Top Gear filmed fastruns along the capital's corniche at the weekend.
Top Gear filmed fastruns along the capital's corniche at the weekend.

BBC brings Top Gear to Abu Dhabi



ABU DHABI // One of the well-known stars of the British television motoring show Top Gear dropped into the capital at the weekend to film part of an episode for the BBC series. Richard Hammond spent three days touring the emirate behind the wheel of some of the world's most spectacular cars. The cast and crew filmed a Mercedes McLaren SLR 722 and an orange Lamborghini Murcielago SV along the Abu Dhabi Corniche and on closed roads near the Liwa Oasis and Al Ain.

The Lamborghini test driver Peter Muller said the UAE was the ideal test area for the cars because of the extreme climate. "It's so hot here, if the car has no problems in this heat it means the car is OK," he said after filming in Al Ain yesterday. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority helped coordinate the filming. Matthew Boucher, ADTA project manager for product development, said the wide distribution of the Top Gear show made it an ideal platform to promote the emirate.

"This is a great opportunity for Abu Dhabi; we are happy to host the BBC," he said. He said the cooperation of the Abu Dhabi police meant the roads were closed, allowing the crew to film safely. Police closed the Corniche between 5am and 11am on Friday, allowing the drivers to reach high speeds. Around 20 early-morning joggers and dog walkers witnessed a dozen production crew filming sequences for the programme, which is scheduled to be broadcast in July.

A helicopter with a television camera followed the drivers along the carriageway, which had been cleared of loose grit beforehand. chamilton@thenational.ae

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
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