Wassim Elassaad: The visionary redefining global luxury living
Wassim was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. He rose from humble beginnings to being a well-respected figure in the realms of luxury fashion and lifestyle. His story has been one of triumph against odds fueled by ambition and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
In 2021, while adhering to a vision and relentless spirit, Wassim left Australia and moved to Dubai. While it was a tactical move, it was personal as well. This was the launching of the Gratuso Group, which has developed a reputation for its authenticity, exclusivity, and distinction.
Gratuso Group was founded in 2024 to tie together all its exclusive services under one trusted name.
Gratuso Concierge Services provides ultra-high-net-worth clients with personalized life management and experiences reflective of the best discretion and refinement. The Group's other services include Yacht Concierge, which offers premade custom yacht resale solutions, and Gratuso Real Estate, which represents some of the most luxurious homes in Dubai's most desirable neighborhoods.
Every endeavor under the Gratuso name is reflective of Wassim's unending vision and attention to detail.
Under Wassim, Gratuso has gained notoriety far beyond the borders of Dubai and Australia. He is now steering the company into a realm of global expansion, targeting Europe and Asia.
By 2025, Gratuso Group is anticipated to evolve its investments through commercial real estate and yachts, thus transforming itself from a luxury brand into a genuine global lifestyle brand.
Wassim's distinguishing feat is his personable attitude. Always involved in delivering a personal touch to each client experience, be it custom-tailored private escapes to exclusive islands or advice on a multimillion-dollar real estate acquisition, while elegantly ensuring that privacy and perfection are afforded to every detail.
For Wassim, luxury is not about the goods and services on offer but a deeply personal experience crafted from understanding what matters most to the clients within his sphere.
Going forth, Wassim maintains his pace to the maximum. The plan is to double the workforce for Gratuso by 2025 owing to the global demand-the intention is to see that any and every team member is a true reflection of the elite values of the brand. Keeping the vision intact, his aim is to evolve Gratuso into a complete ecosystem of luxury at all ends, from travel and real estate to concierge services and more.
To explore more about his journey and vision, visit
www.wazco.co.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
20 hours ago
- Web Release
A Cultural and Musical Evening to Save Heritage Sites in Tripoli
On August 18, 2025, the Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban association hosted an exceptional event on Abdul Wahab Island, off the coast of El Mina – Tripoli, under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Public Works and Transport of Lebanon, and collaboration with El Mina Municipality. This evening, which blended culture, music, gastronomy, and awareness, aimed to place this iconic island back at the heart of collective memory and draw attention to its deteriorated condition due to neglect and the urgent need for its rehabilitation. Additionally, this evening aimed to raise funds to restore Dar Fatima, a historic house located adjacent to the goldsmiths' market in the heart of Tripoli's old souks. In his speech, Mr. Fayez Rasamny highlighted the importance of Tripoli and the North for Lebanon, adding that 'the government's goal is to achieve balanced development across all Lebanese regions, especially in the North, which possesses significant potential and capabilities for growth. With this development, job opportunities increase and people's living conditions improve — and this is precisely the government's goal: to focus on real action rather than just words. In her opening speech, Mrs. Joumana Chahal Timery, President of Patrimoine Tripoli Liban association, declared: 'Our goal at the Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban association is to implement sustainable development projects that put Tripoli on the national map. This is to highlight its historical and cultural value, as well as its tourism and economic potential.' Located just two hundred meters from the shoreline, Abdul Wahab Island covers an area of approximately 500 to 600 square meters and bears a unique place in Tripoli's history and maritime landscape. Locally known as 'Cow Island' due to the dugongs that once inhabited its waters, it served for centuries as a site for shipbuilding and repairs, entrusted to the Abdel Wahab family, from whom it draws its current name. This traditional activity helped shape the city's maritime identity, closely tied to its fishermen, craftsmen, and shipyards. The island still retains remarkable historical remains, including the ruins of Saint Thomas Monastery, dating back to the Crusader period. This architectural heritage, combined with a rich and fragile biodiversity, gives the site historical, cultural, and environmental significance. Rocks, rare wild plants, endangered sea turtles, and migratory birds make it a precious ecosystem — a true microcosm of Lebanon's coastline. Located near El Mina's long Corniche, it could become a beacon destination for walking, ecological discovery, and cultural activities, integrated into the daily life of residents. However, since the last intervention in 2015 — which included the construction of the pedestrian bridge, the creation of pathways, and the planting of green spaces — no significant maintenance or restoration has been carried out. Today, signs of decline are evident: missing portions of the bridge make access hazardous, accumulation of waste, and unregulated stalls distort the natural landscape and diminish the site's value. In light of this situation, Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban aimed to make the August 18 event a moment of collective mobilization, bringing together the local community, authorities, and visitors with a shared goal: to safeguard and enhance Abdul Wahab Island, and to secure funds to renovate Dar Fatima, transforming it into a vibrant venue for future cultural events. The evening transformed the island into a welcoming space, faithful to its heritage identity. Guests enjoyed a charity dinner inspired by the warm hospitality and authentic flavors of Tripoli's traditional homes. An open-air concert with a sound and lighting setup designed to highlight the island's silhouette and natural setting is part of the program for the evening. Beyond its festive dimension, this initiative carries a deeply civic and cultural mission. It seeks to revive the connection between the community and its maritime heritage, affirm the importance of preserving such sites within a sustainable development framework, and encourage their integration into the cultural and tourist life of the city. With proper restoration and responsible management, Abdul Wahab Island could become an open and accessible space — a symbol of preservation, eco-tourism, and heritage transmission. Since its creation in Paris in 2009, Patrimoine Tripoli – Liban has been dedicated to protecting and promoting the city's tangible and intangible heritage. The association leads restoration projects, organizes training workshops in traditional crafts, and raises public awareness about the value of heritage. Adopting a participatory approach directly involves residents, fosters a sense of ownership, and places heritage at the heart of Tripoli's social and economic development. It has earned both local and international recognition for its initiatives, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Arab World Institute in Paris, the French Senate, the Regional Council of Île-de-France, and various Lebanese ministries of Culture, Tourism, and Education. The August 18 event fully embodied this vision, combining culture, engagement, and sharing, and reminded us that heritage is a common good that can only endure through the interest and involvement of all.
Web Release
2 days ago
- Web Release
Between the UAE and Lebanon: 'Moments That Matter' Gathering Under the Sky of Faqra, Organized by Yalla Compare and Comin
At the invitation of Mr. Roger Zaccar, General Manager of Comin Insurance and UAE-based Yalla Compare, a large number of members of the Lebanese community, along with Lebanese businessmen and women living and working in the United Arab Emirates, came together for an evening dedicated to connection and celebration, under the theme 'Moments That Matter.' The event took place amid the stunning setting of Kalea in the Faqra area. The beauty of the natural scenery blended with distinctive musical performances, delicious dishes, and refreshing drinks, offering attendees an opportunity to network and exchange experiences in a breathtaking outdoor setting. During the evening, Mr. Zaccar delivered a speech expressing his joy at bringing together Lebanese from the UAE in a gathering full of meaning, saying: 'Today, we are not only celebrating beautiful moments, but also the spirit of teamwork that has enabled us to achieve exceptional growth. The success of both companies would not have been possible without the team's belief in our mission and vision, and their ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering the highest standards of customer service.' Earlier, Comin—one of the fastest-growing insure-tech and Yalla Compare, a leader in online insurance product comparison since 2014. The launch of the Comin / Yalla Compare Group as the largest digital insurance entity in the region, with operations spanning six countries: Lebanon, Egypt, Nigeria, Cyprus, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates—while most digital insurance companies operate in only one market. Yalla Compare enhances the group's digital infrastructure through its massive user base of over six million unique visitors annually, providing customers with a smarter, faster, and more transparent platform for accessing insurance products. The gathering concluded in a vibrant, positive atmosphere that strengthened the bonds within the Lebanese community and reinforced the bridges of connection between Lebanon and the UAE.
Web Release
7 days ago
- Web Release
AUB's School of Business Hosts Regional Workshop to Support Startups and Sustainable Innovation in the Natural Products Industry
The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), through its Business Practice and Policy Initiative, hosted a two-day regional workshop titled 'Supporting Innovative and Regenerative Startups: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Natural Products Industry.' Held in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut; the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO); and the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, the workshop brought together youth-led startups, entrepreneurs, and experts from across the Arab region to exchange knowledge, promote sustainable business models, and advance innovation in the natural products sector. The workshop focused on showcasing innovative ideas within the regional startup ecosystem, encouraging sustainability practices in business, and aligning projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly 'Quality Education' and 'Responsible Consumption and Production.' It also aimed to strengthen participants' ability to scale their ventures while promoting green education, and fostering meaningful connections between entrepreneurs, industry, funding bodies, and policymakers. The workshop further examined potential policy reforms to enhance the productivity and growth of small enterprises in Lebanon and the region. The opening session featured remarks by Raghda Kawass, knowledge and public policy specialist at the Business Practice and Policy Initiative at OSB, who stressed the importance of youth investment and evidence-based policymaking. Professor Yusuf Sidani, OSB dean, highlighted the school's role in developing entrepreneurs who value long-term purpose over short-term profit. Ramza Jaber Saad, director general of the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO, called for urgent support for youth entrepreneurship, emphasizing the value of partnerships and inclusive growth. Dr. Mohamed Sanad Abu Darwish, director of science and scientific research at ALECSO, addressed the role of startups in balancing economic and environmental goals, while Dr. Maysoun Chehab, senior education program specialist at UNESCO, and Assem Abi Ali, national education programme coordinator at UNESCO emphasized the power of education and innovation in shaping future green entrepreneurs. Participants included regional experts from Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Tunisia, as well as twelve Lebanese entrepreneurs in the natural products sector. They engaged in interactive sessions led by faculty members from across the university as well as the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business. Dr. Bijan Azad, director of the Darwazah Center for Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at AUB, shared insights on startup growth, while Dr. Nada Khaddaj-Sobh, director of the Center for Women in Business at AUB, provided training on pitching and public communication. Dr. Marwan Wahbi, senior lecturer at AUB, addressed digital marketing strategies, and AUB's Environment and Sustainability Unit led sessions on clean production and green marketing. The workshop also featured contributions from key regional stakeholders and incubators. The Talal and Madiha Zein AUB-Innovation Park (AUB iPark) discussed startup financing tools. Guest speakers—including entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders such as Tunisia's Zubair Yahya, Jordan's Nidal Bitar, Lebanon's Suleiman Barda, and Kuwait's Dr. Ihab Khalid Maqableh—explored funding models, market access, and innovation empowerment. This two-day event marked a significant step toward building a more resilient and innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem in Lebanon and the Arab region. By uniting academia, startups, and policy actors, the workshop helped lay the foundation for sustained collaboration and youth-led solutions to regional development challenges.
