Start Your Engines: The Dubai Motor Festival is Here!

“Feel the Rush” as 12-day motoring extravaganza kicks off today (Tuesday, 10 Nov)

Motoring fanatics from the world over are descending on Dubai as the 3^rd edition of the Dubai Motor Festival launches today (Tuesday, 10 Nov)  with the organizers, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), pulling out all the stops to  ensure the success of this annual citywide celebration of motoring passion.

The opening of the Dubai International Motor Show at Dubai World Trade Centre will kick off DMF 2015 held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The 12- day motoring extravaganza, which runs until 21 November,  offers an exciting line-up of events that will take place all over the city, including the Dubai International Motor Show - the largest and most established motoring event in the Middle East, the adrenaline-filled Motor Village offering an impressive mix of activities to cater for all, from exhibits, competitions and entertainment to high octane action featuring professional rally driver Ken Block., as well as the Red Bull Car Park Drift.

In the grand finale, motoring lovers will gather for one of the Festival’s most anticipated events – the Dubai Grand Parade featuring some of the finest vehicles around - from the Dubai Police supercars to luxury and classic cars, and an assortment of bikes – that is designed to wow! And that’s not all; this year the parade will feature the region’s first Marques d'Elegance competition, giving car owners from the GCC the chance to showcase their unique vehicle. 

With National Day just around the corner, motor enthusiasts have also been invited to enter the Best Decorated National Day Car competition by decorating their cars to show off their national pride.

H. E. Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of DFRE, said: “The 3^rd edition of Dubai Motor Festival will highlight Dubai’s ability to launch and sustain innovative initiatives aimed at positioning Dubai as a year-round family tourism destination. As  the city begins a unique celebration of all things motoring, DMF 2015 will reinforce Dubai’s growing popularity as a destination of choice among motor enthusiasts, and help contribute towards the implementation of Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020”.

Dubai Motor Festival Director, Jin Chwen Ong said: “With the Largest Ferrari Car Park that was held a few days ago serving as an exciting forerunner, this year’s DMF will get the perfect start with the opening of the highly popular event, the Dubai International Motor Show.  In the days ahead, car fans and motoring aficionados can take part, follow, and “Feel the Rush” as we roll out a diverse line-up of motoring-related events including two competitions that are unique to the region – the Marques d’Elegance and the Best Decorated National Day Car”.

The Dubai Motor Festival 2015 Calendar of Events

MAIN EVENTS

Dubai International Motor Show

10 – 14 November, Dubai World Trade Centre

The largest and most established motoring event in the Middle East, the Dubai International Motor Show returns this year as part of the 3rd annual Dubai Motor Festival.  After over two decades of motoring experiences, this motor show now will host yet another amazing exhibition of the latest and best in the world of motoring. The Dubai International Motor Show connects the global automotive industry with motoring enthusiasts and professionals from across the MENA and South Asia regions.

Motor Village

20- 21 November, Meydan

The Meydan in Nad Al Sheba will be transformed into a fascinating world of motoring entertainment as it plays host to Motor Village, a unique concept of Dubai Motor Festival.  The specially designed Motor Village aims to provide visitors the best and latest in motor experiences with amazing exhibits, competitions, entertainment and more. The family-friendly Motor Village offers  something for every kind of motor fan, both young and old, from photo opportunities with an incredible mix of cars including some amazing luxury and sports vehicles to adrenaline-packed high-octane action.  On the opening day, Motor Village will host numerous motoring events for visitors to view and actively participate while the second day will feature the super and luxury motor element with the Dubai Grand Parade and the Marques d'Elegance and Best Decorated National Day Car competitions.

Ken Block at Motor Village

20 November, Meydan

Professional rally driver Ken Block has competed in a number of sports such as motorcross and snowboarding. He is also the co-founder of DC shoes and is currently head of Hoonigan Industries, an apparel brand for auto enthusiasts. Having accumulated five X Games medals since the start of his career in 2005, Ken Block will be bringing his amazing skills and talents to the Dubai Motor Festival this year.

Dubai Grand Parade

21 November, Motor Village

The world's finest and most amazing vehicles gather around Dubai for one of the region's most awaited motoring events.  From cars to bikes, trucks and more, you are sure to see something that will amaze you, as they take to the streets of Dubai and cruise past several landmarks to create this much-awaited motoring spectacle.

Dubai Motor Festival Marques d'Elegance competition

Best Decorated National Day Car competition

21 November, Motor Village

Alongside the Dubai Grand Parade will be the region’s first Marques d'Elegance competition, which will give the opportunity for car owners from the GCC to showcase their prized or unique motor vehicle.  Another competition that will be held concurrently will be for The Best Decorated National Day Car, which will give participants the opportunity to show their national pride and love for the UAE by decorating their cars in a highly creative way inspired by the National Day.

Red Bull Car Park Drift

20 November 2015, Motor Village

The Red Bull Car Park Drift Final returns to Dubai for the third year in a row, and will be held at Meydan under the umbrella of the Dubai Motor Festival. The adrenaline-packed high octane spectacle will see 16 contestants from across the region compete for the coveted “King of Drift” title after having qualified from their respective country qualifiers.

Supercar Rides

10- 21 November, Citywide

Supercar Rides was conceived with the objective of being able to share the passion of motoring and ‘Feel the Rush’ experiences with everyone.  Fulfill your dream of riding in a supercar as you  experience a drive through the streets of Dubai in a luxury ride, a truly unique experience unlike any other. The first of its kind offering in Dubai, the Supercar Rides feature a fleet consisting of some of the world's most amazing, fastest and most luxurious cars.

Dubai International Rally

19 – 21 November,

An important part of UAE’s sporting history, the Dubai International Rally, held since the mid 80’s is the final round of the Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA) Middle East Rally Championship. This year, the event will be held in conjunction with Dubai Motor Festival. Expect an amazing adrenaline rush as you watch professional racers compete with others from around the Middle East region.

National Race Days at Dubai Autodrome

14 November, Dubai Autodrome - National Circuit

Dubai Autodrome begins its power racing season with the likes of the NGK Racing Series featuring the Clio Cup and UAE Touring Car Championship, the UAE Sportbike Championship, FG 1000 Single Seater Championship and Radical Middle East Cup. With free entry, guests can expect a packed day of motoring action along with a host of fun-filled attractions for the whole family.

PROMOTIONS

Arabian Automobiles

10 – 21 November

Arabian Automobiles Company, the most awarded flagship company of AW Rostamani Group and one of the leading automotive dealers in the GCC, and exclusive distributor for Nissan, Infiniti and Renault vehicles in Dubai and Northern Emirates, has announced its much awaited Year End Offers for the Dubai Motor Festival starting 10th – 21st November 2015.    Customers who wish to purchase any of the Nissan Infiniti & Renault brand, simply need to visit the Arabian Automobiles Showrooms in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and avail of its incredible offers.   During the Dubai Motor festival Arabian Automobiles shall be offering the best prices on their entire range supported with a staggered payment plan and numerous other benefits.

Groupon

10- 21 November

Groupon Middle East has partnered with the Dubai Motor Festival 2015 to offer exciting activities and services at special rates through their network of partners across the UAE.  Choose from driving a 2 litre Audi TT around the track at the Dubai Autodrome, renting a Maserati or Lamborghini for a day or spoiling your visitors with a bit of dune bashing during a desert safari. Visit www.groupon.ae for more amazing offers!

Waldorf Astoria Driving Experience

20 – 22 November,  Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah offers you unforgettable driving experiences allowing guests and motor enthusiasts to access some of the world's best supercars right from the driver's seat. With the Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences program, one can access some of the most scenic drives in the UAE from the driver’s seat of a Ferrari 458 Italia, a McLaren MP4-12C, and a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Stay & Drive

8 – 16 November, Fairmont Dubai

The Stay & Drive package is a fantastic way to explore the vibrant city of Dubai during the Dubai Motor Festival. Pick up your luxurious rental car directly at Fairmont Dubai and enjoy 5 star accommodation. The package includes accommodation in a luxurious room, daily international buffet breakfast, luxury car rental for the entire stay with Gargash Car Rental, and use of the spa, pools and health club facilities.

Stay in Luxury, Drive Luxuriously

10 – 22 November, One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel

To celebrate the Dubai Motor Festival One&Only invites you to explore the sights and sounds of Dubai behind the wheel of an exotic car when you stay in style at the renowned One&Only Royal Mirage. The DMF 2015 offer includes VIP welcome amenities, daily complimentary breakfast for two people, kook your first treatment at the Spa and receive a second treatment complimentary, 25% discount on the rental of an exotic sports car for a minimum 3 days, with delivery / pick up at the resort.

‘Suite' Drive from Raffles Dubai

8 – 30 November, Raffles Dubai

Gear up for the ride of your life with Raffles Dubai’s Suite Drive package. Indulge in the finer things in life with a stay in one of our luxury suites, access to our Raffles Club Lounge and your own luxury car (Ferrari Italia 458 or Mercedes G63 AMG) to drive around town during your entire stay.   Rate stars from AED 3,850 for a Diplomatic Suite. Offer includes accommodation in a Diplomatic Suite and above, breakfast for two, Raffles Club Benefits, Luxury Car rental for the entire stay from Imperial Premium Car Rental.

Net Tours Desert Safari Promotion

1 – 30 November

Net Tours is offering a range of promotions and special deals including 50 % discount on its desert Safari experience, or if you take one desert safari, you can get one desert safari for free inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off. You can also go dune riding in 4x4 Jeeps plus  enjoying F & B at discount at 70 AED per person or go dune riding in 4x4 Jeeps, and enjoy a Buggy Ride adventure for 15min, plus F&B   at AED 110 per person.     

You Drive Desert Experience

10 – 21 November, OffRoad -Zone

A unique way to enjoy the beautiful deserts of the UAE along with the adrenaline rush of driving a fully modified 4x4 Jeep Wrangler through the dunes. With fully trained and professional guides at hand from OffRoad-Zone, you do not need to have any experience but by the end of your day you will feel like a seasoned pro. This is a perfect way to spend time with family, friends or co-workers during the Dubai Motor Festival 2015.

Dubai Desert Gate Camp Safari & Buggy Desert Experience

1 – 30 November

The golden sand dunes of the Arabian desert will enable you to experience the thrill of a life time. The fun starts as you head off on an exhilarating drive through the sand dunes and unwind amidst the beautiful setting. The safari leader will then drive you to an authentic Bedouin campsite right in the heart of the deep desert, where henna design, local dresses, soft drinks, water, tea or coffee are offered.  Try your hands on some camel rides and savor the local experiences. Adding to the atmosphere of the night will be a dance performance set to the rhythm of Arabic music. To top it all, a delicious barbecue buffet dinner is served under the stars.

Lama Desert Safari

1 – 30 November,  Dubai World Trade Centre

A value for money promotion of Dubai Motor Festival 2015 whereby a customer pays for one Safari and gets another one absolutely free.  The Desert Safari is one of the most popular tourism attractions in Dubai and provides an unforgettable experience of Arabian hospitality.

One- Day Desert Driving Course

1-30 November, Designated desert locations

Get hands-on experience and confidence to drive safely in the desert with the One- Day Desert Driving Course from Emirates Driving Institute. Practical training in the desert using 4X4 vehicles will be offered to participants, under the supervision of EDI’s well trained and experienced instructors. Find out proven techniques to stay safe and come out of tricky situations! Choice of two courses are available – Complete,  which covers Theory & Practical training in the desert and Essential, which offers  Practical Training in the desert . On purchase of any desert driving course participants will get 50% discount on Defensive Driving Course. Additionally, an observer can also accompany the participant taking the Desert driving course free of charge.

Imperial's Rent One for Two promotion

11- 21 November

As part of Dubai Motor Festival, you can be a Superstar in a Supercar with Imperial, which is offering an exciting promotion to book a Supercar for one day with a complimentary second day.  The Supercars  that can be availed during the promotion include Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, Mercedes, Audi, and BMW.

For more information on the Dubai Motor Festival, please visit www.motorfestival.ae  and follow the festival on : FB, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube: DubaiMotorFest #DubaiMotorFest & #MyDubai

Dubai Motor Festival

Held under the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the annual festival is entering its 3rd edition this year with citywide celebrations that bring to the forefront Dubai’s motoring passion and reinforces its reputation as the motoring capital of the Middle East.  Dubai Motor Festival 2015 will be held from 10 – 21 under the tagline “Feel the Rush”, and will build on the success of the past two editions, providing the ultimate platform to local, regional and international companies on capitalizing and creating opportunities to engage with residents and visitors through motoring-related events and activities. The Dubai Motor Festival also forms part of Dubai’s strategy to use festivals and events as a means to drive tourism growth in line with Dubai’s Tourism Vision 2020 of attracting 20 million visitors by 2020.