Speed fiends have packed into the UAE's capital city for Abu Dhabi Engine Week, an extravaganza of high-octane motoring events that began on March 28.
Predictably, in a country not shy of revealing its love of all things car related, the festivities were kicked off in style with the sixth Middle East Car of the Year gala on March 25 – a glitzy ceremony giving praise to the greatest vehicles on the planet.
Among the winners were the Mustang GT, which bagged Performance Coupe of the Year, as well as the Ford Expedition, which topped the large SUV category.
Look through the photo gallery above to see all the winners.
Adnec is playing host to two of the most prominent shows in the capital's automotive calendar as part of the week's events, the first of which is the International Motor Show Abu Dhabi (IMSAD), which runs until March 30.
While a more modest affair to its Dubai counterpart, organisers are confident this year's gathering will attract more visitors than in 2018, continuing the trend since its first outing in 2016.
Running alongside IMSAD is the fifth Custom Show Emirates, which aims to highlight the latest in car customisation products and motoring-related services.
The events are geared towards punters who fancy more than just staring at pretty paintwork, and features drifting exhibitions, stunt driving, car and bike parades, and even motor audio competitions. There will also be a garage in collaboration with Sema, the annual US car-modification extravaganza in Las Vegas.
The serious racing business begins next week, though, with the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, an international cross-country rally beginning on March 30 and running until April 4. The event starts at Yas Marina Circuit before competitors drive into the Empty Quarter.
Not to be outdone, the FIA World Rallycross Abu Dhabi will also come to Yas Marina Circuit on April 5-6.
The government’s intention is to make Abu Dhabi Engine Week an annual, international affair, bringing both car fans and residents a series of related events.
Officials hope to expand the calendar further next year.
