The midlife crisis has never looked so appealing.
Men negotiating the transition into old age have - according to the stereotype, at least - traditionally invested in motorbikes or fast cars.
But today, monied males in their mid-40s have a bewildering array of gadgets and fast-moving motor vehicles to help them recapture their youth. Or, at least, feel that they have.
Many such products will be on display at Big Boys Toys, the annual celebration of all things macho, which starts today in Dubai.
"The kind of products we have this year in the show are absolutely unbelievable. They range from gadgets to cars to custom-made bikes," says Raha Moradi, the exhibition director at Artaaj, which organises the event.
One of the likely favourites this year is a Dh10 million (US$2.7m) motorhome, one of the most expensive products on show, made by Marchi Mobile. Travelling in this five-star vehicle would put the classic college road trip to shame.
"It looks like a spaceship - and inside it looks like a seven-star hotel, with a sky bar on the roof. So that is something that, personally, I can't wait to see," says Ms Moradi.
Another attraction this year is the DTV Shredder - a motorised platform that can be used off-road. There will be an area where visitors can test drive the vehicle.
"It's like a Segway [crossed with a] tank, that you can actually take off-road, in the sand area," says Ms Moradi.
Other attractions include a flight simulator, and machines from Bozzies Custom Bikes - which customises Harley-Davidson bikes for clients.
Big Boys Toys 2012 is to be held at Atlantis, The Palm hotel in Dubai, from today until Saturday, although the first day is only for the media and VIP guests.
bflanagan@thenational.ae
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