Saleh Fareed
JEDDAH — The Saudi International Motor Show (SIMS), the country’s largest and oldest motor show, officially opened doors to its largest edition on Sunday featuring local launches, regional reveals and new concept cars over a 40,000 sq m of floor space with the participation of 100 companies.
The 5-day event will be held at the Jeddah Convention & Exhibition Centre which promises to attract car lovers with innovative experiences and an unparalleled number of vehicles on display.
The 37th edition was opened by - Mohammed Tawfiq Madani, director general of the Transport Department in Makkah, and attended by top executives of auto local leaders, VIP celebrities and hundreds of people, all waiting to view the latest cars and motorbikes on show.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Madani declared the show open, officials of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) took him on a tour of the premises. The director general of the transport department in Makkah was also introduced to the exhibitors and he spent time with them, enquiring about the brands and their new products being showcased at the show.
Zahoor Siddique, vice president of Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) said: “Saudi Motor Show and all other major events happening in Jeddah support Saudi Arabia as a destination for international events. Considered as one of the premier events regionally, Saudi Motor Show never ceases to amaze visitors with some major launches by top-notch automotive brands.”
Prior to the official opening, the day was dedicated to VIPs and the local media who were taken on a grand tour of the show. The highlight of the tour was the new product launches by brands such as Nissan, Kia, Cadillac, Lifan, Hyundai and Sharico.
With the participating automobile brands representing the best of the global industry, the media were given bespoke presentations by the exhibiting brands and the opportunity to discuss the new models and the latest in automobile technology as well as photo-calls.
The show not only previews the newest cars but also motorcycles, accessories, music systems and the tuning and aftermarket sectors with plenty of action continuing outside from Nissan and Hyundai who are hosting interactive driving experiences.
In addition, this year’s edition includes include several adrenalin pumping live action events including the final round of Saudi Star Drift Championship, Off-Road Experience, car customization, interactive areas and electronic virtual driving. The Jeddah Motor Show, which is held under the aegis of Prince Mishal Bin Majed, governor of Jeddah, will be open to the public from Sunday until Thursday starting 5-10 p.m.
