The 15th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show, the Middle East’s premier automotive event, revs into action tomorrow, bringing together global automobile manufacturers that are all set to showcase their latest models and innovations. With more than 90 companies and brands from across the globe rolling into town, petrolheads and car buyers will be able to witness more than 40 car launches, including debuts and revamped editions of best-selling models, at the five-day mega show, which runs until 16^th November at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Visitors to this year’s edition of the Dubai International Motor Show, will have first-hand experience of the global motoring industry, featuring era-defining technology, fully immersive VR/AR and some of the rarest cars, all coming together to create an electrifying five-day meet in the region’s motoring calendar. The fastest electric car ever, the UAE’s first Hypercar, a Bugatti regional exclusive and much more.

Launches at the multi-day motoring extravaganza are set to excite enthusiasts with the covers being lifted off a number of the most luxurious and fastest brands on wheels. The record-breaking Aspark OWL will make its debut with an all-electric Japanese hypercar powered by 1,150 horsepower and capable of going from 0-100kmph in less than two seconds. The fastest electric car ever made, the OWL – currently in production in Osaka – is promising buyers a top speed of 280kmph, with 300 kilometres of range on a full charge.

Bugatti, whose UAE dealership – Al Habtoor – is the brand’s most successful in the world, will be premiering an all-new vehicle exclusive to the region. Known for its pathbreaking Veyron, Bugatti’s next innovation is a reflection of the importance of the GCC region. This year’s edition will also feature the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe with a standalone body concept, powertrain and chassis technology. Also on display, the all-new Lincoln Aviator, brings Lincoln’s design vision to life, elevating beauty and performance in the brand’s newest three-row premium large SUV. Having generated excitement around the world, UAE-based Ajlani Motors will also finally unveil their yet-to-be-named hypercar.  

Committed to bringing the latest innovations in engineering and technology to make every drive more connected, more fun and safer than ever before, General Motors will be showcasing new launches and experiences from GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet. GMC’s 2020 Acadia will be taking centre stage equipped with smarter technologies, including a new turbo engine and the latest GMC infotainment system; as part of an incredible line-up Cadillac’s first-ever CT5 will premiere at the Dubai Motor Show, showcasing the brand’s unique expertise in crafting luxury sedans like no other; and the eagerly anticipated 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will showcase the evolution of the nameplate, the sum of everything that came before it to bring new levels of performance, technology, craftsmanship and luxury.

John Roth, President and Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East, said, “Participating in the 2019 Dubai International Motor Show allows us to connect directly with consumers as we showcase the breadth of our regional portfolio, an offering that is only possible through the General Motors family. Introducing an incredible lineup that on the first day alone is packed with six exciting new reveals, 13 incredible products and advanced technologies all headlined by iconic models such as Chevrolet’s 2020 Corvette Stingray, GMC’s 2020 Acadia and Cadillac’s first-ever CT5, we are confident that there are endless opportunities here and are optimistic about the road ahead.”

Apart from the American and European motoring giants, petrolheads and car buyers will also experience the latest, ground-breaking vehicles, from Asian manufacturers featuring innovative technologies that are driving the industry towards a bold new future. Mitsubishi will set the stage with three debuts and a game-changing SUV concept; an all-electric new-generation crossover SUV that combines the very best of Mitsubishi Motors technology with the flexibility of SUVs. GAC Motor is set to unveil its highly-anticipated GN8 MPV, as well as the new electric vehicles AION S, which will make their regional debut at the Dubai International Motor Show.

Nissan is bringing a range of new models to the show this year, including unique concept cars. Speaking about the brand’s participation at this year’s edition, Thierry Sabbagh, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said, “As one of the most prominent automotive events across the Middle East and North Africa, the Dubai International Motor Show has been an important platform for us to reiterate our commitment to the region. At this year’s show, we will be introducing a global icon – reimagined and refreshed with exciting design, and showcasing two unique concepts, built specifically for the Middle East. Additionally, on display will be a wide-range of product portfolio, including the newly launched Nissan Patrol 2020 and the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary edition that is sure to enrich the audience’s mobility experience. Being the official automotive partner of Expo 2020, Nissan Intelligent Mobility will be another key focus for visitors that is set to electrify the Expo 2020 area on-stand.”

The much-anticipated New Land Rover Defender will make its regional debut at the Dubai International Motor Show. Land Rover will be displaying two body designs  for the New Defender, the 90 and the 110, featuring a range of new off-road capabilities, designed to offer an unmatched all-terrain experience. Bruce Robertson, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Middle East and North Africa, said, “The Dubai International Motor Show continues to be a highlight in the automotive calendar and an influential platform for Jaguar Land Rover to reach the region’s most discerning automotive enthusiasts. The event’s interactive nature, and reputation as a launchpad for the very latest models and transformative technologies explain why the motor show attracts large crowds year after year. We’ve gone big at DIMS in 2019 for these same reasons, and we will give the New Land Rover Defender its regional debut and for visitors to see firsthand the New Land Rover Defender 110 and New Land Rover Defender 90. The industry-changing, and the 2019 World Car of The Year, Jaguar I-PACE will also make its debut at a regional motor show at DIMS. We will also showcase the latest new six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine in the luxurious Range Rover.

“The United Arab Emirates remains one of the most important regional markets for Jaguar Land Rover, especially as a location with such a clear vision for sustainability. Our own Destination Zero vision, which aims for zero accidents, zero emissions, and zero congestion, supports many of the nation’s sustainability goals, and models like the Jaguar I-PACE represent the ground we are breaking in this space. Sustainability and electrification will be big talking points for us at DIMS, and there’s much, much more to look forward to from Jaguar Land Rover”

Italdesign, Virgin Hyperloop One and Car of the Future Competition to reimagine the vehicles of tomorrow. Using their state-of-the-art 3D modelling studio, Italdesign, will bring to life students’ visions of the cars of the future. Sponsored by CAFU, the MENA region’s first-ever fuel on-demand mobile application, the ‘My Car of the Future’ competition will demonstrate how – by endlessly refining their digital capabilities – Italdesign’s team of creatives can quite literally sculpt a car from start to finish in a 3D virtual environment, allowing unrivalled opportunities in vehicle design and alteration. The competition called on students aged 6-13 from across the city to submit drawings of what they imagined the car of the future  to look like.

Italdesign will also be holding the first Pop.Up Next VR Experience, which will take visitors on a thrilling inner-city drone flight through and above the streets of Dubai, giving a mind-blowing virtual insight into how this hyper-modern mode of transport could go on to change how we travel. Also on display will be a debut up-close look inside the capsule concept for the proposed Dubai to Abu Dhabi Virgin Hyperloop One – the vacuumed tube capable of transporting passenger pods at speeds of up to 1,080kmph.

Meet F1 legends and the women revving up the region’s supercar industry. Meet and greet motorsport mogul, Eddie Jordan, as he makes his Dubai International Motor Show debut on 14^th and 15^th November, and tells the tales of his fuel-packed career, founding the Jordan Grand Prix team in 1991, discovering a young Michael Schumacher and more stories from his time in the industry.

Drop by the Arabian Gazelles Lounge and meet the world’s first women’s-only supercar club for workshop sessions on automotive design and career training, selling to luxury customers, as well as essentials for female racers. The lounge will also host a series of fireside chats with high-profile women, and thought leaders from the automotive industry. Also being held at the Arabian Gazelles Lounge is the Women’s World Car of the Year Award, featuring the Holly Reich Dream Car Award, the Woman of Worth Award, the best cars in categories including Urban, Family, Green, Luxury, Performance and SUV/Crossover, as well as the Supreme Winner.

Get set for an action-packed range of activities for motorheads of all ages. Calling all supercar owners and car clubs in the nation. DIMS will be hosting the largest ever Street Meet on 15^th and 16^th November for visitors to check out a range of custom cars, super cars, private collections, show cars and more all under one roof.

For adrenaline-junkies, Prodrift Taxi will allow visitors to experience the thrill of drifting firsthand alongside a professional drift instructor on DIMS’ custom-made drift course, and check out the world’s best stunt drivers at Red Bull’s bike stunts with world stunt-motorbike champion Mike Jensen, regional champion Shadi Dhaheri, and rally driver Abdo Feghali as they push the limits of what’s possible on two and four wheels in our dedicated drifting area.

For gaming enthusiasts with a flair for e-motorsports, a range of gaming competitions and activities will be available every day. DIMS will host the first tournament in the region for newly released Need For Speed: Heat, where players can compete daily to win an opportunity to drift with Abdo Feghali.

Gamers can also compete in the VR game Starblade Battle and navigate a spaceship through a war zone of aliens and jetfighters. To compete, gamers will need to hit the track in the world’s most popular eSports game Simulators by Playtonia, the official e-sport partner for DIMS, and play  every day; the highest score at the end of the show, walks away with tickets to the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. And for those who want to try their hand at racing, Project CARS 2 Series is a perfect game for eSports fans, beginners, amateurs or just about anyone with a craving for high-speed cruising.

“The Dubai International Motor Show is a unique platform that, for 30 years, has effectively served the region’s automotive industry. This year, its 15^th edition, will showcase a line-up designed to excite the most passionate of automotive fans, featuring the latest in electric, hypercars, super cars and luxury cars,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. “From the world’s fastest electric car to the UAE’s homegrown hypercar and the Virgin Hyperloop One, alongside thrilling experiences for all, the Motor Show will be the place to witness the best of the motoring world and get a glimpse of what the future holds. We welcome all automotive enthusiasts from across the region to this year’s edition as technology, design and innovation collide to create an unmissable event.”

The Dubai International Motor Show takes place 12-16th November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Early bird tickets are available until 11th November at a 25% discount – AED30 for adults and AED20 for those aged 12-18. The Motor Show also invites all women who have a keen interest in motoring to visit the show with free entry between 1-4pm on 12^th-14^th November, and in an effort to celebrate women drivers from Saudi Arabia, the Show also offers free entry throughout the show for those women who hold a valid KSA driving license.