The upcoming Dubai Expo 2020 has sparked fresh optimism in the UAE automotive aftermarket, with international manufacturers gearing up for new business opportunities as final preparations fall in place ahead of the global mega event.
The Middle East’s first ever World Expo is expected to attract more than 25 million people from across the globe, while a price tag of at least $9 billion suggests the host emirate is pulling out all the stops to create state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
With $3 billion worth of venue-related construction contracts awarded in 2017 alone, the increase of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles along with cars is expected to effect a corresponding rise in demand for spare parts and accessories, tires and batteries as well as a host of maintenance and upkeep-related infrastructure and services.
The business potential has injected new impetus for international players in the auto services industry, with more than 1,900 from 57 countries preparing to showcase their latest products and services at the 16th edition of Automechanika Dubai in 2018.
Companies exhibiting at the three-day event, which takes place from May 1-3 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, are targeting large-scale business growth up to, and beyond the six-month global showcase.
UFI Filters from Italy is a debut exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai 2018, and will shine the spotlight on its full range of air, oil, fuel, cabin, hydraulic and coolant filters for the automotive sector.
Luca Betti, group aftermarket business unit director at UFI Filters, said the company recently reinforced its Dubai office to boost customer service support as business ramps up in the UAE, and regionally.
“UFI Filters expects a big boost in the automotive industry deriving from the large investments in infrastructure not only related to the Dubai Expo 2020, but in other areas as well,” said Betti, whose UFI Filters can be found everywhere, from Ferrari Formula 1 racing cars and other top F1 teams to the European ExoMars spacecraft.
Autopumps from the UK is another first-time exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai 2018, and will introduce its aftermarket commercial and industrial pumps range. Bill Cotton, owner and managing director of Autopumps, said: “The Dubai Expo 2020 will act as a global hub for innovation and collaboration, and as such, will have a highly positive impact on the regional automotive aftermarket.
“Through bringing industry leaders, decision makers and great minds together, these events facilitate conversations that enable development and forward thinking in our industry both regionally and globally.”
