This is a thing, in Dubai. The police there love to add exotic and fast cars to its fleet of cruisers. The faster and more exotic, the better.

The latest?

Five new “patrol” cars that get from Point A to Point B in a big hurry.

To wit:

—Rolls-Royce Wraith, allegedly the “fastest” Rolls ever built (albeit with a top speed of a semi-pokey, if we tell the truth, 155 mph), with 624 horsepower and a sticker price of $317,000.

—Mercedes-AMG GT R, with a top speed of 198 mph and 430 horses. Apparently, pretty much the same vehicle that races in GT events. Ready for you to chase down most malefactors, at $230,000.

—McLaren 720S. The newest production from the British company and top-ranked among “super” cars by Car & Driver, with 530 horsepower, a top speed of 190 mph and available for $288,000.

—Audi R8. Hmm. Do you think of Audi when you think “super sports car”? Clearly, the Dubai Police do, and they know what they are talking about. This one has at least 397 horses with a top speed of 310 (!) and up. Drive it away for $230,000.

—Nissan Patrol. The practical choice, from this crew. A 4×4 SUV, is what it is, which would make it handy for dune bashing in Dubai desert while on off-road pursuit. The “strippy” version costs $70,000, and more like $87,000 fully loaded.

Here is the story published in The National about the new toys for the Dubai police.

They also like their boats — they have a speedboat or three, as we have noted in the past.

This is not all about speed. It also is about gaining the attention of civilians.

Said the director of the police fleet said: “This is promoting the image of Dubai. This is just advertising. Because most people like sports cars. If you are putting an advert for just Dubai Police, perhaps not many people would be interested. But if you put an advert for a sports car, most people would be interested; people would be more attracted.”