Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has hit a new feat in contemporary craftsmanship. This time, with a design that stands apart for the marque’s followers in the Middle East. Its latest Bespoke creation, Phantom Arabesque, is the first-ever laser-engraved bonnet in Rolls-Royce’s history.
This one-of-one Phantom Extended was curated by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Private Office Dubai, one of five invitation-only commissioning hubs worldwide. Created for a client in the Middle East, the motor car draws inspiration from mashrabiya latticework, a defining feature of traditional Arabian architecture.
The result is a Phantom that reflects both regional cultural identity and the evolving capabilities of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.
Architectural Inspiration from the Middle East
Mashrabiya screens are known for their intricate wooden lattice patterns. Traditionally used in homes and palaces across the Middle East, they provide privacy while allowing light and airflow to pass through. They are decorative, functional and closely tied to the region’s architectural heritage.
For Phantom Arabesque, this geometric pattern becomes the central design theme. It appears on the bonnet, within the interior Gallery, and as subtle Bespoke details throughout the motor car.
According to the Bespoke design team at Private Office Dubai, the goal was to interpret the qualities of mashrabiya, privacy, light and airflow, in a way that feels culturally rooted yet unmistakably Rolls-Royce.
A New Craft Form: Laser Engraving
Phantom Arabesque is the first Rolls-Royce to feature a fully laser-engraved bonnet. The newly patented process took five years to develop at the marque’s Exterior Surface Centre.
The technique is inspired by sgraffito, an Italian artistic method where upper layers are carefully removed to reveal contrasting colours beneath. In this case, the bonnet is first painted in a darker shade and sealed under layers of clear coat. A lighter top layer is then applied. The mashrabiya pattern is engraved into the surface to a precise depth of 145–190 microns, revealing the darker tone below.
Each engraved section is hand-finished to achieve a smooth, sculptural surface. Because the pattern is integrated within the paint itself rather than applied on top, it offers both durability and refinement. Variations in laser intensity create subtle shifts in light across the bonnet, giving it a three-dimensional effect.
This development marks a significant milestone for Rolls-Royce and opens new possibilities for future Bespoke commissions.
Exterior Presence
Phantom Arabesque is presented in a two-tone finish, with the main body in Diamond Black and the upper surfaces in Silver. A single hand-painted coachline in Silver is enhanced with a mashrabiya motif.
The exterior design is further defined by an illuminated Pantheon grille set within a Dark Chrome surround, complemented by an uplit Spirit of Ecstasy. The motor car rides on 22-inch part-polished alloy wheels, completing its strong yet understated stance.
Interior: Crafted with Restraint
Inside, the mashrabiya theme continues in a refined manner.
The Gallery, which spans the width of the front fascia, features an intricate marquetry artwork crafted from Blackwood and Black Bolivar wood. The geometric design mirrors the bonnet’s pattern and is paired with an offset clock in a complementary dark finish.
The interior is trimmed in Selby Grey and Black leather, with Black seat piping and carpets. Mashrabiya motifs are embroidered onto the front and rear headrests. Starlight Doors, finished with Selby Grey piping and Black contrast stitching, add another layer of detail. Illuminated treadplates feature a cross-section of the bonnet engraving motif, reinforcing the design narrative.
A Landmark Commission
Phantom Arabesque has been delivered to its commissioning client in the Middle East, where it now takes its place within a private collection.
More than a Bespoke motor car, it represents the growing influence of the region in shaping the future of Rolls-Royce design. By combining traditional Middle Eastern architectural language with advanced surface technology, Phantom Arabesque stands as both a tribute to heritage and a statement of innovation.
