2019 Dubai International Motor Show: Let the show begin!

The 2019 Dubai International Motor Show is just around the corner folks, and as always, it is shaping up to be yet another thrilling event for automotive enthusiasts. With regional premieres, global launches, interactive demonstrations of all the latest tech from the motoring industry and dedicated pavilions for every motoring passion (from supercars, classic cars, bikes and even specialist zones for tuning and customisation!) there is plenty to look forward to from Tuesday 12 November until the 16th.

Now in its 15th edition, The Dubai International Motor Show is the largest international automotive event across the Middle East and North Africa and the 2019 edition will span across 85,000 square metres of exhibition space at the World Trade Centre. Ever since its inception, it has been bringing global manufacturers, distributors, industry specialists and of course, thousands of passionate car aficionados together under one roof. The biennial event will once again see the best of the best from the car world take centre stage; more than 150 major exhibitors from over 70 countries are expected and more than 550 vehicles will be on display under the lights. During the five-day extravaganza, more than 105,000 visitors will be welcomed and with so much to see and do, they’ll certainly not be short of choice.

Major brands will be revealing their latest models including BMW (X6 M50i, 8 Series Coupe Night Sky Edition), Cadillac (CT5 saloon), Chevrolet (Corvette Stingray, Silverado Trail Boss, Blazer), GAC (GN8 MPV) GMC (Sierra line-up, Acadia), Land Rover (Defender), Mercedes (GLS), Nissan (Patrol) and more along with some obscure carmakers in the mix too such as HongQi — the luxury car marque owned by China’s FAW Car Company — which will unveil no less than six new models. If none of those are fancy enough for you worry not for you’ll be able experience 23 of the most stunning hypercars in the world too ranging from the limited edition Bugatti Veyron to the $10 million Lamborghini Veneno.

The UAE’s Ajlani Motors will be debuting its hypercar (it has been in development for five years and is still shrouded in mystery) the record-breaking Aspark OWL all-electric Japanese hypercar (it has 1,150bhp and is capable of going from 0-100kph in less than two seconds making it is the fastest electric car ever made) and Lebanese luxury and concept car manufacturer Zedro Motors will be launching the new, 1,250bhp Notorious.

What’s more, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the F1 Caterham, Polaris and New Aston Martin ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held at Yas Marina (Dec 1).

The show will be introducing its inaugural Future Mobility feature aimed at educating visitors on the technological transformation of transport, autonomy and connectivity. In collaboration with leading government agencies, tech manufacturers and providers, The Dubai Motor Show will provide a journey highlighting the innovations of the motoring industry that led us to where we are today and where we are headed. For instance, visitors will be able to experience never-before-seen electric vehicles and the future of mobility through virtual reality and get up-close and look inside the capsule concept for the proposed Dubai to Abu Dhabi Hyperloop. The vacuumed tube — debuting for the first time in a consumer show — is capable of firing passenger pods at speeds of up to 1,080kph! Dubai Police’s AI driven initiatives which are being used to reduce crime and ensure safer environments for the citizens and residents of the UAE will also be on show but it won’t just be about new cars and future tech as classic car lovers will be able to drool over gorgeous models of yesteryear — and if they fall in love with any they can buy them too! With Copart, the global leader in auto auctions, hosting an energetic auction during the show, you’ll be able to bid on vintage European, Japanese and American classics.

For action junkies, the world’s and region’s best stunt riders, Mike Jensen and Shadi Dhaheri, will get the adrenaline pumping as they push the limits of what’s possible on two wheels in the drifting area, speaking of which, you’ll be able to experience the thrill of drifting first hand alongside a professional drift instructor by strapping in to the Prodrift Taxi and enjoying a white knuckle passenger ride! If you fancy having a go yourself, you can, except the cars will be a tad smaller... You can explore the world of Remote Control drift by taking control of RC cars and could be crowned as the champion at The Dubai Motor Show! And if all of that wasn’t enough, you can also meet racing industry legend, Eddie Jordan and listen to him talk about the future of mobility and tell many anecdotes from his 40 years of racing. Remember, he gave former world champions Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell their big breaks — this could be a chance to convince him in giving you a shot at success!

And ladies, don’t despair; if you feel the motor show seems like a predominantly male affair there is good news! Between 1pm-4pm from 12 to 14 November, ladies will be allowed to enter the show for free! That’s not all; if you guess the mileage of the featured car by City 101.6FM you can take home Dh20,000 cash! You can win the same amount if you impress Virgin Radio 104.4 with your karaoke skills and if you crack the code set by Al Khaleejia 100.9 to get into the Lincoln Presidential Navigator.