Crowd-pleasing Abu Dhabi custom car show

Held concurrently at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and seemingly melding one huge festival, the Dhabi International Motor Show and Custom Show Emirates events reflected a variety of motoring niches, subcultures and businesses. Expected to attract considerably more than last year’s 12,000 visitors and 100 local and 57 international exhibitors, the events also include large outdoor activities. 

Billed as both International and Emirati events, large mainstream auto manufacturers were largely represented at a dealership and regional level, and showcased their latest and current vehicle line-ups. However, the event took on a more international flavour in regards to its custom car component, with many aftermarket tuning and customisation firms taking part, given the UAE’s and GCC’s rich market for such wares in particular, and the region in general.

Connecting aftermarket companies showcasing products with consumers, the event featured local, regional and international companies coming from afar as the US, Japan, Australia, Russia, China, New Zealand, India and elsewhere. Most notable among international exhibitors was a pavilion of some 50 companies representing the highly Specialty Equipment Market Association, well renowned for their own annual US event.

Another particular attraction representing both tuning and customisation worlds and well capturing the zeitgeist of the event was Japanese firm Kuhl Racing’s “golden Godzilla”. A Nissan GT-R with intricately engraved gold chrome body, the flamboyant GT-R is also tuned to produce some 800BHP, in place of a standard model’s 542BHP.

Offering much for enthusiasts of different tastes and persuasions, the event included contrasts such as stand for quintessentially British classic Minis right next to one showcasing the US urban subculture of lowriders. Comprised almost exclusively of modified and immense classic American, saloons, coupes and convertibles, lowriders alternatively ride on stilts or sit near tarmac scraping clearance, owing to extreme hydraulic suspension kits 

In addition to the many modified, tuned, customised, hot rods and otherwise fettled cars and motorcycles, the event also featured numerous classic cars, both modified and in stock condition. Consisting of mainly luxury, sports and SUV models of various vintage and including a rare 1980 Lamborghini LM002 SUV, the classic cars on display even included less expected compact peoples cars like the Fiat 500 and Citroen 2CV.

Held over the weekend, the event featured numerous activities including crowd-pleasing outdoor skid pan with saloon car, SUV, taxi and bike drifting exhibits and car and bike parade. Contests were also held, with awards going for best bike builds, custom cars and bikes, photos, in addition to an engine competition. Meanwhile, the annual and regional Middle East Car of the Year awards ceremony was also held at the exhibition events, on the opening night.