Taking place from 9-11 December at Dubai World Trade Centre, the exhibition is set to bring together leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, suppliers, innovators and industry professionals from around the world for three days of business exchange, collaborative learning and strategic dialogue, defining the future of the automotive aftermarket in the Middle East and Africa. This year, the number of exhibitors has increased from 2,229 in 2024 to over 2,300, representing more than 60 countries across 20 halls, and featuring 20 dedicated international pavilions. With an 11% net increase in exhibition space, now exceeding 92,000 square metres, the exhibition is underscoring its position as the largest global trade exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and services industry in the region. Government backing has strengthened further this year, with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai as Government Supporters, alongside the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) as Supporting Associations, underlining the event’s role as a strategic platform connecting international players with high-growth markets across the MEA region.

The exhibition floor has been designed to reflect the full scope and scale of the global automotive aftermarket ecosystem. The exhibition floor will showcase 10 product categories this year, including: Parts & Components; Electrics & Electronics; Tyres & Batteries; Oils, Lubricants & Fuels; Car Wash, Care & Detailing; Body & Paint; Diagnostics & Repair; Accessories & Customising, Connectivity & Autonomous Driving, and Digital Solutions & Services. Tommy Le, Show Manager of Automechanika Dubai at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Automechanika Dubai continues to play a vital role in connecting global manufacturers with the Middle East and Africa market. The scale and calibre of this year’s event clearly reflect the industry’s accelerating pace of change, from electrification and AI integration to regional manufacturing and digitalisation. More than ever, the show provides a unique platform for business, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to help industry players navigate transformation and seize new growth opportunities.” A comprehensive conference and workshop programme will run alongside the exhibition, focusing on Automechanika Dubai’s key pillars, including sustainability, innovation, digitalisation and electrification, and training and safety. The sessions will bring together policymakers, OEMs, suppliers, distributors, fleet operators, and service providers to explore the trends defining the aftermarket of tomorrow.

At the crux of this programme is the Automechanika Academy, taking place on 9 and 10 December. As the region’s premier aftermarket platform for thought-leadership, the Academy will convene experts to address government regulations, sustainability strategies, remanufacturing, tyre and battery innovation, AI-driven diagnostics, and the role of autonomous mobility in reshaping supply chains. The opening remarks will be delivered by the Academy Chairperson, Orlie Gruper, Founder & CEO, Women in Mobility, on the first day. At the same time, Innovation4Mobility, a two-day programme, will spotlight next-generation platforms, circular economy solutions, and policy frameworks that support electrification, connected mobility, and smart infrastructure. Witnessing a renewed focus this year, AfriConnections will explore the latest trends shaping Africa’s automotive transformation on Thursday, 11 December. With the sector expected to grow to US$42 billion by 2027, according to ODI Global research, the session will be instrumental in connecting high-growth African markets with global industry leaders. Several new features have also been introduced for 2025, reflecting the evolving structure of the global aftermarket and mobility ecosystem. The Region Focus – Made in GCC Conference, on 11 December, will highlight the rapid industrialisation and localisation of automotive manufacturing in the Gulf region, aligning with national economic diversification plans. LABX will delve into the latest developments transforming the industry – from advanced additive chemistry and evolving base oil requirements for EVs to innovations in formulation science, sustainability, digitalisation, and smart manufacturing on Wednesday, 10 December, while Fleet FWD, which will take place the following day, 11 December, will examine intelligent fleet management solutions that are reshaping operations and logistics networks. Rounding out the new additions this year will be a focus on commercial vehicles at CV Evolution on 9 December. With the global commercial vehicles sector expected to grow to US$1.85 trillion by 2030, according to Grand View Research, a leading market research and consulting company. This exclusive full-day forum will examine how fleet operators and aftermarket players are adopting digital solutions to enhance uptime, reduce costs, and accelerate decarbonisation in logistics and heavy-duty transport. The Modern Workshop will make a welcome return to the show floor on the opening day of Automechanika Dubai, showcasing the processes and solutions that are redefining workshop operations in an era of electrification and automation. At the same time, the Pitstop Challenge will recognise the best mechanics and repair professionals in a series of challenges, where they will be tested on their knowledge of tyres, their ability to detect vehicle issues by using only sound, as well as through technical knowledge, car wrapping, spray painting, and electrical connection. A further highlight will be the fifth edition of the Automechanika Dubai Awards, which will take place on 10 December. This is the region’s only awards programme dedicated to celebrating excellence and innovation in the automotive aftermarket, recognising achievements in sustainability, innovation, digitalisation, product development, and outstanding individual contribution. New categories this year include the Distributor of the Year and Rising Star in Automotive Aftermarket, which spotlight both established industry leaders and emerging talent driving the sector forward.