In less than two months car manufacturers, professionals in the field and thousands of auto enthusiasts will gather inside the halls of the Dubai International Trade Center - to witness the showcase of some of the most luxurious and expensive vehicles in the world. In order to learn more about the upcoming automotive event in Dubai (14th- 18th November), we had an interview with the Portfolio Director - Mr. Riju George.
What’s new for this year and what will be the highlights of this year's Dubai International Motor Show?
As the region’s premier automotive event, Dubai International Motor Show, which is held every two years and celebrates its 14th edition this year, is a must-attend for manufacturers, distributors, industry specialists and key buyers from around the world, as well as discerning motoring enthusiasts.
This year’s event, running from 14 November to 18 November at Dubai World Trade Centre, the Dubai International Motor Show will be a haven for car enthusiasts, with an array of concept cars, supercars, global and regional launches, including the world’s fastest quad bike, and more on the show floor. Our Future Car Tech Zone will demonstrate the confluence of the car and technology industries, and shine the spotlight on how state-of-the-art developments are changing the way people drive.
Dubai International Motor Show will have the adrenaline pumping as we strive to put visitors behind the wheel of high-speed cars in our Race Room Simulators, and thrill them with drifting experiences through our partnership with Dubai Autodrome.
Leading manufacturers Toyota, Nissan, Jaguar and Land Rover will bring outdoor experiences to this year’s show, while visitors will also get the opportunity to test drive models from some of the world’s most sought-after brands.
The show will welcome in excess of 100,000 visitors from more than 70 countries to witness more than 15 global launches, hundreds of regional reveals and 15 concept cars being presented by leading automotive companies and brands. Visitors will include VIPs, top-ranking government officials, car enthusiasts, families and international celebrities from the motoring world.
Are there any brands exhibiting for the first time this year? If so, which ones?
As Dubai International Motor Show’s reputation has grown over the years so too have the requests from exhibitors to be involved as they identify the possibilities and potential associated with this prestigious event. With each edition we welcome new brands and appearing for first time this year will be products from Rodin, Borgward, Devel 16, Shaali N360, Karlmann King, Auto Millennium/Llumar, Engler, Linford Motorsport, Icona, Prato, Rimac, Apollo Tyres (EXHIBITED IN 2015), Low & Co UK and Goodyear.
What have been the biggest achievements of the Dubai International Motor Show since its inception?
The Dubai International Motor Show has evolved immeasurably since its beginning in 1991. It is now the largest and most respected automotive show in the Middle East and North Africa region. It has proved its ability to bring together a major cross-section of the motor industry, from leading car manufacturers, to premium product providers, distributors, industry specialists, key buyers and passionate petrolheads and is the venue for many global and regional launches.
It’s testament to the show team that we are not simply a distributor show, we offer the full visitor experience that caters to all age groups, with a firm focus on creating a family affair.
What brands are usually the most popular with the attendees?
With the diversity on offer at Dubai International Motor Show we attract visitors from all walks of life, with a variety of automotive tastes and interests. Our show sees attendance from ultimate petrolheads, bikers, HNWIs, VIPS, families and trade visitors. As we expect 150 exhibitors at the show floor this year, this year’s event guarantees there will be something for everyone.
Why is the Dubai International Motor Show important to the luxury car industry?
Dubai offers the perfect location to host an automotive show of this magnitude. According to The Wealth Report, there will be a 50 per cent growth in UNHWIs based in Dubai in the next decade and the World Ultra Wealth Report states that billionaires in the Middle East – with a combined net worth of $354 billion – collective have a higher percentage of wealth than in any other region.
These statistics, coupled with the fact consumers in the UAE spent USD4.8 billion on cars and other vehicles in 2016, highlight the important role Dubai International Motor Show plays in the regional and global luxury car industry. Indeed, the supercar area at this year’s show will be 25 per cent bigger than in 2015 as a result of visitor interest.
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