Sharjah Classic Cars Festival 2025 Launches With Display Of Over 400 Vintage Automobiles And Expert Panels
The Sharjah Classic Cars Festival (SCCF 2025) has returned for its second edition, drawing together industry experts, classic car enthusiasts, and collectors. The event, themed "Where the Story Begins," is being held at the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) headquarters and will run until 17th February. It offers a blend of history, entertainment, and education for visitors.
The festival was inaugurated with notable figures in attendance, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi and Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud. They were joined by automotive enthusiasts from across the region. The opening ceremony featured a tour of the festival grounds and showcased two historically significant vehicles: a 1988 two-door Range Rover Classic owned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a 1988 four-door Range Rover belonging to the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This year's festival showcases over 400 rare classic cars, some dating back to the early 20th century. This highlights the event's significance as one of the most specialised gatherings in the region. The programme includes expert discussion panels, entertainment activities, interactive competitions, food and beverage areas, and an exclusive auction for rare classic cars.
A panel discussion titled "Passion or Business? The Art of Collecting Classic Cars" was part of the inaugural day. Speakers included Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Mohammed Bin Dakhin Al Matroushi, and Salem Bin Salem Al Suwaidi. They discussed key considerations in selecting a classic car as either a passion or an investment.
Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan emphasised that collecting classic cars reflects personal taste and enjoyment. He stated: "At its core, this field is a hobby, and any commercial activity that emerges from it supports a passion that has gained global recognition through auctions and specialised publications."
Mohammed bin Dakhin Al Matroushi highlighted the importance of joining SOCC to benefit from members' expertise. He noted that modifying classic cars requires skill to preserve their original value. While acknowledging commercial potential in this market, he stressed that success requires deep knowledge for profitable returns.
Salem bin Salem Al-Suwaidi spoke about classic cars' nostalgic value and growing demand worldwide. He mentioned collectors from countries like the US and Japan are willing to pay high prices for rare models. He also called for expert committees to assess vintage vehicles' authenticity during modifications.
During the opening ceremony, strategic partners such as Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre - BMW were honoured alongside sponsors like Emirates Auction and Sharjah Islamic Bank. This recognition underscores their support in making SCCF 2025 successful while celebrating automotive heritage within UAE's vibrant cultural landscape.
The festival not only celebrates automotive history but also serves as an educational platform where enthusiasts can learn about accurate valuation methods and effective investment strategies in this niche market. It demonstrates how passion can evolve into profitable ventures while preserving cultural heritage through these timeless vehicles.
With inputs from WAM
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