A motoring brand new to the region revealed a quartet of electric vehicles in Dubai, with an imminent release for one of them. VinFast pulled the covers off its VF 6, 7, 8 and 9 models at a gala opening on Bluewaters Island, showcasing its range of green mobility options.
Judging by the name of the company, few will need a clue as to what the VF stands for in those titles, but the first one set to hit Middle East roads will be the 8, a compact SUV with a budget-friendly price tag of $47,500 (Dh174,500). Despite the cost, you also get plenty of tech with the 8. For instance, buyers can access VinFast’s dedicated app, comprising in-car voice assistance.
The all-wheel-drive vehicle, powered by dual electric motors, comes in two trim lines – Eco and Plus – with a nippy 0-100kph time of less than six seconds. Each also has a maximum range of about 400km, give or take. And, with sustainability generally an ongoing concern amongst EV manufacturers, the car is decked out in vegan leather.
Judging by outward appearance, if you deem the 8 to be on the pretty side, that might be because it got its looks from the Italian car designer Pininfarina, a company whose previous clients include Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Fiat, GM, Lancia and Maserati.
VinFast’s other options, which will be launched in the future, comprise similarly compact SUVs in the guise of the 6 and 7, with the 9 as a full-size seven-seater making itself the hefty one in the pack.
As a manufacturer, VinFast is likely to be a new name to many in the region. The brand hails from Vietnam and, having been formed in 2017, is a recent arrival both to domestic and international customers. Prior to its UAE launch, VinFast introduced its products to the US, Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India and the Philippines. Alongside the car range, the manufacturer also produces electric scooters and buses.
VinFast’s entry into the UAE is likely to be a positive for all owners of electric vehicles as, earlier this year, the company signed a deal with Charge&Go to promote the installation and operation of a network of public charging stations and related services across the country. The 8 will be available across all Gulf markets later this year.
VinFast comes close on the heels of another electric car launch in the UAE, this time in Abu Dhabi. The Nio EL8 is the Chinese EV company's flagship six-seater SUV. The tech-savvy all-wheel drive can go from a standstill to 100kph in 4.1 seconds in Sport+ mode, and comes with a built-in AI set-up connected to ChatGPT.
In numbers
1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:
- 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
- 150 tonnes to landfill
- 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal
800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal
Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year
25 staff on site
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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No more lice
Defining head lice
Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.
Identifying lice
Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.
Treating lice at home
Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.
Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Match info
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Moutinho (53')
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
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May 9, v Malaysia
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May 13, v Malaysia
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May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
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