The hybrid electric BMW i8 has a top speed of 250kph. Antonie Robertson / The National
The hybrid electric BMW i8 has a top speed of 250kph. Antonie Robertson / The National
The hybrid electric BMW i8 has a top speed of 250kph. Antonie Robertson / The National
The hybrid electric BMW i8 has a top speed of 250kph. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai Police supercars: 10 of the best from Lamborghini Aventador to Tesla Cybertruck


Nick Webster
  • English
  • Arabic

As a V8 Mercedes-Benz SLS rolled out of the plane and onto the streets of Milan, heads turned as onlookers asked why a Dubai Police car had arrived in Italy.

The 315kph sports car joined the famous thousand-mile race from Brescia to Rome, known as the Mille Miglia, on June 16 to mark the UAE’s hosting of a similar vintage car Emirates tour in December.

The AMG supercar is part of a growing fleet of luxury vehicles used by Dubai's traffic officers to break down barriers and connect with the public.

Supercars in the white and green of Dubai Police are often seen at national events such as Dubai Marathon, the UAE cycle tour or other parades and celebrations.

Public engagement is the reason Dubai Police want to expand their garage of luxury cars. Here is a top ten list of the most eye-catching.

Mercedes-AMG GT63 S

Mercedes-Benz SLS-AMG. Courtesy WSF Creative
Mercedes-Benz SLS-AMG. Courtesy WSF Creative

When this V8 twin-turbocharged beast thunders into life, it certainly makes its presence known. It can hit 100kph in just 3 seconds thanks to its nine-speed automatic gearbox and AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system. It will set you back a cool $161,000. (Dh592,000).

Maserati GranTurismo

Maserati GranTurismo. Dubai Police
Maserati GranTurismo. Dubai Police

This Italian classic allows traffic police to cruise the streets of Dubai in style, as well as comfort.

The four-door coupé set a record for the most quickly developed car entering vehicle production. Just nine months after designers pencilled their plans, the first GranTurismos were rolling off the production line in northern Italy. As one of just 28,805 vehicles produced, the Dubai Police model is sure to remain a classic.

Toyota 2021 GR Supra

Toyota Supra can hit 100kph in just 4.3 seconds. Dubai Police
Toyota Supra can hit 100kph in just 4.3 seconds. Dubai Police

Launched this year, the GR Supra is the most recent addition to the Dubai Police fleet. Described by Toyota as delivering a “powerful but pure” driving experience, the car can hit 100kph in just 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph.

At just $43,000 (Dh158,000) this Japanese-made thoroughbred is one of the more affordable police cars.

Bugatti Veyron

The Bugatti Veyron. EPA
The Bugatti Veyron. EPA

Described by some as the jewel in the crown of the Dubai Police stable, this supercar was designed in Germany but made in France.

It has an eye-watering top speed of 407kph, making it the fastest vehicle in the fleet, and it was named car of the decade by BBC driving programme Top Gear.

Bugatti’s Super Sport version of the Veyron is one of the fastest street-legal production cars in the world, with a top speed of 431kph.

This snarling hulk of a sports car is also one of the most valuable at around $2 million (Dh7.3milion).

Mercedes-Benz G 63

Mercedes-Benz G 63. Pawan Singh / The National
Mercedes-Benz G 63. Pawan Singh / The National

The “G Wagon” has become a familiar sight on the streets of the emirate and Dubai Police kept up with the trend, launching several of the twin turbo-charged vehicles in 2020.

The 4 litre V8 mean machine looks ready for action, both on and off the road, and despite its $200,000 (Dh735,000) price tag, is one of the most desirable sports utility vehicles on the market.

Aston Martin One-77

Aston Martin One-77
Aston Martin One-77

Another design classic, this limited edition model is at the higher end of the Dubai Police budget.

This British-made car - from the brand synonymous with James Bond - is certain to become a modern-day classic as just 77 have been produced.

Aston Martin created a special factory staffed by 27 of the firm’s finest engineers to produce the exclusive One-77. The 7.3 litre V12 supercar will set you back a cool $1.8 million (Dh6.6 million).

Lamborghini Aventador

A Lamborghini Aventador in Dubai Police colours. Dubai Police
A Lamborghini Aventador in Dubai Police colours. Dubai Police

Named after a Spanish fighting bull, the Aventador was initially limited to just 4,000 vehicles, with Dubai Police quick to snap up one of the V12 cars and coat it in green and white.

Each of the eight carbon-fibre moulds used to create the sleek bodywork was limited to just 500 units each. A 2021 coupe model sells in Dubai for around Dh1.9 million.

Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT. Courtesy Dubai Police
Bentley Continental GT. Courtesy Dubai Police

Another cruiser in the Dubai Police fleet is the Bentley Continental. The GT has been in production since 2003 and carries a sense of class with it. It was the first Bentley to employ mass production techniques when the company released the factory process to Volkswagen in 1998.

A huge six-litre engine and a top speed of 318kph ensure police can get where they need to be in style, and on time.

BMW i8

The BMW i8, centre, seen with the Porche Panamera and Mercedes GWagon Brabus. Antonie Robertson / The National
The BMW i8, centre, seen with the Porche Panamera and Mercedes GWagon Brabus. Antonie Robertson / The National

Another nod to the future is the BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid sports car that has become part of Dubai Police’s growing electric fleet.

It was first released in Germany in 2014, and production of the roadster used in Dubai ceased in 2020.

Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, although range is restricted with a single electric charge to just 37km leaving it heavily reliant on traditional fuel.

McLaren MP4-12C

Dubai Police take receipt of a McLaren MP4-12C. Courtesy Dubai Police
Dubai Police take receipt of a McLaren MP4-12C. Courtesy Dubai Police

The carbon fibre car was the first road vehicle made by the British manufacturer since 1992 and has been at the disposal of Dubai Police since 2013. Not as fast as others in the authority’s garage, but it still packs a punch on the open road with a top speed of around 200kph thanks to its twin-turbo charged V8 engine.

And one more still to come:

Tesla Cybertruck

Dubai Police hinted in 2019 that the newly Tesla Cybertruck could be added to the force’s impressive fleet of patrol vehicles. Courtesy: Dubai Future Foundation
Dubai Police hinted in 2019 that the newly Tesla Cybertruck could be added to the force’s impressive fleet of patrol vehicles. Courtesy: Dubai Future Foundation

This all-electric monster will be one of the more unusual vehicles operated by Dubai Police, if the electric pick-up joins its fleet.

As a battery-powered light duty truck the environmentally friendly car has a range of up to 800km on a single charge and is no slouch, with the fastest model hitting 100kph in about 3 seconds.

Tesla developed the truck with an eye on reducing the number of fossil-fuel powered delivery trucks on the road.

Although it is scheduled for production by the end of 2021, Dubai Police tweeted a photo of one of the trucks in its green and white colours to hint it will be added to the fleet of operational vehicles.

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Despacito's dominance in numbers

Released: 2017

Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon

Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube

Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification

Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.

Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

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Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup – Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company%20Profile
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Profile of Tarabut Gateway

Founder: Abdulla Almoayed

Based: UAE

Founded: 2017

Number of employees: 35

Sector: FinTech

Raised: $13 million

Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.

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  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Find the right policy for you

Don’t wait until the week you fly to sign up for insurance – get it when you book your trip. Insurance covers you for cancellation and anything else that can go wrong before you leave.

Some insurers, such as World Nomads, allow you to book once you are travelling – but, as Mr Mohammed found out, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.

Check your credit card before booking insurance to see if you have any travel insurance as a benefit – most UAE banks, such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, have cards that throw in insurance as part of their package. But read the fine print – they may only cover emergencies while you’re travelling, not cancellation before a trip.

Pre-existing medical conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma may not be included as standard. Again, check the terms, exclusions and limitations of any insurance carefully.

If you want trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage loss or delay covered, you may need a higher-grade plan, says Ambareen Musa of Souqalmal.com. Decide how much coverage you need for emergency medical expenses or personal liability. Premium insurance packages give up to $1 million (Dh3.7m) in each category, Ms Musa adds.

Don’t wait for days to call your insurer if you need to make a claim. You may be required to notify them within 72 hours. Gather together all receipts, emails and reports to prove that you paid for something, that you didn’t use it and that you did not get reimbursed.

Finally, consider optional extras you may need, says Sarah Pickford of Travel Counsellors, such as a winter sports holiday. Also ensure all individuals can travel independently on that cover, she adds. And remember: “Cheap isn’t necessarily best.”

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How Alia's experiment will help humans get to Mars

Alia’s winning experiment examined how genes might change under the stresses caused by being in space, such as cosmic radiation and microgravity.

Her samples were placed in a machine on board the International Space Station. called a miniPCR thermal cycler, which can copy DNA multiple times.

After the samples were examined on return to Earth, scientists were able to successfully detect changes caused by being in space in the way DNA transmits instructions through proteins and other molecules in living organisms.

Although Alia’s samples were taken from nematode worms, the results have much bigger long term applications, especially for human space flight and long term missions, such as to Mars.

It also means that the first DNA experiments using human genomes can now be carried out on the ISS.

 

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young