Rare Classic Cars Steal the Spotlight at ADIHEX Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi — A stunning collection of vintage automobiles from the 1930s and 1940s is drawing large crowds at the Abu Dhabi International Heritage Exhibition (ADIHEX), running through September 6 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC). The exhibit, organized in partnership with the Sharjah Old Cars Club and Museum, offers UAE residents a rare glimpse into automotive history and the region’s enduring cultural heritage.
Among the stars of the display is the 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a symbol of pre-war elegance, and the 1949 Riley RMC, a British-built classic known for its refined engineering and timeless design. Both vehicles have been meticulously restored and are rarely seen outside private collections.
The Sharjah Old Cars Club and Museum, a leading custodian of regional automotive heritage, transported these treasures to ADIHEX to highlight the shared legacy of craftsmanship and innovation across the Gulf. "These cars are not just machines," said Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Director of the Sharjah Old Cars Club. "They are rolling archives — reflecting the social, economic, and aesthetic values of their time, and resonating deeply with Emirati families who value heritage and preservation."
Visitors have flocked to the exhibit, particularly on weekends, with many families spending hours examining the intricate details of the engines, chrome finishes, and period-accurate interiors. Children and adults alike line up for photo opportunities beside the gleaming vehicles, underscoring the exhibit’s power to connect generations.
Beyond aesthetics, ADIHEX is framing these vehicles as educational tools. Interactive signage explains how early motoring influenced regional development, with links to colonial-era trade routes and the rise of automotive culture among Gulf elites. The exhibition also includes archival photographs and handwritten logs from original owners — many of whom were expatriates and Emiratis who helped build modern UAE’s transport infrastructure.
ADIHEX runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at ADNEC, with free admission for all residents. Ticket reservations are recommended for group visits. This year’s focus on vintage vehicles is part of a broader cultural initiative to celebrate the UAE’s layered past — connecting the desert heritage of Bedouin traditions with the country’s modern evolution on four wheels.
