Marks an exciting and entertaining new addition to the emirate's events calendar 

Abu Dhabi, 14 March 2019 -   Abu Dhabi is set to host the inaugural Abu Dhabi Engine Week, aimed at car and adventure enthusiasts from across the UAE and wider Gulf region. From 28 March – 6 April, Engine Week will present a packed 10-day schedule of exciting activities in locations throughout the emirate.

The event is expected to attract thousands of participants to its various programmes, which include five main events: Custom Show Emirates and Abu Dhabi International Motor Show at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center; Club Social at Yas Beach; Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in Yas Island and Western Region; and the WRX Championship at Yas Marina Circuit. In addition, there will be numerous concerts, citywide promotions and more throughout the 10 days. 

'Abu Dhabi Engine Week is an exciting new addition to our emirate’s already impressive entertainment calendar, continuing the Department of Culture and Tourism’s mission to provide residents and tourists alike with a wide spectrum of events and activities catering to all ages and tastes,” said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Acting Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. “Geared toward a regional as well as a local audience, I am sure that this new offering will serve to further enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a leading tourism destination in the region.'

From 28-30 March, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will host the Custom Show Emirates, now in its 5th year. The largest exhibition of modified cars and motorcycles in the Middle East, this year will see participation from more than 80 international and 120 local companies. The event will include competitions for motorcycles and modified cars, bicycle and motorbike-building competitions, as well as other activities for visitors such as the drifting arena, free demonstrations, the remote-controlled cars arena, and various kids’ entertainments, in addition to a car and motorcycle accessories exhibition.

“It is our great pleasure and honour to be part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Engine Week, which is set to become a much-loved annual event. I am sure that our event Custom Show Emirates will prove to be a highlight for participants over the 10 adrenaline-filled days of motoring action”, commented Saeed Al Marzouqui, CEO of Custom Events (organisers of Custom Show Emirates). “I highly recommend that car lovers and amateur enthusiasts alike take part in what is going to be a most unforgettable and exhilarating event for all the family.”

Also from 28-30 March, the second edition of Club Social will be held at Yas Beach, a festive weekend full of fine cuisine and social gatherings. Live cooking stations, meal preparation workshops, beachfront shopping and beach sports will combine in a unique and picturesque setting, providing an amazing backdrop to capture and share with friends and followers on social channels.

Attendees will enjoy live performances, including concerts by the British band Bastille and the Egyptian band Oka Wi Ortega, as well as many workshops and family activities for all ages, set against a backdrop of delicious food.

“Club Social at Yas Beach is the ideal place to create unforgettable memories through fun activities, delicious food, and live music”, said Ramzi Nakad, co-founder of BRAG, organiser of Club Social. “Come play, discover, and get away from your usual routine in a destination brimming with visuals ready to be snapped, shared and liked. We have completely revamped the look and feel of the festival based on feedback from our thousands of guests in 2018. New family fun in the daytime, complemented by more mature nighttime offerings, make Club Social a compelling experience for the entire weekend.”

31 March – 4 April will see the annual Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge return to the emirate. Initiated in 1991 by the President of the Emirates Automobile and Tourism Club, Mohammed Bin Sulayem, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has become an important event in the international rally calendar, attracting some of the industry’s brightest names such as Carlos Sainz, Colin Mackray, Ari Fatinan and Heinz Kenigadner.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will function as the second round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship and the first round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

The excitement of the Abu Dhabi Engine Week will continue on 5 and 6 April with the World Rallycross Championships, running for the first time in the UAE on the Yas Marina Circuit. Additionally, the opening ceremony of the 2019 WRX Championship will take place, organised by the International Automobile Federation. The narrow turns and glides of Yas Circuit will witness 11 spectacular races, with vehicles achieving speeds of up to 100 km/h in just two seconds. Some of the world's top drivers are racing in two categories, the Supercar and the RX2, which include a range of high-performance modified cars.

In conjunction with this exciting event, the public may enjoy many leisure and entertainment activities in the North Oasis of the circuit, including mobile food trucks, meet-and-greets with racedrivers and live concerts.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Yas Marina Circuit always seeks innovative approaches when hosting our motorsport races. For the first time in the region, our new track will host one of the most thrilling races in the Middle East, promising to deliver something completely different from anything we have hosted before. The unique mix of world-class racing, leisure and F&B options we are offering during Abu Dhabi Engine Week is sure to attract scores of motor fans and entertainment seekers to the FIA World Rallycross Championship.”

During the Abu Dhabi Engine Week, numerous motoring-related promotional offers will be available, including car loan offers and discounts on car accessories. The Marina Mall will also be hosting a classic car show from 31 March to 4 April.