Mufareh Bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, director of Transport and Road Affairs of the Western region, with Ali Hussein Alireza (right), Managing Director of Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., during the inaugural ceremony of the 34th edition of the Saudi International Motor Show in Jeddah. Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The 34th edition of the Saudi International Motor Show was officially opened Monday at Jeddah Exhibition and Forum center by Eng. Mufareh Bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani, the director of Transport and Road Affairs of the Western region. As motoring enthusiasts flocked to the opening day, the event kicked off with an exclusive media preview before it was opened to the public and it served as a platform for various international automobile makers to exhibit their latest car models, concept cars, super cars, spare parts, auto accessories, navigation systems, car care products, car audio & video systems, accessories, auto finance, insurance and warranties automotive magazines & websites. Following the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, Al Zahrani did a traditional walking tour of the exhibition, with Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions. He also visited the stalls of different exhibitors and examined the latest models of cars on display. At the end of his tour, Alzahrani said “we want the Saudi International Motor Show to be a source of inspiration for manufacturers of cars and to provide a rare and unique experience to automobile lovers.” “Our aim was to transform the show from a mega car exhibition into an experience that is entertaining for all. I am extremely pleased that we are presenting a wide spectrum of displays and attractions that are innovative and awe inspiring for motor enthusiasts and the public alike,” said Zahoor Siddique, Vice President of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions. He noted that the 100 cars are on display worth SR30 million. He added “visitors can expect an impressive array of new convenience, connectivity and safety features from world's top manufacturers in vehicles that range from sedans to coupes to luxury cars, 4x4s and SUVs, and hatchbacks to convertibles and mini-vans from USA, Europe, Japan, Korea and China.” Siddique revealed that Saudi Arabia's auto market is large and growing towards more sophistication and manufacturers are betting on its long-term growth. “Car sales in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf's largest automotive market, are expected to jump over 30 percent from around 676,000 in 2008 to 88,000 in 2013 as the Kingdom remains economically and commercially resilient to the global downturn,” he said. He pointed out that over $1 billion cars are sold in the Kingdom every year and this figure is increasing by about 27 percent annually. This made the Saudi government placed the development of the automotive sector as one of their prime strategies in the strengthening of its industrial (non-oil) sector. For automobile enthusiasts of all ages, as well as for the casual visitors, the motor show provides a feast of excitement, thrills and color. It was quite an amazing experience to see sleek and shiny cars of various models from different leading automobile brands vying for attention. The show, which opens its doors daily from 5-10 pm, will run until Dec. 28.
