Dubai Car show 2010

Two months before it opens, the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS) has become the largest and most comprehensive motor show in the Middle East this year. Already, 80 per cent of floor space has been sold to exhibitors, with big names such as Ferrari, Toyota and General Motors already confirmed.

Taking place from December 7-11 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADIMS will be held under the patronage of His Highness Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior UAE. Its scope involves showing off some of the world’s most amazing vehicles mixed with a range of live activities and mouthwatering competitions.

The thirteenth edition of ADIMS has been designed to offer an interactive show for the whole family that also features a number of major product launches as well as a range of exciting new developments. The last Abu Dhabi show, held in 2008, attracted a record 50,000 visitors, while organisers expect a significant increase in spectator numbers this year round.

ADIMS has a strong pedigree of consistent success, which is why global manufacturers see it as a launchpad for giving debuts to their vehicles. Out of around 400 models from over 30 global vehicle manufacturers, there were as many as 19 regional launch premiers at the 2008 show. These included the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder, Cadillac’s CTS-V and Escalade, and the Toyota Sequoia.

“The beauty of this show is that it attracts the eyes of the region and the world,” said Peter McConnell, Director of the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show 2010. “With so much attention given to the big names, the numerous automotive-related accessories and services that appear at the show also benefit from being in such close proximity. This is truly a show for all exhibitors, and it shows. While the 2008 event was the biggest so far, this year will see it as the biggest in the region. All exhibitors see ADIMS as a show that works for them and returns on their investment.”

McConnell explained that, like 2008, this year’s ADIMS would not be lacking in launches and announcements. “With a raft of new developments to be announced over the coming weeks, and some of the world’s biggest automotive brands already confirmed, ADIMS will definitely live up to its slogan – Ready for the Thrill…! There has never been a better time to check out the latest developments in the Middle East automotive industry.”

The ADIMS 2010 will take place against a backdrop of strong recovery in the Middle East automotive market, with the UAE capital playing a leading role. Premium brands across the region have reported growth of over 10 per cent during 2010, while volume brands are also experiencing a return to form. Over recent years, the Middle East has increasingly made its presence felt on the global car market, with tie-ups between Kuwait and Aston Martin, Bahrain and McLaren, and Abu Dhabi and Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari.

Reinforcing the confidence of the industry, both in relation to the market and ADIMS itself, Al Hilal Bank has once again been confirmed as the show’s Exclusive Bank Platinum Sponsor, with an emphasis placed on its on-site car financing offerings. Mohamed Zaquot, Head of Personal Banking, said: “Al Hilal bank is pleased to sponsor the ADIMS for the second consecutive time. Our participation this year will build on the success of Al Hilal’s ‘Walk-in, drive out’ innovative initiative, which we launched to facilitate owning your dream car. Customers will be able to select their favourite cars available at the show, obtain necessary auto finance, insure and register the car, then drive home their newly owned vehicle within one hour”.