By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: The 2017 Dubai International Motor Show, the 14th edition of the Middle East’s premier automotive event, which is running at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Saturday, burst into top gear on the opening day (today) as the world’s leading automotive brands pulled the covers off more than 100 new-to-market vehicles.
The five-day motoring extravaganza, spanning 85,000 square metres of exhibition space at DWTC, witnessed the rollout of the automotive industry’s newest aces, from UAE made hypercars, to the latest SUVs and 4x4s, industry-changing electric cars and everything in between.
Amongst the awe-inspiring global and regional launches, Jeep revealed the global premiere of its Grand Cherokee Track hawk, the world’s most powerful production SUV courtesy of its formidable V8 engine, while Infiniti showed its new QX80 SUV.Elsewhere, Rolls-Royce unleashed its ‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ Ghost model and the new Phantom also made its regional debut.
Iconic automotive brand Aston Martin unveiled a Middle East exclusive – the Vanquish Pearl Edition, along with its Valkyrie hypercar, while Ferrari made a regional unveiling of its Portofino. Lexus, meanwhile, launched the fifth generation of its flagship LS model in the UAE, while McLaren unveiled a one-off ‘Black and Gold’ 720S – a Dubai-inspired vehicle with Arabic calligraphy of “life is measured in achievement, not in years alone” – a quote by McLaren founder Bruce McLaren – on its rear spoiler.
In its first appearance at the Dubai International Motor Show, Italian manufacturer ICONA made some noise as it unwrapped its dynamic titanium supercar – the Vulcano Titanium – made entirely from titanium and inspired by the iconic SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest-ever aircraft, while French firm Prato unveiled its supercar, the Orage.
Homegrown manufacturers Devel and Shaali Motorsport are flying the flag for the UAE’s automotive manufacturing sector. Devel unveiled the production version of its stunning Sixteen, the first car in the world to produce an astounding 5,000 brake horsepower, five times more power than the world’s most powerful hypercars.
“The 2017 Dubai International Motor Show will be a huge draw for the region’s motoring enthusiasts, with the world’s newest cars on display and the level of commitment from the major manufacturers demonstrates how they view it as the ideal platform to directly engage with all stakeholders,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC.
“However, this year’s show enjoys a unique position in that it goes far beyond the car. Throughout the five days visitors can get involved in a host of activities and interactions – there is something for everyone.”
In addition to shining the spotlight on the world’s latest, fastest, biggest and most efficient automobiles and industry-shaping technology, the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show offers an inimitable experience for the whole family, with a plethora of captivating activities and interactions throughout the five days. Thrillseekers can get a first-hand experience of the true feel of drifting. Strap yourself in to the Prodrift Taxi and enjoy a white-knuckle passenger ride alongside an expert drift driver on the custom-made drift course, plus many more exciting features.
Tickets for the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show are available for AED65 for an Adult single day on the event website and on-site. Emirates NBD card and pay holders can get 30%off the regular price. VIP tickets are available at AED250.Other packages include: Two Day Adult Pass at AED100 online; Single Day Child (12 – 18 year) Pass at AED30 online; Government Employee Single Day Adult Pass at AED45 online; Family Package Single Day Pass at AED50 for Adults and AED25 for Children – there must be a minimum two adults and two children; Group Package Single Day Pass at AED50 for Adults and AED25 for Children – there must be a minimum of four adults and two children.
The 2017 Dubai International Motor Show is open from 6pm to 10pm on Tuesday, 14 November; 11am to 10pm on 15 November; 11am to 11pm on 16 November and 17 November; and from 11am to 10pm on 18 November.
