Once in force, the agreement will remove tariffs on around 93%
of UK exports to the six Gulf states.
Automechanika Dubai, taking place from 10–12 November 2026,
connects UK businesses with buyers and industry
professionals from the Gulf, Africa and Asia.
London, UK: The UK–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade
agreement will strengthen market access for UK automotive
aftermarket suppliers across the six Gulf states.
The UK and the
GCC concluded negotiations on the agreement in May 2026, and it
will enter into force once both sides complete ratification. Once fully
implemented, the agreement will remove tariffs on around 93% of
UK exports to the GCC. The UK government estimates annual duty
savings of around £580 million across current UK exports.
For automotive aftermarket businesses, the agreement comes
alongside growing regional demand. According to Ken Research,
the GCC automotive aftermarket was worth USD 12 billion in 2025
and is forecast to reach USD 16 billion by 2031.
Automechanika Dubai gives UK businesses an opportunity to
explore the market and build relationships ahead of the agreement
taking effect. The 23rd edition runs from 10–12 November 2026 at
Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai. UK exhibitors and
visitors can meet distributors, importers and workshop groups from
across the Gulf in one place. Dubai’s role as a re-export gateway
extends that reach into Africa, Asia and key CIS markets. The 2025
edition welcomed visitors from 161 countries and exhibitors from 63
countries.
Messe Frankfurt Middle East organises Automechanika Dubai with
government support from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority
(RTA) and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI).
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the show’s
Host City Partner. This year’s edition is the first at DEC, after 22
editions at Dubai World Trade Centre. The venue has a linear hall
layout, more than 10,000 parking spaces and direct Metro access
via Expo 2020 Station. It also sits close to Al Maktoum International
Airport, Jebel Ali Port, JAFZA and Dubai South.
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics, Messe
Frankfurt Middle East, said: “After more than two decades at Dubai
World Trade Centre, moving to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City
Dubai feels like the right next step for Automechanika Dubai. The
market is changing quickly, and the show needs the space and
flexibility to keep changing with it. The new venue sits beside Dubai
South, close to the trade and logistics growth targeted by the Dubai
Economic Agenda, D33. It will help us improve how people move
through and connect at the event, while Dubai’s position between
major international automotive markets keeps the show close to the
opportunities emerging across the Middle East and Africa.”
The 2026 edition comes at a pivotal time for the Middle East and
Africa automotive aftermarket. Glasgow Research and Consulting
forecasts that the market will reach USD 87 billion by 2034, growing
at a compound annual growth rate of up to 7%. Expanding vehicle
numbers and fleets, together with rising repair and maintenance
requirements, are creating opportunities for manufacturers,
suppliers, distributors, workshop operators, technical specialists and
investors.
The mix of vehicles operating across the region is also becoming
more complex. Conventional vehicles continue to account for a
substantial share of vehicles on the road, while hybrid, electric and
connected vehicles are growing in prominence. The result is a wider
range of requirements across parts availability, diagnostics,
workshop equipment, technical skills, servicing and investment.
“What we are seeing across the region is a more varied
aftermarket,” said Tommy Le, Show Manager, Automechanika
Dubai. “Conventional vehicles remain a major part of the market, but
hybrid, electric and connected vehicles are changing the products,
skills and technical knowledge the industry needs.
Automechanika
Dubai 2026 will bring that evolving mix together, giving businesses
the opportunity to understand where the market is heading and build
the relationships they need as the show moves to Dubai Exhibition
Centre for the first time.”
More than 1,200 exhibitors from over 50 participating countries are
expected in 2026, including Al Mokamel, AUMOVIO, Hella, Meyle
and Hanon Systems. The exhibition will span 11 product sections
across the automotive aftermarket value chain, including parts and
components, electrics and electronics, tyres and wheels, batteries
and technology, diagnostics and repair, vehicle care and detailing,
and digital solutions and services.
The exhibition floor will showcase at least 20 content-led features
and activations, including specialist conferences, practical training
sessions, awards, live demonstrations, competitions, interactive
experiences, and new launches. The conference programme is
designed to help automotive professionals understand market
developments and prepare for changing customer, vehicle and
workshop requirements.
Aftermarket Central will look at next-generation battery demand,
service readiness, battery second life and recycling.
Innovation4Mobility will cover the policy, infrastructure and
consumer adoption needed to scale electrification. Modern
Workshop will focus on EV and hybrid servicing, safety, diagnostics,
tools and technician training. LABX will examine used-oil collection
and re-refining, including the regulation, technology and economics
behind circular lubricant systems. Fleet FWD returns as an
expanded two-day conference that brings in CV Evolution, covering
cost pressures, electrification, data-driven decision-making and
logistics for fleet and commercial vehicle operators. Training &
Development, AfriConnections, Grand Tour Challenges, the
Automechanika Dubai Awards and the IBIS @ Automechanika
Dubai conference complete the programme, which brings together
decision-makers from across the aftermarket.
In 2026, the show’s global participation will give the regional industry
a clearer view of how suppliers and markets across Asia, Europe
and key CIS countries are responding to changes in vehicle
technology, servicing and workshop requirements.
Attracting manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, workshop
professionals, fleet operators and buyers, this year’s edition will
reflect the broader mix of vehicles, technologies and business
models now shaping the Middle East and Africa aftermarket. For UK
suppliers, the show offers a place to meet distributors, buyers and
partners from across the GCC and the wider region. With the UK-
GCC agreement moving towards entry into force, those relationships
can support future trade across the Gulf. For more information, click
here.
About Automechanika Dubai:
Automechanika Dubai is the largest international automotive aftermarket trade show in
the Middle East taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre between 10 – 12 November
2026. Automechanika Dubai acts as the central trading link for markets that are difficult
to reach, connecting the wider Middle East, Africa, Asia and key CIS countries.
For more information, please visit our website.
About Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event
organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,700* people at its
headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the
world. Group sales in financial year 2025 were more than € 766* million. We serve our
customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events,
Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its
powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all
regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online –
ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when
planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to
develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition
grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.
Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy
balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.
For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability
With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of
Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
About Messe Frankfurt Middle East:
Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s portfolio of exhibitions includes: Automechanika Dubai,
Automechanika Riyadh, Beautyworld Middle East, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Intersec,
Intersec Saudi Arabia, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East, Light + Intelligent Building Middle
East and Paperworld Middle East.
In the 2025/26 event season, Messe Frankfurt
Middle East exhibitions combined featured 8,400 exhibitors and attracted 266,000
visitors from over 178 countries.
