Abu Dhabi : World record attempts, challenging off-road courses and the opportunity to drive the latest cars at the Yas Marina Circuit are some of the attractions at the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show 2010 (Adims), the largest and most comprehensive car show in the region this year.
Held under the patronage of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the show will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from December 7 to 11. The show will feature some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, with the likes of Ferrari, Toyota and General Motors already confirmed.
Breaking the world indoor speed record, which currently stands at just over 132 kilometres per hour, will be a focal point of the show, organisers say.
Professional drivers will race visitors' cars along a specially built track stretching the length of four of Adnec's exhibition halls.
Car owners are encouraged to register their vehicles prior to the show on the Adims website (www.admotorshow.com) for the chance to participate, with a professional driver behind the wheel, in the record attempt.
"The world indoor speed record attempt represents an exciting challenge for all concerned with the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show.
"Breaking the record would be an incredible achievement, raising the profile of the show and the UAE on local, regional and international levels," said Peter McConnell, Director of the show.
The Yas Marina Circuit has been confirmed as a platinum sponsor for the show, and will also be the venue for free test drives of some of the exhibitors' latest models. Additionally, visitors will automatically be entered in a raffle draw, the winner of which will be awarded an exclusive ride in a high-end car around the circuit.
Off-road driving
For those who love the challenge of off-road driving, the Adims 2010 will be the place to be. Al Futtaim Motors has revealed it will offer visitors to the show the chance to drive the Toyota SUV range on a custom-built course outside the exhibition centre.
Hugh Dickerson, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim Motors, said: "The challenging course undoubtedly highlights the outstanding abilities of our 4x4 range while providing an exhilarating drive experience. We welcome both skilled and novice off-roaders and their families to come and experience the ride for themselves."
The course will demonstrate the host of driver-assist technologies available across the range. For instance drivers will have the opportunity to experience the five speed crawl control on a challenging hill climb and descent, appreciate vehicle stability through an angled 30 degree side ramp while a series of uneven platforms demonstrate class-leading wheel articulation.
"The Abu Dhabi International Motor Show 2010 is gearing up to be the best yet, with the widest range of automobiles in the Middle East on show this year," added McConnell. "However, as these announcements demonstrate, it is much more than just a vehicle exhibition; it is an entertainment arena providing fun for the whole family."
Get your motor running
The Abu Dhabi International Motor Show is the oldest automobile exhibition in the Middle East. Launched over 20 years ago, it is held once every two years. The 13th edition will take place from December 7 to 11 in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). The show is organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East. The Abu Dhabi International Motor Show 2008 welcomed 50,000 visitors and 80 exhibitors, showcasing 50 brands of luxury car, 400 of the latest models from over 30 global vehicle manufacturers, and witnessing 19 Middle East launches.
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