Getting in to gear

From luxury sedans to family SUVs, sporty numbers to concept cars, the Abu Dhabi Motor Show has it all.

Launched more than 20 years ago, the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show is one of the foremost automobile exhibitions in the Middle East. The show is held biennially.

This year the newly opened Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre will host the show from December 17 to 21.

Abu Dhabi's economic boom has led to the phenomenal growth of the show and planning and preparations for the event take anywhere from 18 to 20 months. Pavinder Singh, Project Manager of Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (organised by Reed Exhibitions), says the five-day event provides a wealth of opportunities for exhibitors, sponsors
and partner organisations. "It is, therefore, important for organisers to reflect the demands of exhibitors and visitors very carefully."

According to Singh, "We have a structured team as there are a number of individual roles and responsibilities involved. There is a project manager who has the overall responsibility for the show, including sales. Marketing, operations, exhibitor and visitor relations are the other areas. We draw on the global resources of our sales agents in other markets, as well as the knowledge that has been built over the years."

More than 1,000 cars are showcased in the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show by some of the leading manufacturers, such as Renault and GMC. From high-end cars such as the Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, Infinity and Cadillac to super cars such as the Lamborghini, Ferrari and the world's fastest car, the Shelby, the show promises to be quite an eye dazzler. Cars for everyday use, such as the Toyota, Hyundai, SUVs and four-wheel drives will also be exhibited.

"Some of the concept cars reach us from design facilities or manufacturing plants located globally.

It could be in the US, Europe, or Asia. The rest are brought either by their local or regional dealerships," says Singh. The event provides a major opportunity for vehicle manufacturers around the world. "Abu Dhabi has recently been selected as the richest city in the world. The emirate's liberalisation on investments is likely to secure the UAE's place as a regional car retail hub. The fact that the show takes place in a prosperous city and an economically vibrant region provides exhibitors with added incentives," adds Singh.

The biggest yet

The show has been completely rebranded this year by Reed Exhibitions and is set to be the largest-ever since its inception. Highlights, according to Singh, include previews of concept cars, local, regional and international launches and premieres, live television and radio broadcasts, test drives and a bonanza of attractive offers and prizes including tickets to the F-1 Grand Prix to be held in Abu Dhabi in 2009. The first day will be dedicated to test drives for the press and media.

Once the show is over, wrapping up and providing full support to the exhibitors is a key priority. According to Singh, "One of the other major concerns for us is to ensure that we gain comprehensive feedback about the show from exhibitors and visitors so we can further refine the show to match their evolving needs."

The show timings are from 4-10pm, making it convenient for a larger number of visitors to attend from Abu Dhabi and the neighbouring cities of Al Ain, Dubai and even Sharjah.

"There will also be live television and radio broadcasts from the show. Sponsors of the show such as Enoc, Al Hilal Bank, Etisalat, Castrol and Etihad Airways have extended their support in order to make this event a success," says Singh.