Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport’s expansion works would have noticed something somewhat unusual last weekend.
Among the yards and depots that dotted the bus route from plane to terminal was car after car, strapped to shipping crates, most of them rare and extremely special, obviously inbound and all destined for the Dubai International Motor Show.
This month’s show will be the 13th since its inception in 1989 and this is no mere “regional” motoring extravaganza. Car manufacturers take the event seriously and pull out all the stops when it comes to their stands and the cars on display. It isn’t the only “international” motor show in the Gulf, but it’s really the only one that can fight on the world stage.
Time and again, we’re reminded by carmakers how important the UAE is to them as a market, and their presence at the Dubai show should be expected. But this event is becoming ever more popular as a launch pad for world premieres of new models – next week’s show will be no exception.
Cadillac, for instance, will unveil its first ever 2017 CT6 and XT5 models – a world exclusive – and a further 14 global reveals are scheduled to take place, as well as 120 regional premieres.
Manufacturers including McLaren, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Mazda, Porsche and Lincoln have all reportedly requested considerably more space this year to display a broader range of cars.
And with the new James Bond film Spectre just released in the region, Jaguar and Aston Martin will be drawing visitors in with displays of the Aston Martin DB10, which was made exclusively for the film, and the Land Rover Defender and Jaguar C-X75, which were used as stunt vehicles.
New for this year is the Boulevard of Dreams, which will display an eclectic collection from “boutique” companies such as Panoz, David Brown, Equus, UAE Roadster, Spania GTA, W Motors, Alvis and Streit Group – again, a mark of how this country’s demand for exclusivity is highly prized by companies around the world.
Motorcycling enjoys a healthy fan base here, despite the inherent dangers on our roads, and there will be a significant presence from the two-wheeled brigade, with the likes of Royal Enfield, Trikkes, MV Agusta, Can-Am, Ducati and many others putting in a strong showing. November 13 has been set aside as a special day for bikers, and there will be a dedicated Bikers Lounge open throughout the show, where riders and owners can gather near a display of customised bikes with experts on hand to help with tips on modifying motorcycles.
If the idea of static displays is horrendous to you, fear not, because this year you have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an SUV to experience just how capable the latest road-going cars are when the going gets tough, on a specially installed off-road course. Land Rover and Toyota will be offering individual experiences to visitors.
And if sheer speed is your poison, you’ll be able to “virtually” sample the velocity of the Bloodhound SSC, which will attempt to break the 1,000mph (1,609kph) barrier in Africa next year. Something for everyone, then, so make sure to visit from November 10 to 14 – and remember to wear comfy shoes.
motoring@thenational.ae
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