The International Automobile show, the region's most popular auto event, was inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 23, 2004, by Sheikh Tariq  

The International Automobile show, the region's most popular auto event, was inaugurated at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 23, 2004, by Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department.

The ceremony was attended by Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa - Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Salem Al Mosharrekh - Board Member of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr.

Fasahat Ali Khan - Acting Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah, directors of various Government departments, and members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations, according to a press release.

"The International Automobile Show after a series of very successful editions has established itself as the most sought after platform by global auto makers and car dealers for reaching across to car lovers, enthusiasts, and collectors in the Middle East region," said Midfa after the inauguration ceremony.

"As in all previous editions, this time also, the show will act as a major launching pad for auto manufacturers from across the globe and auto dealers in the country for introduction of new models in the region," he added.

The International Auto Show, in its seventh edition now, is being organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the SCCI, and sponsored by Emirates Motor Sports Federation and autoemirates.com, a popular website for car lovers.

The five-day event, also termed as the "most talked about" auto show in the region, will showcase the latest in convertibles, prototype cars, 4x4 vehicles, luxury coaches, and other latest models of automobiles manufactured by some of the world's best known auto makers.

A total of 50 exhibitors including 15 auto dealers, 3 auto manufacturers and several auto accessories manufacturers will be occupying 4 grand halls of Expo Centre Sharjah measuring 8,000 sq. m. net.

Considered to be one of the most cost effective platform for reaching out to the regional market, the International Auto Show this year will witness the launch of several new models in the UAE including the all new convertible mini from BMW, Mercedes' CLS & SL65 AMG, and Murano, Armada and the entire range of Infinity from Nissan.

Other crowd pullers at the show will be new prototype cars from Toyota and Suzuki, latest models from Lamborghini, current 4x4 and other popular models from Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Ford, Kia, and Mercedes.

For those interested in something more spacious, Mitsubishi's Temsa Safir, a very special vehicle in the category of luxury coaches at the event, will be the centre of attraction.

"The 7th International Automobile Show is being held at a time when the regional automobile market is extremely buoyant. This buoyancy maybe attributed to several positive factors including high oil prices, boost in tourist inflow in to GCC states, regional launch of several new models, hosting of several international events in the region, low auto financing rates offered by banks, boost in the construction sector and a large number of international companies setting up bases here," said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Acting Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Certain sectors like car rental companies, hotels and travel agencies, construction companies have increased their purchases of automobiles as a result of these developments," he added.

Khan also said the International Automobile Show over the years had established itself as an event that is at par with other auto shows in the world and that global automakers attached a great deal of importance to their participation in this event.

Global automakers' interest in the region stemmed from the facts that the Gulf region had 45% of the world's total oil supplies, and also boasted of low fuel costs, high disposable incomes, increasing population, and most importantly one of the highest per capita levels of car ownership in the world, he said.

As per estimates, the number of cars on the roads of UAE is growing at an average of 9.8% per year.