Motor mania took over Dubai’s streets today as thousands of car-loving spectators flocked to marvel at a breathtaking AED500 million (US $ 136 million) convoy of more than 500 of the UAE’s privately-owned super and luxury cars and bikes at the inaugural Dubai Grand Parade – the emirate’s first multi-brand Parade of its type.
One of the keynote events in this week’s debut Dubai Motor Festival – a week-long, spectator-friendly motoring extravaganza – the Dubai Grand Parade attracted owners of the crème de la crème of the UAE’s super and luxury car and bike marques, such as Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, Shelby Super Cars, Harley Davidson and Ducati.
With more than 350 brands and models in the kilometre-long convoy, frenzied crowds cheered their favourites as the fleet left Trade Centre roundabout on the 45-kilometre route.
The convoy, which included Dubai Police’s iconic fleet of green and white supercars, was formally waved on its way by Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), Vice President of the FIA for Sport and Ambassador of the Dubai Grand Parade.
Today (Saturday 9th November) is the final day of the Dubai International Motor Show, where there are 600 vehicles on display including a record 108 global and regional launches, as well as 15 concept cars by the world’s leading motoring manufacturers. The show is also home to a Nissan experiential 4×4 track, a Hyundai World Cup Competition that focuses on football skills and a Fastest Tyre Change contest sponsored by Pirelli and Wheels Magazine. Tickets can be purchased on the door at DWTC.