Auto enthusiasts and industry professionals are flocking to the Abu Dhabi in large numbers to take part in Abu Dhabi International Motor Show, a leading motor show in the Middle East, which opened today.

The five-day show will witness 80 exhibitors, showcasing luxury cars, high performance cars, custom-built cars, executive saloons, concept and hybrid cars, sports cars, off-road vehicles, family cars and SUVs, motorcycles and quad bikes at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

Commercial vehicles such as trucks and pickups, vans and mini buses, luxury coaches, limousines, and trailers and campers, will also be exhibited. In addition, the show will feature car automotive accessories and auto-related services. 

The show will host a number of launches and regional premieres including the 2010 edition of the Chevrolet Camaro; the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS – V from General Motors; the new XKR Limited Edition from Jaguar; four brand new models from Renault including their first-ever 4X4, the Koleos; the Soul from Kia; and Genesis from Hyundai, as well as new models from Toyota and Lexus.

Other exhibits at the show will include the Ultimate Aero, the first ever production model of the Shelby Super Car; the Dodge Challenger SRT8; the Lamborghini Spyder LP 560 - 4 that was launched just last month at the Los Angeles Motor Show; Cadillac’s Provoq Concept Car; as well as the S400 mild hybrid from Mercedes.

The S400, which is a pre-production model, is not currently available in showrooms anywhere in the world. Also on display will be the stunning LF-A concept luxury sports car from Lexus and the ultra-compact iQ, one of the world's smallest 4-passenger concept cars, from Toyota.

To cater to racing enthusiasts, both Renault and Ferrari will display their affiliated F1 cars at the show.

The show is being held under the patronage of Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE minister of Interior.

It will occupy over 38,000 sqm. of indoor and outdoor space at Adnec and feature an incredible array of over 400 of the latest models from over 30 global vehicle manufacturers.

The event, organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors including discerning and wealthy vehicle enthusiasts from across the region.

Mirroring the heightened exhibitor expectations in advance of the show, Simon Frith, managing director, Al-Futtaim Motors said: “The Abu Dhabi International Motor Show is a very important event, providing us with another great opportunity to showcase our range and to give visitors a chance to explore the latest exciting developments at Toyota”.

Besides the exhibits themselves, several exciting co-located events and promotions are in store. From December 19 to the 21, Adnoc will give visitors exciting opportunities to test drive a selection of some of the latest and most exciting cars including the Lamborghini 560, the all-new Ford Flex and a wide range of the latest models from Nissan and General Motors.

Al Hilal Bank will unveil auto finance offers with instant approvals, for those wishing to purchase cars at the show.

Enoc and Etisalat will host a range of activities at their stands with exciting prizes on offer while Etihad Airways are giving away two airline tickets for lucky draw winners.

The ministry of interior and Abu Dhabi police will organise a number of interactive activities, emphasizing road safety awareness, at the show.

Other co-located events and promotions include a raffle by Land Rover with a grand prize of an LR2 and lucky draws, with prizes including two pairs of tickets to the Abu Dhabi F1 race, by Renault.

Sony Playstation, Ford and Foilacar Europe are also offering a host or prizes including Nokia phones and free stays at luxury hotels in the UAE.

Al Hilal Bank, ENOC and Etisalat are platinum spons