International Automobile Show inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah

The event was inaugurated by H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qassimi , Chairman of the Sharjah Amiri Court.

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Marwan bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Lands Department, Umm Al Quwwain, and also Chairman of the Emirates Motor Sports Federation, Mr. Mohammed Sultan Bin Houwaden, First Vice Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah, along with directors of various Government departments and members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations.

The International Automobile Show is the Middle East's most popular biennial auto exhibition for car lovers and enthusiasts and hosts some of the finest automakers from across the globe.

The current edition of the Show is hosting over 40 exhibitors and featuring over 25 brands of automobiles including Toyota , Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Mitsubishi, TemSa, Kia, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mini, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Skoda, Lamborghini, Hummer, and Chery.

Categories of automobiles on display at the show include the latest models in convertibles, prototype cars, 4x4 vehicles, and luxury coaches.

The total occupied exhibition space at the event measures 16,000 square metres in addition to the boulevard area and the tiled area outside the venue.

"The International Automobile Show is one of the most popular auto events in the Middle East ," said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"For car lovers and enthusiasts, the event is an ideal opportunity for assessing all the latest models of automobiles under a single roof. What makes the show unique is that visitors can do their evaluation and weigh the various options that are available to them at a comfortable pace without any buying pressure,"

he added.

Mr. Saif Al Midfa said that the hosting of an event of the stature of the International Automobile Show at a time when demand for cars and other categories of automobiles in the Middle East was at its peak, assumed special significance.

As per estimates, the number of cars on the roads of UAE is growing at an average of 9.8% per year.

"The high demand for automobiles in the region may be attributed to a combination of factors including low fuel costs, high disposable incomes, significant rise in construction activities, easier financing options, high tourist inflow, increasing population, and most importantly one of the highest per capita levels of car ownership in the world," said Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

The Gulf region currently holds 45% of the world's total oil supplies.

"The International Automobile Show is primarily a platform where auto lovers, enthusiasts, and collectors are offered the most varying range of automobiles available in the market without having to hop from one showroom to another. It is also an event where new models are introduced before anywhere else in the region," said Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

"For global automakers, the event is the Middle East's perfect launch pad given the name that the event has earned over the years," he said.

Among the launches lined up at this year's International Automobile Show are the Mercedes CL series, the new face lift X3, B6 Alpina, and M6 Coupe' by BMW, the 2007 XKR and XK Sport by Jaguar, the Expedition, Mustang and the new F150 by Ford, the Lamborghini LP640, the G35 by Infiniti, and the SX4 by Suzuki.

Another attraction at the event is the display of the Mercedes GL series. It is for the first time that this model is being displayed at a public exhibition in the UAE. Besides new launches, some very unique cars including a 1961 Mercedes Pagoda, an Arial Atom, and several other ultimate classic cars, are being showcased.

Besides launches and display of some of the finest cars, there are several other features at the exhibition venue that will keep the visitors enthralled. These include a 4X4 purpose built track exclusively for 4 wheel drives, a dedicated Hummer Zone, a play station area that would enable visitors to compete in various exciting games, a Mini Cooper driving challenge, a separate demo area to experience the thrill of driving a Mercedes Benz, and an audio zone among others.

Visitors also have the chance to participate in various competitions and win fabulous prizes.

The 8th International Auto Show will be open till November 18, 2006, from 10 am to 1 pm in the morning (except Friday) and 5 pm to 10 pm in the evening. Admission is free. The International Automobile Show is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and EMSF (Emirates Motor Sports Federation).