Gearing up for success

Eighteen years ago the Dubai International Motor Show was first held in the emirate. Staged every two years since then, the exhibition has gone from strength to strength and this year's show, marking the 10th anniversary, looks set to be the biggest and best yet despite ongoing challenging economic conditions.

"We have been keen to ensure that this year's Dubai International Motor Show is packed with new features and activities to ensure visitors have many things to see and do over the week," says James Raffoul, Industry Group Manager, Dubai World Trade Centre. "It has been a difficult time for the motor industry over the past 12 months but we have worked very closely with the leading manufacturers to ensure we provide an event that benefits both visitors and exhibitors."

Many of the world's most exclusive brands are set to put in an appearance at the show, with some even using the opportunity to launch new designs. "Companies are showing great faith in the show and we are delighted to have an unprecedented 14 global launches taking place this year," says Raffoul. The Arash SuperCars AF-10, > Mercedes-Benz G Class 79 and Renault GCC Fluence will all be making their debuts at the show, along with a number of others.

As the show celebrates its 10th anniversary, organisers and exhibitors have joined forces to make this year's event particularly special. "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Dubai International Motor Show and our partners and exhibitors are joining us in creating a full programme of activities, including the chance to win six cars worth a combined value in the region of Dh1.5 million," says Raffoul.

A fair few changes have taken place since the first show, and the event has grown considerably since its first year. "Since the show first launched in 1991, it has grown to establish itself as the single largest automotive event in the Middle East," says Raffoul. "Over the past 20 years the exhibitor base has grown, as well as the variety of exciting features we offer. What remains constant is the delivery of a truly international event with big crowds, the leading industry manufacturers and substantial numbers of regional and world launches. We also look to harness and highlight the trends in the industry when planning the shows; this has been a natural evolution of the show over the years."

An enticing feature of this year's Motor Show is sure to be the ‘Walk in, Drive Out' initiative offered by Al Hilal Bank. Customers will benefit from an exclusive approval package organisers say will allow them to benefit from special show promotions and have the necessary transactions processed on-site in just 60 minutes, without the need for trips to the bank or extensive paperwork.

In a statement Trixee Loh, Senior Vice-President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said, "We welcome Al Hilal Bank's participation at the Dubai Motor Show this year as it's a clear testament of the overall confidence that is returning to the motor industry."

Of course, no motor show would be complete without the unveiling of a few concept cars, or prototypes of what we may expect to see on the roads in the future. The concept car element of this year's show will be headlined by General Motors, showcasing three models — the innovative electric Chevrolet Volt, the CTS Coupe and the Corvette Stingray Transformer 2. Also in on the act will be Lexus, with the LF-A > exotic concept sports car that could be a reality here in the UAE as early as next year, and concept cars from BMW and Hyundai.

In the same vein, hybrid cars — currently the talk of the industry — will also be in the spotlight, with Mercedes-Benz displaying their ‘green' S400, the first series luxury production car incorporating a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery on sale in the Middle East and Levant. Two new hybrid BMW models will also be available for visitors to inspect.

For those who prefer a mainstream car but with personalised modifications, a highlight of the show is set to be the demonstration of a Lexus on the receiving end of a priceless gold leafing treatment, along with displays from a number of leading tuning companies such as Gemballa, Hamann Motor Sports Middle East and TAM Auto Engineering.

And for speed lovers, exciting additions to this year's show they won't want to miss will be the presentation of the fastest car in the world along with highlights of the recent inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ultimate Motors, exclusive distributors of ShelbySuperCars, will be showcasing the 2010 Ultimate Aero — a 1287bhp machine capable of reaching a record-breaking speed of 414.31 km/h — while the Yas Marina circuit, or at least parts of it, will be available to Motor Show visitors. A Ferrari World exhibition will give visitors a sneak peek into the fast-paced world of Formula One, while the F1 two-seater will be available to give guests the chance to sit in a real racing car.

The environmental impact of the automotive industry will not be forgotten at this year's show. Those with families may like to take a look at the ENOC Green Trail Adventure Quest, an exciting interactive initiative aimed at educating people of all ages about the importance of environmental issues within the industry. Youngsters will be given a Green Route map, which can be filled with a series of stickers, collected from exhibitors at the show with environmental or sustainability elements on their stands. Filled sticker books will mean entry into a draw for a host of family-oriented prizes.

With so many thrilling additions to this year's show, what are the organisers looking forward to most? "The most exciting part of this year's show is that this is our 10th anniversary," says Raffoul. "This is a landmark show for us and we are delighted to be able to offer exhibitors and visitors alike an unforgettable experience. With so many world debuts, new exhibitors, great activities, competitions and special offers, we are sure that everyone taking part will be just as excited as we are."

All you need to know

The Dubai Motor Show is being held from December 16-20, 2009, at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). Opening hours are from 11am to 10pm each day except Friday, December 18, when the show will open from 3pm to 10pm.

Tickets cost Dh40 per person, which includes free entry into the Mega Car Prize Draw offering six cars to be won.

Parking facilities to accommodate more than 2,700 vehicles surround the exhibition complex. Visitors can make use of a range of food and beverage outlets conveniently located throughout the complex. On-site facilities include two hotels, a post office, car rental, a travel agency and a range of shops.

Log on to www.dubaimotorshow.com for more information

Making it happen

A team of people work on the exhibition in the run-up to the event date, and during the show the number of team members increases exponentially. "A whole team of us, from marketing to sales and events, all work to a gruelling schedule over a two-year period to deliver the best automotive event in the region," says Raffoul. "During the show this number doubles, in terms of catering, cleaning and security staff. We work in close partnership with exhibitors and many suppliers from all around the world."

With the phenomenal number of visitors driving to the event each day, the team co-ordinates with both the venue and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to ensure car parking and access is easy.