Cruising the Desert in Dubai's Ultimate Rides - The Law Enforcement's Supercars
- by Stefan Grundhoff*
Tourists Avail Luxury Rides with Dubai Police's Fleet of Supercars - Luxury Rides for Tourists: Dubai Police's Supercars on Display
For two decades, a special squad of Dubai Police has been patrolling the streets, not in the traditional cop cars, but in high-end super sports cars that put all efficiency and dollar signs to shame. These officers aren't chasing down wrongdoers or speed demons, but rather embodying their homeland's spirit as they pose as a favorite photo opportunity for tourists across the United Arab Emirates. Now, more electric vehicles are joining the force as both the police and sightseers get a charge out of the thrill.
Supercar Patrol for Popular Hotspots
Today, Ali Yousif is at duty at "The Frame," a breathtaking architectural marvel and one of Dubai's most stunning tourist attractions. As the sun sinks low, and temperatures finally dip below 40 degrees, Ali, dressed in formal attire, has arrived with his fellow officers from the police headquarters to showcase the department's latest motorized wonders.
Ali, a 39-year-old policeman with 20 years of service, has found himself in Dubai Police's most sought-after unit – quite the opposite of the secretive UAE-SWAT that battles organized crime and smugglers. With his electric Lotus Emeya, the green-uniformed Ali Yousif is almost silent as he pulls up to The Frame.
The Origins of the Supercar Fleet in 2001
The 918-horsepower electric limousine is part of the supercar fleet that the Dubai police have been managing for nearly two decades now. As Ali recalls, it all began in 2001, and the patrol team currently boasts 18 supercars. Their mission is to ensure safety and orderliness at tourist attractions nationwide.
The supercar fleet has become synonymous with Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, with an impressive lineup of luxury vehicles: Ferrari Gran Lusso, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Panamera, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Continental, BMW 8 Series Coupe, or Mercedes AMG GT.
As Ali moves his electric Lotus through the city with its usual white-green paintjob, the rest of the team is on duty with other luxury cars like Rolls-Royce Cullinan Mansory, Bentley Continental GT, Audi R8, and even a Tesla Cybertruck, operating in two shifts.
Car Manufacturers Lending a Helping Hand
Manufacturers around the globe are eager to furnish this unique special unit with their luxury and swift patrol vehicles, which often come at quite the hefty price. "We serve as the tourist police and ambassadors of our country," Ali explains, "These vehicles allow us to interact and engage with the people, creating a lasting impression."
Competition for who gets to drive what never arises; duty schedules determine which officer gets behind the wheel of the million-dirham (approximately 240,000 euros) vehicles. These flashy patrol cars are distributed alongside regular vehicles like BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, or Nissan Patrol. Some Tesla models, such as the Cybertruck, also find their place in the fleet.
Armed and Ready to Serve in a Lamborghini
Lamborghini has been instrumented in Dubai Police's pursuit of supercars for many years, providing them with spectacularly outfitted patrol vehicles. Their latest additions include the 666-horsepower Urus Performante, capable of reaching speeds up to 306 km/h. General Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, stated: "The powerful super SUV will assist in boosting the number of patrol officers, enhancing our presence at popular tourist hotspots, and providing services for the residents."
These souped-up cop cars feature a white-green paintjob with blue LED lights, weapon safes, first aid kits, and even defibrillators for any potential emergencies. In case of urgency, they're more than capable of speeding to one of Dubai's many hospitals.
Officers undergo regular training on various vehicles, as the supercar patrol service is just one of many roles within the local force. Officers frequently switch between departments and units, with many, like Ali Yousif, expressing excitement at being part of the supercar team.
- Beyond the traditional patrol cars, Dubai Police has utilized high-end super sports cars since the early 2000s, making for an efficient and costly operation.
- Tourists flock to see these officers, not to report wrongdoing, but for a unique photo opportunity across the UAE.
- At popular spots like The Frame, Ali Yousif arrives in the electric Lotus Emeya, aligning with the department's aim for safety and orderliness.
- The supercar patrol team comprises 18 vehicles, each assigned to ensure order at tourist attractions throughout the country.
- Dubai's supercar fleet boasts prestigious models such as the Ferrari Gran Lusso, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Panamera, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Bentley Continental, BMW 8 Series Coupe, and Mercedes AMG GT.
- The fleet has become synonymous with Dubai's image, and the luxury vehicles are distributed across shifts to keep the force operational.
- Manufacturers worldwide offer their luxury cars to the special unit, acknowledging the influence it holds on the tourism industry.
- Ali Yousif explains that as tourist police and cultural ambassadors, the cars facilitate interacting with visitors and leaving a lasting impression.
- There is no competition for who gets to drive which vehicle; duty schedules determine allocation, and regular vehicles are also included in the fleet.
- With an approximate value of 240,000 euros, the supercars work in conjunction with more affordable options like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, and Nissan Patrol.
- Tesla models, such as the Cybertruck, are also part of the fleet, embracing the growing demand for renewable-energy vehicles.
- The Lamborghini Urus Performante, a 666-horsepower super SUV, has recently been added to the fleet, boosting the number of patrol officers across popular holiday spots.
- The Urus Performante facilitates reaching speeds up to 306 km/h, creating a strong visual and functional presence at tourist locations.
- The vehicles come equipped with white-green paint, blue LED lights, weapon safes, first aid kits, and defibrillators in case of emergencies.
- Officers also undergo vocational training to switch between various roles within the local force, with many volunteers eager to be part of the supercar team.
- Besides patrolling for tourism purposes, the supercar squad shares duties with other departments, including crime-fighting units.
- As the supercar patrol evolved, so did the finance committee, allocating resources for the acquisition of new vehicles and required training.
- Financial growth in the retail, manufacturing, and automotive sectors not only fuels the luxury car market but also creates potential job opportunities for career-minded individuals.
- Sustainable living and technology advancements have become a significant focus in Dubai, driving the adoption of electric vehicles within the governmental sector and across industries.
- The electric vehicles cater to the growing demands of consumers looking for energy-efficient transportation options.
- Interior-design enthusiasts can find new eco-friendly appliances and sustainable fabrics in the home-and-garden sector, further supporting the city's eco-conscious initiatives.
- At cooking schools throughout the city, students learn healthy-cooking techniques while discovering global-cuisines and recipes from around the world.
- The beverages industry offers various plant-based options, appealing to both health-conscious consumers and those wishing to support sustainable-living practices.
- The growth of technology within the banking-and-insurance sector has evolved fintech, offering alternative solutions for personal-growth, education-and-self-development, and wealth management.
- Food-and-drink establishments have embraced the trend towards health-promoting menus, catering to diners seeking nutritious, budget-friendly options.
- The lifestyle industry offers products and services promoting outdoor-living and recreational activities, further emphasizing the importance of wellness and balance.
- In the entertainment sector, electric vehicles are becoming more common, with car-sharing services like Car2Go offering Tesla Model S vehicles for commuters within the city.
- Social-media platforms have enabled cultural-travel enthusiasts to share their experiences, fostering connections between travelers and enhancing the travel industry as a whole.
