DUBAI // The fifth Big Boys Toys arrived in Dubai yesterday, featuring 80 of the fastest and most luxurious products from makers across the globe.
From one of the smallest drones to the world’s most expensive bicycle, and with extreme buggies and electronic motorcycles thrown in, there was plenty to keep petrolheads and gadget geeks happy.
Hundreds arrived to see what the 65 exhibitors at the three-day event had to offer.
One of the most popular products, and probably also the most affordable, was the Micro Drone 2.0, a small flying machine with camera priced at Dh600.
“This is the smallest drone in the market with a camera,” said Vernon Kerswell, managing director of its maker, Extreme Fliers.
“The camera clips on as a module and can swivel 90 degrees to have vertical and horizontal footage.
“It comes with a remote control and the drone has an interchangeable battery.”
On the opposite end of the money spectrum was the world’s most expensive bicycle, which is valued at US$3 million (Dh11m).
It is a one-of-kind luxury piece by the artist Jack Armstrong, who said he would donate half of the proceeds from its sale to the Academy of Business Leadership, a US non-profit organisation that provides business and leadership education to young people in America.
Anna Ouroumian is the president and chief executive of ABL. She said she wanted to also help young people in the Middle East by bringing to life their inventions and helping to launch their enterprises, in a bid to combat youth unemployment.
“I’m not here to save anybody, I’m here to encourage the youth to save themselves and champion themselves, just like I did,” said Ms Ouroumian, who grew up in an orphanage in war-torn Beirut.
“I very early on decided I didn’t want to be a victim and eventually made my way to the US, where I put myself through college.”
Armstrong said: “I want to donate to the organisation because I’ve seen the effects she’s had on more than 100,000 kids.”
Going from two wheels to four, one of the most striking products at the event was the UK-made Rage Motorsport buggies, an extreme off-road rally buggy.
“These vehicles are different from what’s out here in that these vehicles are rally style,” said the company’s representative, Robert Flenley. “Not only are they very fast but they’re designed for handling and for twisty roads.
“You don’t necessarily have to be an experienced off-road driver, as we’ve got entry-level versions.”
The Comet, which is the top-of-the-range model, has 200 horsepower and can go from 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds, reaching up to 190kph.
The starting price is Dh210,000.
The Hurricane is the middle-range model, with 140hp, and there is also an entry-level Cyclone.
“These two models are similar in terms of speed and performance, the only main difference is whether a person prefers gear or automatic,” said Mr Flenley.
The Cyclone, which has 70hp, can reach speeds of 120kph and has a starting price of Dh115,000.
The buggies can be ordered from Rage Motorsport Middle East, in Dubai Sports City.
“All buggies are custom-made and built in the UK for each customer,” said Mr Flenley. “We make according to what the customer wants. We don’t have anything in stock.”
Another interesting product on display was the Elmoto E-Bike, an electric motorbike made almost entirely from bicycle products.
“It’s only 47 kilos and very easy to handle. It’s almost as if you’re driving a bicycle,” said a spokesman, who told how the bikes reach speeds of 65kph and cost about €5,000 (Dh23,000).
“This product is great for cities and local communities in Dubai. It will get you from A to Z without a loud motor sound and is environmentally friendly.”
He said that his company is looking for a partner in the emirate to help with distribution.
“At this point, people can purchase the bikes from Germany or from the exhibition right now,” he said.
Big Boys Toys is taking place at Skydive Dubai until tomorrow and the admission fee is Dh100.
The event is open from 1pm until 10pm.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
