The Zarooq Sandracer stands apart as the Middle East’s homegrown rebellion against conventional cars in a region where luxury SUVs cruise mall parking lots more often than dunes. Born in the UAE in 2016 as the first Emirati-made car, this desert demon kicks sand in the face of ordinary supercars.
Powertrain
At the heart of the latest Sandracer 500GT is a monstrous 7.0L V8 engine, churning out 505 BHP and 660 Nm of torque. Earlier iterations featured a more modest 3.5L V6 producing up to 308 BHP, but Zarooq clearly decided that wasn’t enough. With a featherweight body of approximately 1,300 kg—thanks to aluminum bulkheads and fiberglass panels—the Sandracer boasts a power-to-weight ratio of about 394 BHP per ton. It’s available with both a six-speed manual transmission and an automatic transmission.
Design
The Sandracer wasn’t designed by engineers who’ve never left air-conditioned offices. Its high ground clearance and minimal overhangs allow maximum suspension travel, making it a genuine performer in loose sand. The name draws inspiration from the Schockari Sand Racer snake, known for its speed and agility across desert terrain. Unlike many off-road beasts that look like they’d get pulled over the moment they hit tarmac, the Sandracer is fully street legal. Yes, despite the roll cage and massive 317mm off-road tires that look like they could crush a small hatchback, you can technically drive this on the daily.
Interior
Inside the two-seater cabin, the Sandracer doesn’t completely abandon comfort for performance. Power steering, a trip computer, climate control, and an infotainment system ensure you’re not completely roughing it while on the dunes. The interior features premium materials that try to balance its off-road ruggedness with luxury. The hand-stitched leather interior is crafted by Mansory, known for customising the highest-end luxury cars.
Pricing & Availability
The Zarooq Sandracer represents something special in the automotive world: a vehicle designed specifically for the unique terrain of the Middle East by people who understand it. Whether it’s worth the eye-watering price tag of approximately AED 2,037,248 or about USD 554,000 depends on whether you see cars as mere transportation or as art pieces.
