Mohammed Ben Sulayem opens Barbican Turbo 2009

The 14-time FIA Middle-East Rally Champion inaugurated the show by taking a tour of the exhibition halls, which featured around 100 cars and bikes, many of which had had their bodywork and engines made over with tens of thousands of Dirhams worth of improvements.

Adham Badr, Brand Manager for Barbican, headline sponsor of the exhibition, was delighted to welcome the racing legend to the event.

"It was an honour to have Mr. Ben Sulayem attend the opening of this event which is the biggest festival for customised cars and bikes in the region. He epitomizes everything that this event is all about which is a passion for performance driving with a spark of individuality."

Barbican Turbo 2009 is dedicated to the after-market vehicle modification culture and prizes are being awarded at the conclusion of the show for categories such as best artwork and most impressive powerplant. The overall winner of the Top 100 Amateur Car of the Festival will see their dedication to customisation pay off, as they will pick up an all expenses-paid holiday to Switzerland.

The show is set up to be fully interactive and as well as visitors entering their vehicles as static custom displays to be judged, they can also find out how powerful they are in the Dyno Shoot-Out contest.

Other activities pulling the crowds on the first day included a street art contest, demonstrations of Parkour freeform running and 'flaring' from professional UK bar staff, who entertained with their bottle juggling skills, mixing up mocktails as they went.

"We are expecting around 30,000 visitors to attend over the three days of this event," said Badr.

"We have an incredible array of activities on offer and would love to share the excitement of the custom vehicle scene with everyone who is interested,"

he added.