Record-breaking 21st edition of Automechanika Dubai opens today with a 15% increase in exhibiting companies

Automechanika Dubai, the largest automotive aftermarket trade exhibition in the wider Middle East, was officially opened by H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar and Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai and takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 10-12 December.

Celebrating the 21st edition of the showcase, Automechanika Dubai welcomes 62 participating countries and features 21 international pavilions, highlighting its position as a central trading link for connecting markets from the wider Middle East, Africa, Asia and key CIS countries.

This year’s edition will be the largest to date, with a record 2,228 exhibitors - a 15% increase year-on-year - and over 83,000 square metres of exhibition space, an 18% increase on the 2023 edition, spanning an impressive 17 halls. The event showcases the latest trends and innovations driving the regional and international automotive aftermarket industry forward.

Several first-time UAE exhibitors will be participating this year, among them are Autohub Conexus, Nissens, and Polarix, while returning exhibitors include AMAP, Central Motors and HAPCO Group. Saudi Arabia also has strong presence with companies such as Middle East Battery Company Minerets Tech, and Tadawol Trading Company, amongst others.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Khaled Al Awadhi, Director – Transportation Systems Department Roads and Transport Authority highlighted Collaboration as key in accelerating future mobility as part of the Innovation4Mobility main feature. This dedicated space spotlights alternative fuel vehicles, advanced driving technologies, digitalisation, connectivity, and smart infrastructure. 

Other highlights from the opening day of the Innovation4Mobility feature included thought-provoking sessions from industry leaders addressing key aspects of mobility transformation. Maxwell Stanley, a Behavioural Change Expert from the UAE Department of Energy, explored how behavioural science can foster sustainable mobility practices. Heiko Seitz, Global eMobility Leader & Partner at PwC, provided a global perspective on electrification trends, highlighting innovations shaping the industry's future, and renowned mobility expert Dr. Maya Ben Dror presented a session titled ‘Promoting a Greener, Cleaner Community’, focusing on actionable strategies to create sustainable urban environments. 

Additionally, the Automechanika Academy launched today under the theme “Collaboration and Innovation in the Automotive Industry’, with regional and international speakers from organisations including the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, SGS Gulf Limited, ZF Services Middle East LLC, and OWS Automotive Solutions discussing regulatory compliance, trends in automotive technology, circular economy in automotive production and the automotive aftermarket in KSA, among other topics.

Meanwhile, the Lubricants & Base Oils Conference also debuted today, adding a deep dive into the evolving lubricants landscape. Sessions included Mohammad El Sadek, Director of Lubricants at ENOC from ENOC delivering a keynote on shaping the future of lubricants, Haytham Yehia, General Manager - Middle East and Central Asia at Shell Lubricants Middle East, examining sustainability in the lubricants market and Vrinda S. Nair, Regional Manager – Certification from SGS Gulf Limited examining regulatory changes impacting lubricant technology.

Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Automechanika Dubai 2024 is a testament to the incredible growth of the automotive aftermarket industry. With a record-breaking number of exhibitors, expanded exhibition space, and an array of insightful conferences and features, the event has solidified its reputation as the region’s most important platform for networking and knowledge-sharing. We are proud to offer a space where industry professionals can explore new opportunities, build meaningful connections, and drive innovation in this fast-evolving sector.”

Other returning highlights include an exploration of opportunities in Africa through AfriConnections and the Modern Workshop, showcasing cutting-edge technology, tools, and solutions in the automotive repair and maintenance industry. 

Exciting new additions this year include the PowerTread Workshop, focusing on innovations in tyres and batteries, and the Future Fleet & Telematics Workshop, featuring pioneers discussing the latest trends in telematics. Meanwhile, the new Southeast Asia Regional Focus will spotlight the region's contribution to the UAE’s automotive aftermarket growth.