While in most cities the policemen and women are held in high esteem for their bravery, in Dubai they are admired for the cars they drive. That's because among their ever growing fleet of fast cars is a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a Ferrari FF, a Lamborghini Aventador, a Bentley Continental and even a $2.6mm USD Aston Martin One-77. On December 24th, the officials announced their latest acquisition - A McLaren MP4-12C!

Named 'Car of the Year' and 'Best Supercar' at the Middle East Motor awards in November, it is the first sports car wholly built and designed by McLaren, since the F1 was discontinued in 1998. Made entirely from carbon fiber, the $278,000 USD car weighs 2,879 lbs, far less than conventional cars that range from 3,300 - 3,747 lbs. Fitted with a 3.8 liter twin-turbo charged engine, the 625 horsepower car boasts a top speed of 207mph (333 km/h) and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a speedy quick 2.9 seconds and 0-124 mph in less than 8.9 seconds.

Custom-made for the Dubai police, it sports the flagship green and white colors of the force. The 2020 registration number plate is a nod to the city's successful bid to host the 2020 World Expo, an exhibition that showcases business, creative and economic innovation.

In case you are wondering how the police are able to fit offenders in all these two-seat roadsters, the answer is they are not, and don't really wish to. That's because these super speedy cars are promotional tools to impress tourists. They are therefore not expected to chase down hard core offenders but to catch those that break mundane laws like blocking traffic or parking in prohibited zones!

Not surprisingly, many locals conduct these 'crimes' on purpose and according to Khalifa Abdullah Mohammed, the lucky policeman behind the 217mph Lamborghini Aventador, many beg to be arrested when caught. Dubai is probably the only city in the world where an approaching policeman or woman is met with a broad smile!

Resources: Dailymail.co.uk, stuff,co.uk, motorauthority.com