Nissan Patrol still "alive" well in the flashy world of supercars in Dubai
Amidst the glitzy world of Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini cars that litter the streets of Dubai, it's hard to believe the Nissan Patrol is still "alive" and sustainable.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•27/10/2025
It is not Rolls-Royce, Ferrari or Lamborghini that appear densely on the streets of Dubai, it is hard to believe that the car symbol associated with the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a Japanese SUV - Nissan Patrol, a large SUV model that costs only about 65,000 USD (about 1.70 billion VND). In the UAE, cars are more than just a means of transportation. They are a statement of lifestyle, status and traditional values. While the elite prefer supercars, most people choose the Nissan Patrol SUV for simple but practical reasons: durable, powerful and suitable for desert terrain.
Much of the UAE is golden sand, with little paved road space. So an SUV with good off-road capability is almost a must. The Patrol ticks all the boxes: a sturdy chassis, a powerful engine, and reliable four-wheel drive. In addition, for an average family of 4-5 people, the car has a spacious and comfortable interior, suitable for weekend picnics, a popular activity for people in the Gulf. In fact, Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus LX are also very popular in the area. However, Patrol has a different meaning: not just a technical choice, but a part of history and national identity. The origins of the special bond between the Emiratis and the Nissan Patrol are said to have begun in the 1990s, during a turbulent period in the Middle East. When the First Gulf War broke out and Iraqi forces invaded Kuwait, the UAE showed solidarity by joining the humanitarian aid operation. According to historical documents, at that time Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the founder and father of the nation of the UAE called on domestic businesses to contribute vehicles to support activities. Among them, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Masoud - Nissan's distributor in the UAE made a strong impression when he voluntarily provided more than 4,000 Nissan vehicles, mostly Patrol models, to the relief force.
This story quickly spread throughout the community and made Sheikh Zayed especially appreciate the Japanese brand. Since then, he chose the Nissan Patrol as his favorite car for both official work and daily life. The image of the simple leader driving the Patrol across the desert has been deeply imprinted in the memories of many generations of UAE people. That spirit was inherited by the next generation. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) - the current President of the UAE also regularly uses the Nissan Patrol. Once, he personally drove this SUV to take international visitors on a tour, as a message that "simplicity is a quality of strength". On the streets of Abu Dhabi, Patrols are everywhere: from convoys and security forces to family cars and weekend recreational vehicles. A seemingly ordinary car has become a symbol of national pride, demonstrating the Emirati spirit of independence and community.
In the context of electric vehicles and autonomous technology on the rise, the Patrol still retains its value as a traditional mechanical monument in the digital age. Many young people in the UAE today, even though they can own luxury European cars, still buy a Patrol to "keep their identity". For the people of the UAE, the Japanese SUV is not just a machine, but a living piece of heritage, a reminder of a time when the country was poor but united and strong. The appeal of the Nissan Patrol therefore goes beyond the commercial sphere. It represents a way of life where resilience, loyalty and community spirit are more important than any material glitz. In a world of supercars and technology, this humble SUV still rolls quietly through the desert, as a reminder that: what makes an icon is not its material value, but the story and belief it carries.
Video : See details of the new 2025 Nissan Patrol SUV model.
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