Dubai motor show to draw 100,000 visitors

All eyes will be on Dubai this week as it hosts the region’s largest and most influential automotive event, the Dubai International Motor Show 2013.
The world’s top automotive manufacturers are gearing up ahead of the show opening on Tuesday (Nov. 5) when they will unveil their latest and greatest models to the region and the world.
The five-day event at the Dubai World Trade Center will showcase an “unprecedented” 108 global and regional launches, including 15 concept cars by the world’s leading motoring manufacturers.
With over 65,000 square meters of exhibition space and more than 600 vehicles on display, the show is expected to attract well over 100,000 visitors from throughout the region.
A cornerstone event of the newly formed Dubai Motor Festival, created with the support of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Motor Show brings the global motoring spotlight to Dubai.
“The recognition of the Dubai International Motor Show as a truly international event has never been more evident, with an exceptional number of manufacturers choosing Dubai as the global stage for the unveiling of their new marques and models. This highlights the importance of the MENA region as well as the show’s success at reaching the key customer audiences being targeted,” said Trixie LohMirmand, SVP, Dubai World Trade Center, organizer of the show.
This year’s show sees models making their first debut in Dubai from exhibitors like BAIC Motors, Bentley, Brabus, Bugatti, Devolro, Kia, Land Rover, Nissan, Okcu, Rolls-Royce, Spania GTA and W Motors. Regional premieres are expected from the world’s top industry leaders including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche and Toyota.
A glimpse into the future of automotive design is offered by the 15 concept cars being showcased by exhibitors, including Aston Martin, BMW, Devel 16, Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Zenvo.
Visitors to this year’s show can expect to see a significant number of first-time exhibitors in the region, from exclusive, limited edition super cars to practical city cars, as well as a wide range of on- and off-road two and three-wheeler bikes. New brands to the show include: Stingray RV UK, Chery, JAC, Opel, Rumble Cycle, Suzuki and Yamaha bikes.
Additionally, the show will host for the first time the Dubai Distinctive Number Plates Public Auction organized by the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and supported by Lexus, on Thursday (Nov. 7) in the Al Multaqua Ballroom at Dubai World Trade Center.
The motoring excitement generated by the show this year extends to the streets of Dubai with the launch of the Dubai Grand Parade — a spectacular convoy of hundreds of super and luxury cars and bikes that will follow a route past the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Taking place on Friday (Nov. 8), and led by the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One car and the Dubai Police fleet of supercars, this inaugural event is part of the Dubai Motor Festival.
An initiative of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the Dubai Grand Parade is supported by the RTA and Dubai Police.
Taking place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the RTA has advised that traffic on the designated route may be affected and is advising motorists to use alternative routes.
An action-packed schedule of entertaining and interactive features at the show includes the Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Finals, an adrenaline-fueled battle of the best for the coveted ‘King of Drift’ title sponsored by Chevrolet, taking place on Friday (Nov. 8).
Other show features include the Nissan experiential 4x4 track, a Hyundai World Cup Competition that focuses on football skills, and a Fastest Tire Change contest sponsored by Pirelli and Wheels Magazine.
Official tire sponsor for the 2013 show is Bridgestone with the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) confirmed as the official lubricant.
The Dubai International Motor Show will continue till Nov. 9.
The show is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 5); from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 6, from 11a.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 8, and 11a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 9.