehicle, while gold-plated details add another element to its exterior treatment.
Constantinos Zertalis, CEO of Carlex's MENA operation, said the diamond dust is incorporated into the automotive finish using a patented method developed by the company. The hand-brushing process is also patented. As the vehicle is viewed from different angles, the textured roof catches the light in changing ways, creating a tactile finish across the sculpted surface.
The craftsmanship extends into the cabin, which features top-grade leather and handcrafted elements continuing the Arabian horse theme. The entire vehicle takes about six months to produce, while the roof alone requires more than 3,000 hours of work.
Carlex says the Stallion will be produced only once. It follows the path of the company's earlier One of One G-Falcon, another bespoke creation that took four years to complete and later became associated with the Middle Eastern collector market.
“We also say Stallion, one of one. We can't make it twice. It's just one in the world, never to be repeated,” Zertalis said.
The vehicle is being presented as a collector creation rather than a conventional G-Wagon modification, with the original Mercedes-AMG platform retaining its modern technology beneath an extensively redesigned exterior and interior.
Safari edition
The second major vehicle at the Carlex stand is the Safari Grande Royal, which is making its Middle East debut after its world premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026. Limited to 25 vehicles worldwide, the model takes inspiration from classic safari lodges and is designed around long-distance travel and outdoor use.
The Dh4.7 million vehicle features natural materials, warm earth tones and extensively reworked interior elements. Carlex replaced the standard seats with wider bespoke units and used Italian leather, linen and crocodile details throughout the cabin.
The customisation extends to the doors and other parts of the interior, while ventilation features have been incorporated into the seats for use in hot climates. The rear and roof have also been configured for extended outdoor journeys, with equipment including a tent, umbrella and chairs that can be deployed during desert trips.
Carlex acquired the base vehicles in 2023, before production of that generation ended, and kept them with fewer than 500km on their clocks before beginning the extensive modifications this year, according to Zertalis. Each Safari Grande Royal takes around three months to complete.
The Abu Dhabi presentation is the first public showing of this particular example, placing the model alongside the Stallion in a setting focused on equestrian culture, falconry, hunting and outdoor pursuits.
Focus on G-Wagon
Carlex originally worked on a range of luxury vehicles, including high-end sports cars, before shifting its focus almost entirely towards the Mercedes G-Wagon around three years ago. The company said the model became one of the most demanded vehicles among its customers.
The business operates a factory in Poland with around 90 employees and opened its Dubai showroom in January 2026. Its founder, Damian Skotnicki, is described by the company as its designer and creative mastermind.
The company's approach centres on combining the technology of contemporary vehicles with designs influenced by earlier eras. Zertalis said Carlex aimed to create luxury cars that could retain modern technology while adopting a vintage appearance.
That philosophy is evident in both vehicles displayed at ADIHEX. Beneath the extensive bespoke work are modern G-Wagon platforms, while the visible surfaces, materials and cabin details have been reimagined through Carlex's atelier.
Carlex is also preparing to expand beyond the G-Wagon. Zertalis said the company plans to return to modifying other sports cars from January next year, with new models expected to be unveiled at that time.
ADIHEX 2026
ADIHEX 2026 runs for 10 days for the first time in the event's history and is being held from 28 August to 6 September. Organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
The 2026 edition is the largest since ADIHEX was launched in 2003, with 2,405 companies and brands representing 71 countries. Exhibition space has increased by 17 percent to 107,000 square metres compared with the 2025 edition, while participating companies and brands have also risen by 17 percent.
The exhibition features 15 sectors spanning falconry, hunting tourism and safari, veterinary products, environmental and cultural heritage, equestrian activities, arts and crafts, caravans, marine sports, camping equipment and outdoor leisure vehicles, alongside camel, Arabian Saluki, knives and souq offerings.
The number of participating falcon farms has risen by 20 percent to 55, including nine new participants, while eight falcon auctions are scheduled, with four taking place before the exhibition and four during the event.
Against this backdrop of falconry, Arabian horses, heritage crafts and outdoor equipment, Carlex's two heavily customised G-Wagons occupy a distinctly automotive corner of the 2026 exhibition, with the Dh13 million One of One Stallion presented as the sole example of its kind and the Safari Grande Royal restricted to 25 vehicles worldwide.