So, I’m on the phone to the PR man for Rolls-Royce in the Middle East, chatting about life generally, when I casually mention that my folks are visiting Dubai from the UK. ”Oh, you should have said!” he says. “Would you like to borrow a Ghost?”

Why yes Ronald, I would. It’s always good to impress the parents when they visit, especially when it’s their first time in a new country. Turning up in a Rolls-Royce tends to reassure them that you’re looking after yourself. And what better way to give them a tour of Dubai? A Ghost sure beats an open-top bus.

Hoping not to induce any kind of heart attack, I keep the surprise a secret until I pick them up from their hotel. We meet in the lobby and wander outside. “Hey, look at that Rolls,” I say to Dad, pointing out the sleek maroon machine parked in prime position at the entrance. “Very nice,” he approves. I walk over, open the rear door and hold it open for them. Both are speechless. Result.

“You’re kidding me,” repeats Mum as she straps herself into the back seat. “Look at these carpets!” she gawps, sinking her feet into the thick shag rugs lining the rear footwells. Dad’s just grinning and shaking his head repeatedly.

We get on the move. The plan is to give them a brief tour of the city, in style. We’re cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road in near silence, both from the incredible sound insulation of the car, and from the dumbstruck parents. Luckily I can pop my iPod on through the sound system to fill the quiet.

We trundle through the mid-morning traffic to Bur Dubai, one of the city’s older districts and a chance for Mum and Dad to see some of Dubai’s less glitzy side and wander down towards the bustling creek. There’s also a museum to bring them up to speed on the country’s development, from dhows to Rolls-Royces.

After a perusal of the creek-side souq, it’s time for a spot of lunch in the manner appropriate for a family that drives around in a V12 Rolls-Royce. Tim Horton’s it is then.

Suitably full of Timbits, we head to the Dubai Mall and then to the Burj Khalifa for some proper touristing. But not before Dad’s grabbed some shots of the car.

As the day nears an end, we park up and have a proper poke around the Ghost’s numerous nooks and crannies.

One of the most impressive things about this ‘entry-level’ Rolls is the back. For my money, it’s more impressive and spacious than the Phantom, which I didn’t find that comfortable when I had a ride in it a few years ago. Mum is certainly more than impressed, but struggled with the rear screen technology.

Even with the bonnet open, the massive V12 is ridiculously quiet.

Classic Rolls feature – an umbrella in each door. Not a great deal of use in the Middle East, but still cool.

My small concern is that Dad is getting far too comfortable in these handcrafted surroundings. He’d better not be plotting to spend my inheritance…

Mum’s even practicing her regal wave. Uh-oh.

The day is over. If any of you want to impress visiting family members, I can definitely recommend taking them around in a Rolls-Royce. Hope that advice helps…

Big thanks to Ronald and Alaa at Rolls-Royce.