The UAE's automotive garages can succeed in other countries thanks to their imagination and know-how, according to the organizer of the country's largest custom car show. And Jamal Saleh bin Lahej, chairman of Custom Events, admits that what he heard about the UAE's emerging industry astonished him.

"Several garages in the UAE have been producing parts and exporting them to Japan and the United States. It was incredible when I first heard about it; I had no idea "At the recent Custom Show Emirates, Bin Lahej told Khaleej Times.

"A lot of people are unaware of this."

The Custom Show Emirates, which took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre for the first time after being held in Abu Dhabi, was conducted in the emirate for the first time. It has gathered a huge following as a result of its innovative and imaginative builds, which have sparked the attention of fans and hobbyists alike.

And the sector has a long way to go, with the UAE, particularly Dubai, serving as a pit stop for top auto brands and collectors. Bin Lahej claims that the exhibit demonstrates the talents and abilities of UAE-based garages, with the majority of the cars being constructed in the UAE. He estimates that only 5% of the cars are built outside the UAE.

The Custom Show Emirates, which is both a business-to-business and a business-to-consumer experience, is also a great opportunity for them to be known outside of their garage doors, which is something Bin Lahej expects to achieve.

"In the UAE, we have a lot of automobile workshops, and if they're here at the event, citizens will be more acquainted with them," Bin Lahej added.

"At the exhibit, it's useful for them to demonstrate themselves and their influence. This will provide more opportunities for these local talents, and global recognition for the UAE. I hope the people who make these cars locate sponsors or someone who can encourage them to do more. They are capable of defeating the United States and Japan." Bin Lahej said.

Higher gears

The outcome was excellent, even at this time of year and in the year of the coronavirus," Bin Lahej told Khaleej Times.

According to Bin Lahej, even in those conditions, the event met expectations. Registration for the show ended three days before the launch, compared to one day in previous years. This illustrates people's confidence in Dubai and the UAE's leadership, which was able to quickly contain the pandemic's consequences, allowing for the continuance of normal operations.

"It was a huge success," Bin Lahej said, adding that after meeting their targets this year, the ambition for the next edition is to go even bigger.

Bin Lahej also bemoaned the lack of participation of other countries, especially GCC neighbors, due to pandemic-related restrictions still in place. He agreed that this was comprehensible and that they would have been sorely missed at the exhibition, not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of the additional versatility and ingenuity they would have shown.

Hundreds of automobiles and motorcycles, ranging from antique to new models, lifestyle to heavy-duty, were on the exhibit. According to Bin Lahej, if these were regular days, the figures would have easily surpassed a thousand.