Dubai International Motor Show, the region's largest automotive event, officially opened doors to its largest edition on Tuesday featuring 18 global launches, 139 regional reveals and 16 concept cars over a 85,000 sq m of floor space.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, officially opened the 13th edition of the event which will see the biggest names in the automobile industry launching their new models and products over the next four days, said the organisers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Welcoming the crown prince, Helal Saeed Al Marri, the director general of DWTC and Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said: "It is a true reflection of the importance of the automotive industry in the UAE, which has been supported by the fact we have had more regional and global launches this year than ever before."

Making its global debut is the new Toyota Land Cruiser that has long been a staple product in the UAE car market and has gained massive interest during the opening day.

Similarly, the queues have been forming around the all-new Cadillac XT5 Crossover SUV after it made its world debut on the stand earlier today and is the first Cadillac ever to be launched to globally outside of the US.

Felix Weller, the managing director, Cadillac Middle East said: "We are looking forward to showing the world the first ever XT5 at the motor show tomorrow. It will be a cornerstone product and plays a key role in our brand’s expansion. We are thrilled that our region was chosen for the global reveal of the XT5 - the most significant global product to debut outside the US in the brand’s history."

General Motors also presented regional reveals for the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro and Silverado while other regional debuts included Audi’s V10 supercar, the R8 which sits alongside its RS3 hot hatch.

The silk cover was whisked off the new Range Rover SVR for the first time this morning, and the all-new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe was rushed in direct from its global media preview just a week earlier in Spain.

Among the 16 concept cars, Maserati unveiled its styling theme of the future with the svelte 2+2 Alfieri sports car that gives away more than a hint as to how its next generation of GT Coupes will look, while the battle for 'Bond, James Bond,' was in evidence from both Jaguar and Aston Martin who both flew in their respective C-X75 and DB10, 007 movie cars used in the latest Spectre movie blockbuster.

Bentley’s stand proved another major drawcard on day one with the first Middle East showing off its most important release for the region to date - the unveiling of the Bentayga SUV has shifted the industry’s goalposts in terms of ultimate luxury in an off-road vehicle.

Neil Wilford, the regional manager, Middle East, India and Africa, Bentley Motors said: ''The new Bentley Bentayga SUV has been eagerly awaited by customers ?across the globe but even more in this region. We are looking ?forward to introducing it to the Middle East at the Dubai International ?Motor Show this week.''

Aside from the 600 new cars on display and the unprecedented number of regional and global launches, first day visitors to the show were overawed by the new Motoring Nostalgia Museum, which features more than 80 classic cars representing four decades of the most stylish and significant era of motoring from the 1950s to the ‘80s.

A collection of the finest and most significant cars in the history of the automobile from Europe, the US and Asia have been generously loaned from Sheikh Hasher Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Tomini Classics, the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum, Sharjah Classic Car Club and the Al Ain Classics collections, as well as from a number of proud owners from the Dubai Grand Parade, including Victor Harris (NSV), Jean Mora and Ismail Al Dorabi, said the organisers.

Located in Za’abeel Hall 1, the Motoring Nostalgia Museum also features live shows from master craftsmen showcasing their skills and passion for what they do, along with great music and supporting acts contunally roaming the hall.

The show not only previews the newest cars but also motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, and the tuning and aftermarket sectors with plenty of action continuing outside from Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover who are hosting interactive driving experiences with a special appearance of the simulator of the Bloodhound SSC that’s aiming to break the World Land Speed Record above 1600 km h.

VP and managing director of Cooper Tire, Europe and the Middle East, Jeff Schumaker, said: “The coming 12 months is set to be hugely important for Cooper Tire in the Middle East and partnering with the region’s leading automotive event is the perfect platform for us. We are looking forward to making our mark on the Middle East and bringing our customers some for the most cutting edge products that are designed for thousands of miles of excellent service.”

Jin (James) Kim VP and the head of operations for Hyundai Africa and Middle East said: “At the show we have debuted two key models. Firstly the All-New Elantra, which follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by setting new standards and offering the world’s best technology packaged in the body of a world-class compact-size sedan. And secondly the Creta, which is set to offer striking looks, competitive performance and a robust build at an affordable price, further strengthening Hyundai Motor Company’s already impressive SUV offering.”

The Dubai International Motor Show will again host the Dubai Distinctive Plates Public Auction by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday (November 14) from 4pm in the Al Multaqua Ballroom of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

This is the second auction from the RTA held at the Dubai International Motor Show for unique licence plates with distinctive numbers and will offer a selection of 110 plate number options.

The grand auto event is supported by show partners AC Delco, Alienware, Autopro, Cooper Tire, Dell, ENOC, Mazda, RTA and Swiss Tourism.

The show runs from 11am to 10pm tomorrow (November 11); 11am to 11pm on November 12 and 13; and from 11am to 10pm on November 14.

Tickets are priced at Dh65 ($17.6) for single-day entry with children under 12 entering free.-TradeArabia News Service