• The Boat Tail looking suitably at home by Lake Como in Italy. All photos: Rolls-Royce
    The Boat Tail looking suitably at home by Lake Como in Italy. All photos: Rolls-Royce
  • The Boat Tail was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d-Este event in northern Italy.
    The Boat Tail was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d-Este event in northern Italy.
  • The rear deck is swathed in a walnut veneer.
    The rear deck is swathed in a walnut veneer.
  • Possibly the world's poshest picnic set.
    Possibly the world's poshest picnic set.
  • The boat analogy stretches to a deck-like effect on the car's boot.
    The boat analogy stretches to a deck-like effect on the car's boot.
  • The front of the Boat Tail features what Rolls-Royce calls a pantheon grille.
    The front of the Boat Tail features what Rolls-Royce calls a pantheon grille.
  • The wood-veneer interior is matched with earth-tone accents.
    The wood-veneer interior is matched with earth-tone accents.
  • The colour of the new Boat Tail is a blend of "oyster and soft rose".
    The colour of the new Boat Tail is a blend of "oyster and soft rose".
  • The rear deck has a butterfly opening action.
    The rear deck has a butterfly opening action.
  • Roof up, ready to roll.
    Roof up, ready to roll.
  • The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine in rose gold.
    The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine in rose gold.
  • The Boat Tail is hand-built, with the body panels being crafted from single sheets of aluminium.
    The Boat Tail is hand-built, with the body panels being crafted from single sheets of aluminium.
  • Up close with the wood-veneer decking.
    Up close with the wood-veneer decking.
  • An early design sketch.
    An early design sketch.
  • The Boat Tail's body shape was chiselled from wood before construction as a guide to the coachbuilders.
    The Boat Tail's body shape was chiselled from wood before construction as a guide to the coachbuilders.
  • Even the statue seems impressed.
    Even the statue seems impressed.
  • The Boat Tail has gold accents throughout.
    The Boat Tail has gold accents throughout.
  • The Boat Tail features a clock with mother-of-pearl accents.
    The Boat Tail features a clock with mother-of-pearl accents.
  • Parasol only to be used when stationary.
    Parasol only to be used when stationary.
  • The Boat Tail at dusk.
    The Boat Tail at dusk.

Rolls-Royce Boat Tail: latest version of world’s most expensive new car unveiled


Simon Wilgress-Pipe
  • English
  • Arabic

Rolls-Royce has unveiled its latest Boat Tail, the second in a trio of bespoke creations deemed the most expensive new cars this manufacturer — or any other — has ever created.

The first of the three was revealed to the world in 2021, and, at the time, figures suggested an estimated price tag of between $25-28 million. Some reports indicate this latest Boat Tail to have hit the $30m mark.

The newest incarnation was revealed to the world for the first time at an event in Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este, on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. And, it is no less genteel than its predecessor.

Decked out in a colour described as a blend of oyster and rose, which is designed to change subtly under different light conditions, Rolls-Royce refers to the car as “a masterwork of restraint, sophistication, elegance and attention to detail”.

The client, whose family has a background in the pearling industry, presented the design team with a selection of four shells, each chosen for their individual lustre, as inspiration for the distinctive hue.

The design of the car was inspired by the brand’s Phantom II Boattail from 1932, which itself took cues from early 20th-century racing yachts.

The most notable nod to this is the marine-style wood decking on the vehicle’s boot, which opens in a butterfly action when you feel like getting out the al fresco dining set (including stools and a parasol) that can be found in there.

Scroll through the gallery below to see images of the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail 2021

  • It's estimated that the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is around $25 million and $28m, making it the world's most expensive car. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    It's estimated that the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is around $25 million and $28m, making it the world's most expensive car. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • The vehicle’s rear deck opens in a sweeping butterfly gesture to reveal a hosting suite. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    The vehicle’s rear deck opens in a sweeping butterfly gesture to reveal a hosting suite. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • This Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is only one of three in existence. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    This Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is only one of three in existence. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • The bespoke vehicle is 5.8 metres in length and is elongated by stainless steel pinstripe inlays with the lower cabin and floor area are finished in wood to resembled a hull. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    The bespoke vehicle is 5.8 metres in length and is elongated by stainless steel pinstripe inlays with the lower cabin and floor area are finished in wood to resembled a hull. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail hosting suite details. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail hosting suite details. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Hosting Suite with with refrigerator and storage for utensils and glasses. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Hosting Suite with with refrigerator and storage for utensils and glasses. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • The vehicle is adorned with timepieces from Swiss luxury watchmakers Bovet, which can either be worn on the wrist by the owner or mounted on the Boat Tail’s dashboard. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    The vehicle is adorned with timepieces from Swiss luxury watchmakers Bovet, which can either be worn on the wrist by the owner or mounted on the Boat Tail’s dashboard. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is an open air and nautical-themed luxury car inspired by J-class yachts. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is an open air and nautical-themed luxury car inspired by J-class yachts. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • 'Rolls-Royce believes in complete authenticity and Boat Tail is the culmination of a four-year collaboration with three of our most special clients,' said Torsten Muller-Otvos, chief executive at Rolls-Royce. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    'Rolls-Royce believes in complete authenticity and Boat Tail is the culmination of a four-year collaboration with three of our most special clients,' said Torsten Muller-Otvos, chief executive at Rolls-Royce. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
  • The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail took four years to create from formula to build. Courtesy Rolls-Royce
    The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail took four years to create from formula to build. Courtesy Rolls-Royce

The various individual features came about following a collaboration over a number of years between the manufacturer and the client, making it entirely unique.

As per usual, the car has been crafted by hand, with the body panels created from single beaten sheets of aluminium. This includes what Rolls-Royce refers to as the pantheon grille as the front.

In keeping with the colour scheme, the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine has also been fashioned in a rose gold hue.

The manufacture of the third Boat Tail is currently underway, though it is unlikely to see the light of day before 2023.

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost makes dark debut in Middle East — in pictures

  • The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost has arrived in the Middle East. All photos: Rolls-Royce
    The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost has arrived in the Middle East. All photos: Rolls-Royce
  • Emerging from the shadows.
    Emerging from the shadows.
  • Catch it if you can.
    Catch it if you can.
  • The Ghost's night-time signature from the back.
    The Ghost's night-time signature from the back.
  • Into the night on the streets of Dubai.
    Into the night on the streets of Dubai.
  • Some of the new Ghost's speakers.
    Some of the new Ghost's speakers.
  • The Black Badge Ghost has all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.
    The Black Badge Ghost has all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering.
  • The Ghost's uncluttered dashboard.
    The Ghost's uncluttered dashboard.
  • The design of the Black Badge Ghost adheres to Rolls-Royce's minimalist philosophy.
    The design of the Black Badge Ghost adheres to Rolls-Royce's minimalist philosophy.
  • A rear-light detail.
    A rear-light detail.
  • The black-and-blue interior of the car.
    The black-and-blue interior of the car.
  • The Black Badge Ghost and its shadowy Spirit of Ecstasy
    The Black Badge Ghost and its shadowy Spirit of Ecstasy
  • Looking at home in the Dubai night.
    Looking at home in the Dubai night.
  • A starry spectacle from inside.
    A starry spectacle from inside.
  • The Black Badge Ghost's sporty calipers.
    The Black Badge Ghost's sporty calipers.
  • Stars on the passenger fascia.
    Stars on the passenger fascia.
  • Nothing too digital here
    Nothing too digital here
  • Over the Meydan VIP Bridge.
    Over the Meydan VIP Bridge.
  • The Spirit of Ecstasy redux.
    The Spirit of Ecstasy redux.
  • The car comes in more than one colour.
    The car comes in more than one colour.
While you're here ...

Damien McElroy: What happens to Brexit?

Con Coughlin: Could the virus break the EU?

Andrea Matteo Fontana: Europe to emerge stronger

Tips for taking the metro

- set out well ahead of time

- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines

- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on

- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Who are the Soroptimists?

The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.

The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.

Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.

SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Lecce v SPAL (6pm)

Bologna v Genoa (9pm)

Atlanta v Roma (11.45pm)

Sunday

Udinese v Hellas Verona (3.30pm)

Juventus v Brescia (6pm)

Sampdoria v Fiorentina (6pm)

Sassuolo v Parma (6pm)

Cagliari v Napoli (9pm)

Lazio v Inter Milan (11.45pm)

Monday

AC Milan v Torino (11.45pm)

 

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

The full list of 2020 Brit Award nominees (winners in bold):

British group

Coldplay

Foals

Bring me the Horizon

D-Block Europe

Bastille

British Female

Mabel

Freya Ridings

FKA Twigs

Charli xcx

Mahalia​

British male

Harry Styles

Lewis Capaldi

Dave

Michael Kiwanuka

Stormzy​

Best new artist

Aitch

Lewis Capaldi

Dave

Mabel

Sam Fender

Best song

Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber - I Don’t Care

Mabel - Don’t Call Me Up

Calvin Harrison and Rag’n’Bone Man - Giant

Dave - Location

Mark Ronson feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

AJ Tracey - Ladbroke Grove

Lewis Capaldi - Someone you Loved

Tom Walker - Just You and I

Sam Smith and Normani - Dancing with a Stranger

Stormzy - Vossi Bop

International female

Ariana Grande

Billie Eilish

Camila Cabello

Lana Del Rey

Lizzo

International male

Bruce Springsteen

Burna Boy

Tyler, The Creator

Dermot Kennedy

Post Malone

Best album

Stormzy - Heavy is the Head

Michael Kiwanuka - Kiwanuka

Lewis Capaldi - Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent

Dave - Psychodrama

Harry Styles - Fine Line

Rising star

Celeste

Joy Crookes

beabadoobee

Updated: June 29, 2022, 3:18 AM