The Middle East's most popular biennial auto event for car lovers and enthusiasts, the International Automobile Show, will open its doors at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 14, 2006.
The five-day event, which will be in its eighth edition this year, will host some of the finest automakers from across the globe.
Among the automobile brands that will be represented at the coming edition of the Show are Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, Suzuki, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Mitsubishi, TemSa, Kia, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mini, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Skoda, Mobil, Lamborghini, PGO, Ligier, Admiral, Audi, Hummer, and Chery.
On display at the show will be the latest models in convertibles, prototype cars, 4x4 vehicles, luxury coaches, and other makes of automobiles.
"After seven very successful editions, the International Automobile Show has earned itself the reputation of being the region's most popular auto event,' said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.
'The fact that the show has been growing in size and profile significantly with every edition, points towards its success. For automobile lovers and enthusiasts, the show is perceived as a platform that is utilised by automakers from across the globe for launching their new models in the Middle East. For automobile manufacturing companies, the International Automobile Show is the only vehicle for reaching out to the region's young and trendy population that has an affinity towards fine cars,' he added.
The Gulf region has one of the highest per capita levels of car ownership in the world, mainly due to the fact that it controls 45% of the world's total oil supplies, has high incomes, and a growing population.
As per estimates, the number of cars on the roads in the UAE is growing at an average of 9.8% per year.
Mr. Saif Al Midfa further said that the coming edition of the show would occupy four halls of Expo Centre Sharjah measuring 16,000 square metres plus the boulevard area as well as the tiled area outside the venue.
'In terms of exhibition space, the International Automobile Show this year will be 30 % bigger compared to the last edition. The number of exhibitors including brands and supporting companies too has gone up by around 60% compared to the last show,' he added.
The coming edition of the International Automobile Show, besides witnessing the spectacular regional launches of several new models by some of the world's most reputed auto brands, will also feature several other attractions that car enthusiasts can't afford to miss.
The exhibition venue will feature 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.
Besides the chance to win at various competitions at the exhibition venue, there will also be several exciting give aways for all visitors.
Overall, the International Automobile Show promises to be a fascinating experience for all car lovers in the Middle East.
The International Automobile Show is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).