The automotive industry in the Middle East is developing rapidly. China’s dynamic car manufacturers and EV brands are moving huge volumes to Gulf ports. At the same time, the import control authorities in our key African markets have tightened documents and regulations on the age of vehicles as seen in Nigeria’s 10-year limit on used vehicles which came into effect in May this year. Taken together, these changes make efficiency a critical factor for those working in this rapidly changing industry.
The Dubai Auto Market was designed with this opportunity in mind. Instead of dispersing work into separate locations, the 22 million square foot hub, packed with more than 1,500 showrooms and a capacity of 800,000 vehicles per year, will bring trading, servicing, maintenance and testing together in one place.
Like a Formula 1 pit lane, everything stays within arm’s reach, turning minutes saved into money earned. The plan has workshops along the test routes, auction halls bordering interconnected yards and support desks, creating an organized ecosystem for everyone involved – from mechanics to visiting vendors.
A similar lesson appears beyond the pit lane. F1 weekends show that crowds love all the ecosystems built around the race: pit-lane, track experience, dedicated family areas, fan areas and entertainment.
The ‘Edge’ at the Dubai Auto Market follows a similar pattern. By integrating retail, F&B, hotels, convention centers, leisure facilities and the test track, it turns the market into a community space where commerce and information reinforce each other. Sellers and buyers of ships make informed decisions, who like to associate themselves with the culture of the product and businesses can open presentations, exhibitions and shows in one place, increasing the cultural and economic impact.
Strategic investments of this nature determine which trade hubs stay ahead of the curve. Dubai has chosen to act early, building an infrastructure that responds to tomorrow’s needs (strict compliance regulations, fast model cycles and the rise of electric trains), rather than waiting for that pressure. By meeting new standards before they become universal, the city turns preparation into profit.
Motorsport to automotive logistics
Time in motorsport logistics shows why this behavior is important when everything is on the road.
Transporting race cars and equipment between international locations requires split-second tracking and telemetry-level visibility. Through DP World’s partnership with McLaren F1, I have seen teams that are calm and organized under a lot of pressure – even during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The same principles now underpin traffic in our region.
At Jebel Ali, all stages from arrival, inspection, storage and onward, depend on clear information and prompt delivery. Expanded roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) beaches, strong inland links and digital platforms such as Dubai Trade support traffic growth, however the long-term benefits come from teams using a shared system rather than reacting in haste. As an extension of these assets, Dubai Auto Market will strengthen that foundation by providing traders and service providers with a one-stop shop for all things automotive.
Reliable procedures give manufacturers the confidence to introduce new models throughout the region and encourage dealers to raise the bar. If our partners know what to expect at every step, they plan boldly and invest for the long term, strengthening the role of the Gulf as a natural bridge between production centers and thriving markets.
Keeping up the pace requires the same quiet discipline found in a crew of pit crews, where small refinements are made without fussing over each other, each one strengthening the next leg. Each visit to our terminals confirms the importance of clear communication and procedures, as well as the strong support of the teams that made them.
With strong systems in place and a culture that rewards ethical engagement, the Middle East is already positioned to lead the next chapter of the global automotive trade, furthering the ambitions of Dubai’s D33 agenda.
