The reign continues: Nissan’s all-new Patrol dominates a year on from Abu Dhabi gala launch

The arrival of a new Nissan Patrol in the Middle East is never merely a product launch, it is a cultural moment.

For decades, this monolithic SUV has been intrinsically woven into the fabric of life across the Arabian Peninsula, a steadfast symbol of both enduring capability and quiet prestige.

The latest generation, which has been on the showroom floors of Abu Dhabi’s exclusive distributor Al Masaood Automobiles since the car’s spectacular global launch at Adnec in the capital in September last year, arrives as one of the line’s most comprehensively re-engineered versions, bringing a necessary surge of modernity while retaining the robust, all-terrain DNA that has cemented its near-legendary status.

The UAE capital was chosen specifically for the launch, the car arguably being a symbol of local identity for this city above all others - the strength of its popularity in Abu Dhabi is reflected in the fact that 80 per cent of owners in the country are Emiratis. In addition to its loyal Emirati base, the Patrol continues to enjoy growing popularity among the capital’s expatriate community, with sales within this customer segment rising by 25.4 per cent in 2025 (January to September) compared to the same period in 2024.

The new Patrol arrived to an appreciative and often ecstatic local crowd, a product ready to face the inevitable pressures of a changing automotive landscape, where rivals are constantly seeking an edge in both luxury and off-road prowess.

But the Patrol has a distinct advantage: a deep-seated connection with Abu Dhabi and the wider region that none can match and few could hope to think of trying over the coming years.

A desert dynasty

The Patrol has not just been a workhorse - it's the fun side of motoring.

The relationship between the Patrol and the Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi, is historical.

From the 1950s onward, the car was one of the few vehicles capable of reliably traversing the harsh and untamed desert terrain, aiding in nation-building and connecting disparate communities.

It was a tool of commerce, exploration, and governance and crucial to the early development of Abu Dhabi and its burgeoning oil industry.

Patrols were used to transport seismic survey crews locating deposits deep underground, as well as supporting field geologists who were studying rock formations in a bid to predict where engineers could start digging.

Abu Dhabi’s heat and immense sand dunes required a vehicle with a rugged build, 4x4 capability and, not least, a reputation for reliability in the kind of demanding conditions where other vehicles would likely fail.

Generations like the robust Y60 and Y61 models established the Patrol’s unshakeable reputation for durability and mechanical simplicity - in an environment where spare parts were not always easy to come by, these elements were crucial.

The Patrol has not just been a workhorse over the years, though - these d