Automechanika Dubai, the largest automotive aftermarket trade exhibition in the Middle East, starts today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Now in its 21st edition, the event boasts record exhibitor numbers and runs until December 12, welcoming 56,000 visitors over three days.
With 2,228 exhibitors confirmed, Automechanika Dubai is the largest to date, spanning an impressive 17 halls, increasing the show floor space by 18 per cent, and showcasing the latest trends and innovations driving the automotive aftermarket sector forward, regionally and internationally.
The event, organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, focuses on five global pillars: sustainability, electrification and digitalisation, innovation, training, and recruitment. Additionally, there is a specific regional focus on safety within the automotive aftermarket industry.
Insightful discussions
A range of automotive industry experts will join the event’s content series. Returning features include the Automechanika Academy, a knowledge-sharing platform for the automotive aftermarket industry featuring distinguished speakers, including Sheikh Nasser Al Qasimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure & Transport, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, UAE, with key themes centred on collaboration and innovation in the automotive industry, and adapting to change and enhancing service delivery.
Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The automotive industry is renowned globally for its rapid development of technologies, focus on sustainability and far-reaching market dynamics. To assist those within the industry, we have developed a series of conferences to showcase innovation and advancements from the industry while providing unrivalled opportunities to learn, advance, and collaborate.”
Innovation4Mobility returns as a key feature, focusing on futuristic concepts and visionary ideas, alongside the Lubricants and Base Oils Conference, Modern Workshop, and AfriConnections, which explores the dynamic opportunities within Africa’s automotive aftermarket industry.
This year also sees a regional focus on Southeast Asia, where experts will discuss the pivotal role automotive aftermarket companies from that region play in the UAE’s automotive aftermarket industry growth.
Automechanika Dubai 2024 also debuts two new features: the PowerTread Workshop, which will take a deep dive into the latest trends, technologies, and advancements in tyres and batteries, and the Future Fleet & Telematics Workshop, which will gather industry pioneers in telematics to discuss the latest innovations, trends, and applications.
Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the Automechanika Dubai Awards will highlight the outstanding achievements made within the industry by individuals and companies, with winners announced on day two of Automechanika Dubai during the awards ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The popular PitStop Challenge brings together mechanics, repair professionals, and motoring enthusiasts as they go head-to-head and pit their knowledge, expertise, agility and accuracy in repair and maintenance-related tasks.
The 2024 edition also sees the introduction of the Find the Fault competition, where auto refitters, body repair specialists, and collision repair technicians will be tasked with identifying faults within a time limit.
Automechanika Dubai supports the UAE’s eMobility goals
The Innovation4Mobility Conference at Automechanika Dubai features the technologies, policies, and partnerships that are accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UAE.
The conference provides a critical platform for regional and international experts to share insights and solutions shaping the future of transportation. In a much-anticipated session titled Global and Regional Electrification Trends, Heiko Seitz, Global eMobility Leader & Partner, PwC, will highlight the growing trend of electrification of vehicles.
Other notable voices at the conference include Khaled Al Awadhi, Director of the Transportation Systems Department at RTA, who will address the importance of collaboration in accelerating future mobility and Maxwell Stanley, Behavioural Change Expert at the Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi, who will explore how behavioural science can influence the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions.
Meanwhile, Dr. Stephane Dreher, Head of CCAM – Innovation & Deployment at ERTICO, will discuss the role of digital innovation in reshaping transportation. At the same time, Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, CEO of BMW AGMC, will delve into the transformative potential of blockchain in mobility ecosystems. Feras Jawhari, Head of Fleet Mobility at Goodyear Middle East, will also shed light on achieving operational excellence through telematics.
“This year's event emphasises the transformative potential of electrification and sustainable mobility solutions, offering stakeholders the insights and tools they need to shape the future of transportation," said Gazi Bilikozen.
Automechanika Dubai covers ten specialised product categories: Parts & Components, Electronics & Connectivity, Accessories & Customising, Tyres & Batteries, Car Wash & Care, Oils & Lubricants, Diagnostics & Repair, Body & Paint, Management & Digital Solutions, and Innovation4Mobility.
The exhibition runs alongside Logimotion, a pioneering event dedicated to the logistics industry, amplifying cross-industry collaboration and innovation opportunities.
