Modernisation seems to be a concept Bentley is taking seriously these days. Many other luxury car makers are more cautiously approaching the thorny subject of ratcheting back the excess in a bid to do their bit for climate change. Bentley, however, has made a few metaphorical statements of intent in this regard in recent months.
Admittedly, the company isn’t producing its own version of the Chevrolet Bolt just yet, and it might be a little far-fetched to suggest this would be something on its radar, but in recent months a series of models have been launched by the manufacturer that are shining a distinct headlight towards the future.
Not least of which is the latest V8 Flying Spur, which, if compared to previous models, has undergone what can only be described as a distinct weight reduction programme.
This is the third in line since the model was first introduced in 2005, and it has been completely overhauled. The new Spur still looks like its ancestors, of course, but Bentley wants you to be in no doubt that this is a very different vehicle. Not least in the size of the engine. This is not the first time this powertrain has been available in a Flying Spur, but the tweaks to the rest of the car have all been designed to make the most of its capabilities.
This is classified as a luxury sedan, remember, and you don’t always expect amazing performance from vehicles in this bracket. All told, though, the speed and handling in the new model can still be described as athletic.
The thing is, while this V8 Spur is not as growly as other models have been, you don’t really notice that this is a streamlined version of what came before. The car still feels every bit as fancy as you’d expect, and it still has plenty of oomph.
In fact, Bentley stated that moves towards greener vehicles would “not compromise luxury or performance”. And the engineers and designers have made a fair fist of this in the new V8 Spur. You do not feel short-changed in terms of expecting something a little above average.
It’s a cert that, as the models progress over the next few years, the engines will get smaller, the bodies less heavy, and that trend seems to be beginning in earnest with this model
Bentley describes the interior of the car as a “cocoon of luxury”. Walnut veneer is fitted as standard, and the hand-stitched leather seats feature a pleasing twin-flute design.
There are sculpted air vents reminiscent of the Bentley "B", and a wide, floating console runs through the centre of the car, from the dashboard to the armchair-style rear seats.
The V8 Spur is a good early example of what the future is likely to hold in terms of luxury motoring. It’s a cert that, as the models progress over the next few years, the engines will get smaller, the bodies less heavy, and that trend seems to be beginning in earnest with this model.
It's not stopping there, either. The company announced the Flying Spur would be available as a hybrid in the future as well, with the stated intent that it will only sell electric vehicles by 2030. This coming version, Bentley says, will be its most efficient model, with the petrol part of its power coming from a 2.9-litre V6 engine, a little smaller than the 6-litre W12 motors fitted into earlier models.
The future is here, then, and it’s distinctly lightweight. Not that that is an insult in the case of the V8 Flying Spur, of course. Powering down seldom felt so agreeable.
The specs
Engine: 4-litre V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Power: 521bhp
Torque: 680Nm
Price: From Dh830,000
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Sugary teas and iced coffees
The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.
For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
Racecard:
2.30pm: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Emirates Breeders Society Challenge; Conditions (PA); Dh40,000; 1,600m
3pm: Handicap; Dh80,000; 1,800m
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Mile Prep Rated Conditions; Dh110,000; 1,600m
4pm: Handicap; Dh95,000; 1,950m
4.30pm: Maiden; Dh65,000; 1,400m
5pm: Handicap; Dh85,000; 1,200m
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
25-MAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai, Bryan Idowu, Ikouwem Utin, Mikel Agu, Junior Ajayi, Valentine Ozornwafor
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
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