• Raised suspension on a US muscle car at Al-Wathba Custom Show. All photos: Viola
    Raised suspension on a US muscle car at Al-Wathba Custom Show. All photos: Viola
  • Metal under the Al Wathba night sky
    Metal under the Al Wathba night sky
  • Customisers work on a stripped-down 4x4
    Customisers work on a stripped-down 4x4
  • Visitors get up close to the cars on display
    Visitors get up close to the cars on display
  • Vintage but still desert-ready
    Vintage but still desert-ready
  • Modifying cars is one of the most popular hobbies among young people in the UAE
    Modifying cars is one of the most popular hobbies among young people in the UAE
  • A tyre as a work bench
    A tyre as a work bench
  • A frame and wheels await the rest of the car
    A frame and wheels await the rest of the car
  • No lack of colour throughout
    No lack of colour throughout
  • A modified Aston Martin, complete with race decals
    A modified Aston Martin, complete with race decals
  • A truck gets the once-over
    A truck gets the once-over
  • Classic US trucks from the 1970s on display
    Classic US trucks from the 1970s on display
  • Working on a chassis
    Working on a chassis
  • Cars on display at Al Wathba
    Cars on display at Al Wathba
  • An engine gets an overhaul
    An engine gets an overhaul
  • Muscle cars on show
    Muscle cars on show
  • Customisers soup up their vehicles
    Customisers soup up their vehicles

Lifestyle

Motoring

UAE's custom cars on show at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Car enthusiasts with a taste for upgraded rides gathered en masse at Al-Wathba Custom Show

Simon Wilgress-Pipe
Simon Wilgress-Pipe

December 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Visitors to the Sheikh Zayed Festival got to see another grand display of modified metal at the Al-Wathba Custom Show.

Owners and enthusiasts gathered to view a selection of upgraded vehicles, along with the opportunity to have a go at refurbishment themselves.

The competition element of the show was split into four categories comprising Custom and Classic variants, alongside what’s known as the Engine Battle and weekly Vehicle Display.

Every year, the judging panel is made up of automotive experts of different nationalities who oversee the four stages of each competition.

The show also features several workshops that aim to teach young enthusiasts new skills.

Experts share insider knowledge on the field of car modifications, as it is one of the most popular hobbies among the young people of the UAE.

However, budding mechanics of all ages can pick up tips about the best way to go about the customisation process.

Those who missed the show this time round won’t have to wait a full year for the next one though, as a fresh event is planned for March next year.

The UAE's collectors: rare cars fuel novel cafe concept - in pictures

  • Rashed Al Fahim, founder of DRVN, which combines artisanal coffee, top-quality food and a little slice of automotive history. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Rashed Al Fahim, founder of DRVN, which combines artisanal coffee, top-quality food and a little slice of automotive history. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The collection includes classic Mercedes-Benz models.
    The collection includes classic Mercedes-Benz models.
  • Rare Porsches in the collection.
    Rare Porsches in the collection.
  • Al Fahim took over management of his father’s car collection in 2015.
    Al Fahim took over management of his father’s car collection in 2015.
  • DRVN by Porsche is located in Bluewaters, Dubai.
    DRVN by Porsche is located in Bluewaters, Dubai.
  • A Porsche 935 'Moby Dick', one of the many racing cars displayed at DRVN.
    A Porsche 935 'Moby Dick', one of the many racing cars displayed at DRVN.
  • DRVN features cars that have historical and cultural significance.
    DRVN features cars that have historical and cultural significance.
  • Cars and coffee culture come together in the expansive space.
    Cars and coffee culture come together in the expansive space.
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now

Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.

The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.

1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):

a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33

b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.

2. For those who have worked more than five years

c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.

Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.

If you go

The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at. 
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.   

Du Football Champions

The fourth season of du Football Champions was launched at Gitex on Wednesday alongside the Middle East’s first sports-tech scouting platform.“du Talents”, which enables aspiring footballers to upload their profiles and highlights reels and communicate directly with coaches, is designed to extend the reach of the programme, which has already attracted more than 21,500 players in its first three years.

The biog

Favourite book: Men are from Mars Women are from Venus

Favourite travel destination: Ooty, a hill station in South India

Hobbies: Cooking. Biryani, pepper crab are her signature dishes

Favourite place in UAE: Marjan Island

Updated: December 21, 2022, 12:03 PM
Abu Dhabi