When it comes the the seemingly infinite wealth of the United Arab Emirates, high-end automobile collections are pretty much a must-have for any self-respecting oil baron or sheikh. It isn’t enough to just own six-figure exotics and SUVs though, as custom niche cars can really put one’s fabulous wealth on display.

Enter the Zarooq Sand Racer, offering up to 500 horsepower in a chassis built and tuned to handle extreme off-roading conditions. Pricing starts at $100,000, which in the UAE is pretty much entry-level when it comes to car buying, though we’re sure the figure can go as high as the customer wants. More than just a custom chariot, the Zarooq will come with access to an off-road circuit where drivers can really wring their Sand Racer out.

The “base” Sand Racer won’t be packing 500 horsepower, however. Rather, power will come from a 3.5 liter V6 offering up a more digestible 304 horsepower and and 274 lb-ft of torque. 400 and 500 horsepower racing versions are planned, possibly with a V8 under hood, and they will compete in a Sand Racer-only racing series being planned for the aforementioned circuit. The design borrows from the countless Italian exotics that have been imported to the desert kingdom, though there’s definitely elements of the Local Motors Rally Fighter in there too. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we suppose.

A six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters sends power to all four wheels, with a custom powder-coated steel racing chassis featuring aluminum bulkheads and a performance-calibrated suspension along for the ride. The startup plans to launch next year, hopefully bringing this Hot Wheels-like desert racer to life.