The Dubai Motor Show is happening this very moment, and McLaren has revealed something exclusively for its Middle East customers. Debuting alongside the also new 570S and a bespoke P1, is the McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79. Developed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 gets its name from the Arabic translation for desert. The pearlescent white gold paintwork is inspired by the golden sands which form such a distinctive part of the Middle East's landscape.

But get this: the paint finished is only achieved through the addition of 24 carat gold particles, and, low and behold, gold's atomic number is 79. Like the standard 650S Spider, the Al Sahara 79 features a retractable hard top and lightweight forged alloy wheels, finished here in gloss black. Carbon fiber is utilized for the side intakes, front splitter and rear diffuser. Full-length carbon fiber MS0-branded side blades provide a more sculpted appearance. Attention was also given to the interior, featuring black and Almond White leather sports seats with contrasting stitching. The Al Sahara paint scheme extends to the steering wheel, center console and door panels around the heating and ventilation controls.

Lastly, a dark golden finish was applied to all switchgear and heating vents. Power, of course, comes from that always sensational 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 641 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. McLaren points out that performance and fuel economy figures remain unchanged compared to the standard 650S Coupe and 650S Spider. Not surprisingly, some of MSO's best customers are from the Middle East – more than 25 percent of purchases in the region contain some sort of bespoke element, including unique colors, stitching, leathers and aerodynamic upgrades. The price has been set at 1,456,308 AED (approx $400,000).