The Vatican press office billed it as a golf cart – but in the end it was much more Emirati.
After being driven around Abu Dhabi for the past day in a modest Kia Soul, Pope Francis got into a white convertible Mercedes G-Wagen for the trip from St Joseph’s Cathedral to Zayed Sports City Stadium to celebrate Mass.
The G-Wagen, which is enormously popular in the UAE, has been used by previous pontiffs, even though the current pope has preferred a cheaper vehicle.
Regularly seen in a Hyundai, as well as a Ford Focus and a Fiat Panda, he swapped practicality for style this time around.
The custom-designed Mercedes Benz G-Wagen, which appears to sport a gold Vatican City seal, is open to the elements, perfect for Abu Dhabi’s clear sunny skies.
Mercedes-Benz has been making Popemobiles since 1930, when Pope Pius received a Nurburg 460 as a present. In 1980, it developed the first Popemobile, complete with a bulletproof box. It later created an open top version which it equipped with hand rails to make it suitable for use in good weather – a feature the model used in Abu Dhabi also has.
But while the model may be popular with pontiffs, the G-Wagen is even more coveted in the Middle East.
Rumour has it that the G-Wagen was bound for the scrapheap until a group of wealthy fans from the region stepped in to save it.
And although there were points in its history where it came close to ceasing production, there is no truth in the myth, according to Mercedes.
Nevertheless, the Middle East remains the “most important region” for G-Wagen sales.
The 2019 model includes a "desert" driving mode, which makes it the most capable G-Class on sand yet, according to the manufacturer.
But you will need deep pockets to afford one. The G 500 costs from Dh440,000, while the G 63's starting price is Dh600,000.
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
'Operation Mincemeat'
Director: John Madden
Cast: Colin Firth, Matthew Macfayden, Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton
Rating: 4/5
Elvis
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Baz%20Luhrmann%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Austin%20Butler%2C%20Tom%20Hanks%2C%20Olivia%20DeJonge%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Arctic Monkeys
Tranquillity Base Hotel Casino (Domino)
Vikram%20Vedha
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gayatri%2C%20Pushkar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hrithik%20Roshan%2C%20Saif%20Ali%20Khan%2C%20Radhika%20Apte%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The biog
Name: Timothy Husband
Nationality: New Zealand
Education: Degree in zoology at The University of Sydney
Favourite book: Lemurs of Madagascar by Russell A Mittermeier
Favourite music: Billy Joel
Weekends and holidays: Talking about animals or visiting his farm in Australia
