Motor show gets off to sparkling start
Dec 7: Top auto makers from all over the world are at the 18th Oman International Motor Show with their exciting models of sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, hybrids and SUVs.
Opened by His Highness Sayyid Tareq bin Shabib al Said, the show got off to a sparkling start on Wednesday at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre here.
Recognised as Oman’s flagship event for the automotive industry and the longest-running exhibition for any sector, the four-day show, organised by Omanexpo, will also introduce the firstever Oman Auto Excellence Awards.
The motor show, which has now become a permanent fixture on Oman’s motoring calendar, is held every two years in line with the government’s efforts to boost investment areas, including the auto sector, through Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (PAIPED).
The entourage of HH Shabib Al Said at the show included Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Shaikh Said bin Mohammed bin Saud Bahwan, Ahmad al Harthy, Abdullah Sulaiman al Rawahi and Sanad Sulaiman al Rawahi.
Executives from the automotive industry, diplomats, SABCO Group executives and government officials were also present at the opening of the show.
“The new Exhibition Centre is a boon for the motor show. The exciting ambience here adds to the enthusiasm of car lovers,” said Ranjit Gupta Roy, Divisional Manager at Saud Bahwan Group.
The vintage car pavilion is definitely a crowd puller, with cars from the golden era displaying its charm, enthralling one and all. Adding to the special attractions are the adventure displays by Oman Riders Club, Muscat Bikers, Oman Riders Club and Shabek Adventure Oman.
Visitors will get an opportunity to win prizes such as mobile phones, LED TV screens, electronic gadgets and a Toyota Corolla 2017 in the raffle draw, which will culminate the event.
The event aims at providing potential car buyers with sound comparative information on vehicle features and performance as well as felicitate the various brands for their extraordinary efforts and achievements.
It also aims to provide a platform for companies to promote their brands and establish their positioning in the market.
As part of its traditional lineup, the show highlights top-of-the-line car models and classic cars, and auto parts and accessories pavilion featuring companies from China, entertainment features such as road safety demonstrations, outdoor testdrive activities, a children’s zone that offers interactive and educational fun, and a blood donation campaign.
“All these new features and activities are intended to incite and feed the interest of the youth in Oman motor sports. They are also meant to showcase youth talent. By highlighting all these through the motor show platform, we are positive that we are moving in the right direction in terms of promoting not only trade opportunities for this sector, but activities or issues related to it,” Nader Abbas, Omanexpo’s general manager, said.
It is organised in association with Oman Automobile Association and supported by Mobil 1, Oman Mechanical Services Co., Bader Mansoor Trading, Primax, Eint Automotive, Effect Energy Drink and Kendall Motor Oil.