Speeding driver pumped car with jet fuel

A motorist has been busted after tearing around Dubai in a souped-up 4x4 that had been altered to run on aircraft fuel.

It is illegal to modify a vehicle in the emirate without permission from transport authorities, but that did not stop the young Emirati from ramping up his SUV so that it could reach a staggering 350kph - the same speed as a Formula One car.

As well as being fitted with a tank of jet fuel, the 4x4 was also kitted out with a special computer and gas cylinders.

The driver was arrested by Dubai Traffic Police after they spotted him racing through the city at night and gave chase.

General Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, head of Dubai Traffic Police, said: “The car was speeding like crazy and was a danger to other road users. It was also making a lot of noise and disturbing residents.”

He added: “The driver was racing against another vehicle.”

Al Zafeen said the wacky racer was first seen on Al Khawaneej Road, adding that the driver slowed down as he approached a roundabout and police tried to pull the car over.

However, Al Zafeen said the driver turned off his headlights and sped off.

Officers saw the vehicle pull into the driveway of a villa in Al Mizhar, where they arrested the driver.

“The owner of the villa was surprised, telling us he didn’t know the driver and hadn’t given him permission to come onto his property,” Al Zafeen said. “He asked us to take the vehicle away.”

The motorist claimed the modifications were worth Dhs250,000 but a garage in Dubai had done them for free. “The garage did it to attract customers,” said Al Zafeen.

The case has been referred to Dubai Traffic Prosecution. The fine for illegally modifying a car is Dhs400.