The Zarooq SandRacer 500GT is described by its UAE makers as a supercar for the desert
The Zarooq SandRacer 500GT is described by its UAE makers as a supercar for the desert
The Zarooq SandRacer 500GT is described by its UAE makers as a supercar for the desert
The Zarooq SandRacer 500GT is described by its UAE makers as a supercar for the desert

Business

Business Extra podcast: Supercars in the UAE - what's driving the trend?

The UAE has become a hotbed for bespoke high-end sportscars and supercars, but how do these manufacturers hope to cash in?

Christian Nelson

January 04, 2018

  • English
  • Arabic

In this episode, host Chris Nelson talks to The National's motoring editor Adam Workman about the rise of the hand-built sports and supercar industry in this country, the latest in automotive tech and how the maker of James Bond's vehicle of choice, Aston Martin, has engineered a remarkable turnaround.

The UAE has become a hotbed for bespoke high-end sportscars and supercars, such as the Jannerelly Motors' Design 1 retro-classic two-seater, and the Zarooq Sandracer 500GT – dubbed the first supercar for the desert – not to mention the W Motors Lykan hypercar.

So what is driving this trend and how do these manufacturers hope to cash in?

Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m, Winner: ES Rubban, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Al Mobher, Sczcepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Jabalini, Tadhg O’Shea, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: AF Abahe, Tadgh O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Makerah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Law Of Peace, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
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THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Tomorrow 2021
Business