Automechanika Dubai 2023: Biggest-ever edition begins at DWTC

Image: Automechanika Dubai

More than 1,800 exhibitors from over 60 countries are converging at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for Automechanika Dubai 2023. This is the show’s largest edition in its two-decade run.

The event, which began today (October 2) will run until October 4. It is witnessing a year-on-year growth in exhibitor participation to the tune of 57 per cent.

Automechanika Dubai features 20 country pavilions set across 14 halls at DWTC. In 2022, the show attracted 1,145 exhibitors and 42,937 visitors from 145 countries. Figures show that C-suite professionals and managing directors accounted for almost a third (32 per cent) of visitors to last year’s show, followed by business development and sales (30 per cent), and procurement and purchasing personnel (8 per cent).

Sustainability is under the spotlight at Automechanika Dubai, as automotive aftermarket professionals from around the world come together to discuss the significant role that electric vehicles (EVs) are playing within the industry.

Tanay Gupta, senior director – Operations, CARS24 Gulf Region: “Automechanika Dubai represents one of the largest gatherings of thought leaders and industry experts in the automotive industry from the Middle East and Africa region. Bringing together this level of experience under one roof opens numerous opportunities for attendees to exchange knowledge, network, and explore prospective commercial prospects.

“As a leading global e-commerce platform for pre-owned vehicles, I will be representing CARS24 through a speaking opportunity that will discuss the impact of technology on the used car market.

“As a data-driven business, we have first-hand experience with how technology has revolutionised the industry and are keen to continue innovating our service offerings to meet the growing needs of the industry.”

Automechanika Dubai 2023: Focus on green mobility

The UAE government has also shown its commitment to electrification with its recently revised National EV Policy, which will see a 50 per cent increase in the number of EVs on the country’s roads by 2050.

New event features such as Innovation4Mobility and the Lubricants Technology Conference will also address how the sector is working to reduce its environmental impact as participants explore related market opportunities, share knowledge and forge new partnerships.

Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, portfolio director at Automechanika Dubai organisers Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “This year, we will have a keen focus on the EV sector, where, in the UAE for example, demand for EVs is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 30 per cent between 2022 and 2028, according to the global electric mobility readiness index published last year.”

The event features several new events designed to enable attendees to exchange knowledge and identify new commercial opportunities.  On the opening day of Automechanika Dubai, delegates can learn more about emerging trends from the fields of climate-neutral, connected and autonomous mobility as part of Innovation4Mobility.

The event features expert speakers share insights into sustainability-related issues such as EV charging infrastructure, battery recycling and green investment opportunities. The Lubricants Technology Conference, held on day two of the show, will address a range of segment-specific themes such as digitalisation, cold blending technologies and the prevention of corrosion in EV drive-trains.

Other key highlightsat Automechanika Dubai

Other features at this year’s event include the Automechanika Dubai Awards, which will recognise excellence from across the MENA region.

There’s also Automechanika Academy, an interactive learning and networking hub; AfriConnections, a platform that connects African buyers with global suppliers; Modern Workshop, a programme that enables workshops, garages and repair centres to become future-ready; and the PitStop Challenge, which offers automotive professionals an opportunity to demonstrate their skills under pressure.