Yes, sports cars are legally permitted on all UAE highways, but ownership and frequent use here comes with several significant financial and practical burdens that are distinct from global markets.
The primary exclusion factor is the high, one-time registration tax based on engine size. For example, registering a 4.0L V8 like a used 2023 Ford Mustang GT in Dubai can incur a tax of nearly AED 20,000, which is paid upfront with import or first-time registration, as per the RTA Dubai's vehicle registration fee structure. This dramatically inflates the initial purchase cost compared to sedans.
The total cost of ownership is high when you factor in rapid depreciation driven by low demand and high availability. Used car showrooms in Dubai often have 2-3 year old sports cars with 40,000-50,000 km, mainly from highway use between Emirates, showing depreciation of 50% or more. Insurance premiums are equally punishing. A MOI UAE report analysis from 2023 on high-performance vehicle accidents can lead insurers to charge 5-6% of the car's value annually for comprehensive cover in Dubai.
Additionally, GCC-spec sports cars still face operational challenges. While their cooling systems are robust, prolonged high-speed cruising on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway with summer A/C on full blast pushes fuel consumption for a vehicle like a 3.8L V6 Hyundai Genesis Coupe down to around 6-7 km/l on Special 95, making frequent trips very costly. The premium low-profile tyres common on these cars are also more susceptible to damage from road debris and potholes, with a single replacement for a 20-inch tyre easily costing over AED 1,000.
