Sambook Ghost: New Rolls-Royce in Abu Dhabi 'inspired by UAE’s seafaring heritage'

A bespoke version of the Ghost has just sailed into the capital

The Sambook Ghost meets a sambook vessel. All photos courtesy Rolls-Royce

The bespoke Rolls-Royce is inspired by the UAE's seafaring heritage

The Islamic Art in tones of Arctic white and avus blue.

The Sambook's door panel.

The flower emblem on the Islamic Art's sidebar.

A ship detail on the Sambook's paintwork.

Rear-seat controls in the Islamic Art.

Seating in the Sambook.

Ornate door details on the Islamic Art.

A ship detail on the Sambook's glove compartment.

Entering from the passenger side in the Sambook.

The Islamic Art's flower emblem.

All very neat inside the Sambook.

Seating in the Islamic Art.

The Islamic Art's ornate glovebox.

Just so you know it's a Sambook Ghost.

The Islamic Art's headrests.

Centre dial on the Islamic Art.

A new bespoke Rolls-Royce has just arrived in Abu Dhabi, and its design is inspired by the seafaring heritage of the Arabian Gulf.

The Sambook Ghost, named after the sailing vessels still seen around Emirati shorelines, has an array of intricate adornments, including a sweeping pillar motif which is said to resemble a boat at full sail.

The exterior stylings emulate the teak wood traditionally used in the construction of ancient vessels of this kind, with two-tone colours Rolls-Royce artfully refers to as Black Ember and Tuscan Sun. And, like all its siblings, this hand-polished bodywork is the result of many layers of paint, applied by the company’s on-site artisans.

Inside, there are stylings in what has been dubbed Casden Tan and Dark Spice colours, and driver and passengers can enjoy an impression of shooting stars streaking overhead, an effect made up of more than 1,300 fibre-optic lights.

Tarek Moataz, Rolls Royce brand manager at Abu Dhabi Motors, said: “Ghost is Rolls‑Royce at its most graceful and dramatic. With the Sambook Ghost, we have added an even greater sense of refinement – one that is steeped in the cultural heritage of the Gulf.

“The Sambook Ghost represents an incredible opportunity to own a truly one-of-a-kind motor car that is inspired by an integral part of this region’s history and culture.”

The new vehicle joins another unique ride at Abu Dhabi Motors, the Ghost Islamic Art, which is made up of woodwork, motifs, textiles and ceramics from the region. The standout feature of this vehicle is a flower emblem, embroidered on to each headrest.