Automechanika 2006 reports phenomenal increase in visitors

The show featured over 650 exhibitors from 40 countries offering the latest products and services within the field, Messe Frankfurt commissioned an independent visitor registration company to provide it with accurate visitor data. The show received 10,754 visits over the three days from 6326 unique visitors. Visitors came from 89 countries, and 42% of all visitors were from outside the UAE, confirming the international standing of this event.

Automechanika also proved to be a success amongst the exhibitors who negotiated a large number of business deals and promoted their new services to the region's buyers. Tasjeel, who are part of Dubai Government, were first time exhibitors at the show. , presented their one-stop vehicle testing and registration service, Mr Abas Mussa Ali Al Majeed from Tasjeel said "Automechanika provided Tasjeel with incredible benefits, we signed some great deals at the show".

Another first time exhibitor at the show were Motex. Mr. Othman Al Dawamenah, branch manager, said, "We are so happy to have attended the Automechanika exhibition, our intention was to meet VIP's in Dubai and present our products. The exhibition was extremely well organized and we intend to return next year. It was a great learning curve to experience different markets and understand local needs. We decided to go with local partners who already have exposure to the local market needs."

HE Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development, at Dubai's International Exhibition Centre, officially opened the show today. Over the three days as well as visiting the individual exhibitors, visitors were give the opportunity to attend educational seminars about the Automotive market. As part of the seminar program, Adel Al Ashram, Senior Manager Statistics Department, Dubai Ports and Customs presented some interesting statistics for the market: presently the value of the automotive aftermarket within Dubai is AED 18 billion, Dubai Ports and Customs estimate that by 2008 this will increase by 83% to AED33.8 billion, an astonishing increase that substantiates this as a fast growing market.

Michael Dehn, Exhibition Manager said,

"I am delighted at the success achieved at Automechanika 2006, and foresee great things for this innovative show. The automotive market continues to grow, which is very apparent from the statistics reported during the seminar by Dubai Ports and Customs."

Automechanika Gulf will run from 27 to 29th May in 2007 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.