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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
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Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
RESULTS
6.30pm: Handicap (rated 100 ) US$175,000 1,200m
Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
Winner: Baroot, Christophe Soumillon, Mike de Kock
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.15pm: Handicap (95-108) $125,000 1,200m
Winner: Yalta, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon
