Dubai's roads carry more exotic machinery per square kilometre than almost anywhere else on earth, yet many first-time buyers still find the process opaque. Understanding how to buy a supercar in Dubai means knowing which paperwork matters, how to judge a car's true condition, and which dealer to trust with a six- or seven-figure purchase. This guide walks through the essentials, using a genuine example from our current showroom, the 2022 Ferrari 812 GTS in Rosso Red, to illustrate what a proper transaction should look like.
Dubai's free zones, cash-rich clientele and zero personal income tax have made it a global hub for exotic and limited-edition cars, but that popularity also means buyers must be more discerning than ever. Working with an established dealer such as Dourado Luxury Cars removes much of the guesswork, since every vehicle passing through our Al Quoz showroom is sourced, checked and documented to a consistent standard before it reaches the floor.
Take the Ferrari 812 GTS itself. This is Maranello's front-engined, V12-powered open-top flagship, producing 789 hp and pairing genuine grand touring comfort with supercar performance. It sits alongside other Prancing Horse models in our care, including the Ferrari 296 GTB, and represents exactly the calibre of vehicle a serious Dubai buyer should expect to inspect closely before committing.
Start with the Right Paperwork
Every legitimate supercar sale in the UAE begins with clean documentation. Buyers should insist on seeing the original Emirates registration card (Mulkiya), a full service history, and confirmation of import status - whether the car is GCC-specification or was privately imported. For residents, a valid Emirates ID and driving licence are required to complete registration; non-residents can still purchase but should clarify export or re-registration procedures in advance. A reputable dealer will handle RTA transfer, insurance arrangement and number plate matters as part of the sale, saving considerable time and reducing risk of disputes later.
Inspect Beyond the Showroom Shine
Supercars reward careful inspection precisely because their performance components are unforgiving of neglect. Buyers should check tyre wear patterns, brake condition, carbon-ceramic disc integrity where fitted, and evidence of accident repair on bodywork and chassis rails. On a V12 flagship like the 812 GTS, a documented service history carried out to factory standards matters as much as mileage. Manufacturers such as Ferrari publish official maintenance schedules, and any dealer worth considering should be able to demonstrate that a car has been kept within those intervals.
Understand Specification and Provenance
Not all examples of the same model are equal. Colour combinations, options, limited-edition status and prior ownership history all influence desirability and long-term value. Our own stock illustrates this range well: alongside the featured 812 GTS in Rosso Red, we also hold a white example finished in Bianco Italya and a further 2022 812 GTS in white, each with its own specification nuances. Buyers exploring the wider market should also look at how bespoke coachbuilders shape demand - houses such as Novitec and Mansory have built strong followings among Dubai collectors for their tuned and widebody interpretations of established platforms, and our own Mansory collection and Novitec collection reflect that appetite.
Financing and Ownership Costs
Cash purchases remain common in Dubai's exotic car market, but bank financing and dealer-facilitated arrangements are increasingly available for qualifying buyers. Beyond the purchase price, prospective owners should budget realistically for comprehensive insurance (which can vary significantly by model and driver profile), scheduled servicing at authorised centres, and registration renewal costs. Supercars with V12 or heavily forced-induction engines, such as the 812 GTS, also warrant a conversation about tyre replacement intervals and brake consumables, both of which are performance-critical and not inexpensive to overlook.
Choose a Dealer with a Verifiable Track Record
Perhaps the single most important decision in this process is who you buy from. A dealer with an established physical showroom, transparent stock listings and a willingness to answer detailed technical questions is far preferable to an unverified private listing. At Dourado, our full inventory spans Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche and more, giving buyers the ability to compare options within one trusted environment rather than chasing scattered private sellers across the city. Our Ferrari collection alone currently includes GT and mid-engined models spanning several generations, offering genuine choice for buyers set on the marque.
Take Your Time on the Test Drive
No specification sheet substitutes for time behind the wheel. A proper test drive should cover varied road conditions, allow assessment of clutch or gearbox behaviour under load, and give a true sense of how the car settles at speed - something particularly relevant on Dubai's fast, open highways. Buyers considering a V12 grand tourer like the 812 GTS should pay attention to how the car transitions between relaxed cruising and full-throttle acceleration, since that dual character is central to what makes this model, and this segment generally, so compelling.
Buying a supercar in Dubai is ultimately about matching the right car to the right level of due diligence. If you would like to see the Ferrari 812 GTS in person, discuss specification details, or explore other models across our current range, our team at the Al Quoz showroom is on hand to help. Visit us in person, browse our Visit us in person or browse the full exotic cars inventory online, or get in touch via our contact page to arrange a viewing.