Savni Okcu, president of Okcu Individual Automotive Concepts, in one of his company’s vehicles at the Dubai International Motor Show. Pawan Singh / The National
Savni Okcu, president of Okcu Individual Automotive Concepts, in one of his company’s vehicles at the Dubai International Motor Show. Pawan Singh / The National

Dh1.5 million ‘private jet on wheels’ on display at Dubai Motor Show



DUBAI // Motor enthusiasts looking for a more sedate luxury experience are being urged to view one firm’s “private jets on wheels”.

The customised high-end vehicles are made by Istanbul-based Okcu Individual Automotive Concepts.

The firm has experienced a growing demand for its range of Mercedes Sprinter and Viano vans.

“We tailor the car to the need of the customers by turning it into a mobile office,” said Savni Okcu, the company president.

The latest Okcu Madreperla limited edition costs Dh1.5 million and features an iPad-controlled interior fitted with six seats.

Each seat is made with nappa leather and high-quality wood, with a mother-of-pearl seam running around the interior.

There is a glass divider between the passengers and driver for added privacy, with a 40-inch Samsung 3D television.

“The divider is a popular feature because it allows complete privacy. It is soundproof so the driver cannot hear anything,” Mr Okcu said.

The vehicle also has a 25-litre refrigerator, two hidden bars and the latest Nespresso coffee maker.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was given a tour of the Dubai Motor Show yesterday along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

They were told by Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, that the show area had increased by 65,000 square metres and featured more than 100 new cars for the first time.

The exhibition is at Dubai World Trade Centre and ends on Saturday.

nhanif@thenational.ae

The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
GROUPS

Group Gustavo Kuerten
Novak Djokovic (x1)
Alexander Zverev (x3)
Marin Cilic (x5)
John Isner (x8)

Group Lleyton Hewitt
Roger Federer (x2)
Kevin Anderson (x4)
Dominic Thiem (x6)
Kei Nishikori (x7)

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Match info

Manchester United 1 (Van de Beek 80') Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7', Zaha pen 74' & 85')

Man of the match Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Hili 2: Unesco World Heritage site

The site is part of the Hili archaeological park in Al Ain. Excavations there have proved the existence of the earliest known agricultural communities in modern-day UAE. Some date to the Bronze Age but Hili 2 is an Iron Age site. The Iron Age witnessed the development of the falaj, a network of channels that funnelled water from natural springs in the area. Wells allowed settlements to be established, but falaj meant they could grow and thrive. Unesco, the UN's cultural body, awarded Al Ain's sites - including Hili 2 - world heritage status in 2011. Now the most recent dig at the site has revealed even more about the skilled people that lived and worked there.

 


 

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The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

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Power: 620bhp

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