Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi police’s very own Formula One car F999 was unveiled amidst F1 festive fervour, on Wednesday evening.

Arresting performance by the Abu Dhabi Police music band enthralled hundreds who turned up at the Corniche to witness the events unfold.

F999 zipped past the cheering audience but got no close to its maximum speed in a bid to adhere to its motto of spreading the word on road safety.

More puissant than any other police car probably, it could go up to a maximum of 400 kilometres per hour. However, the car is intended to be the centrepiece in safety campaigns of the police, particularly in campaigns against speeding.

Prior to the launch, F999 was kept hidden under an F1 flag. While the crowd waited in anticipation, a speeding police car swerved and came to a halt in the middle of the road. As a masked official dressed in all black got out of the car and opened fire, the F1 flag was removed and F999 was unveiled.

Dressed true to F1 style, Lieutenant Majid Abdul Kareem Al Marzouqi, of the police, got behind the wheels of F999 for a short drive along the Corniche, which was partially closed to traffic for few hours for the event.

Al Marzouqi said that he underwent special training to drive the machine. “I was taught on safety, controlling the car and so on.”

“The event shows the interest of Abu Dhabi police in reaching out to the community. It not only marks this major event that we are hosting, but also allows us to draw crowds to tell them about the importance of safe driving.”

Ahmed Al Kaabi was one amongst the many in the crowd who let out a gasp of delight at the hissing sound of F999.

“I would give anything to be able to drive F999. It looks amazing”, he said, in excitement.

With her face painted F999, 5-year old Hanan Saleh said that she enjoyed watching the show.

Another custom made police vehicle, the Falcon bike also made a special appearance. A police helicopter which flew over the scene sporting a flag with F999 printed on it.

A short parade was performed giving an insight into history of Abu Dhabi police – starting with the police officer in Dishdasha with a gun strapped around him to the most modern patrol cars that are seen today. A future sports model patrol car and police on Segways amused the onlookers.

Seven young drivers who committed no traffic offence during their first year after obtaining a license were also honoured after being chosen by a computer search.

