From Staff Writer
With Automechanika Dubai set to return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 9 to 11 December, experts are pointing to large-scale infrastructure investments across the GCC—led by Dubai and Saudi Arabia—as key growth drivers for the region’s commercial vehicle market.
Industry analysts at Frost & Sullivan say Dubai’s planned US$10 billion infrastructure outlay, alongside Saudi Arabia’s staggering US$267 billion commitment, will underpin sustained demand in the commercial vehicle sector. This outlook comes despite a global slowdown in 2024, which saw declines across both medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as light commercial vehicles in Asia.
While challenges remain globally, the GCC region is bucking the trend. “Dubai’s infrastructure push is closely tied to the Emirate’s strategy to expand its tourism economy,” said Sunny Manjani, Mobility Consultant at Frost & Sullivan. “In Saudi Arabia, investments are more wide-ranging, covering construction, transportation and technology. Qatar is also stepping up investment through its Third National Development Strategy 2024–2030, particularly in tourism and hospitality.”
Frost & Sullivan’s latest research highlights Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the region’s commercial vehicle segment, citing the Kingdom’s strategic location and diversified infrastructure developments as key advantages.
The shifting global supply chain landscape is also contributing to short-term regional gains. “Disruptions in maritime logistics are creating a surge in road transport,” Manjani added. “European goods are now being moved through Saudi Arabia and the UAE en route to Asia, opening new opportunities for commercial fleet operators.”
Looking ahead, Frost & Sullivan anticipates that the non-oil economy will continue to be the principal engine of growth across the Middle East. The firm expects the UAE’s GDP growth to rise from 4% in 2024 to 5.8% in 2025, driven by strong performance in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, AI, and renewable energy. Saudi Arabia’s real GDP is also forecast to grow by 4.8% next year, thanks to momentum in tourism, technology, and green energy.
These economic shifts, experts say, will have a direct positive impact on the demand for commercial vehicles.
Meanwhile, Automechanika Dubai 2025 is gearing up to be its most expansive edition yet. Spanning 20 halls and hosting more than 20 international pavilions, this year’s show will debut a dedicated *Commercial Vehicles* vertical focused on the mining, construction and agricultural sectors.
“Automechanika Dubai is the largest trade event for the automotive aftermarket in the MEA region,” said Tommy Le, Show Manager for Automechanika Dubai. “Our 22nd edition will not only feature returning favourites like the Automechanika Academy and the Pitstop Challenge, but also introduce new initiatives such as Road Safety Day and a special GCC Manufacturing spotlight.”
Structured around six strategic pillars—sustainability, electrification and digitalisation, innovation, training, recruitment and safety—the show will highlight technological evolution and skills development across the automotive sector.
Ten product sections will be on display, including innovations in diagnostics and repair, parts and components, tyres and batteries, oils and lubricants, and a new focus area on connectivity and autonomous driving.
As Dubai continues to expand its infrastructure footprint and regional economies diversify away from oil, Automechanika Dubai is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of commercial mobility across the Middle East.
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