Starting (Friday) January 29, classic car buffs in the UAE will be able to get their fill of 50-plus classic as well as vintage automobiles through four consecutive weekends, at the Classic Cars Festival being organised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), to promote UAE’s “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign.

Organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Old Cars Club, Shurooq has handpicked its hospitality and leisure destinations in Sharjah’s most picturesque areas to serve as the backdrop for this festival. With a ‘Khorfakkan Beach Classic’ opening on January 29; the festival will travel to different regions in the emirate.The second instalment on February 19 is titled ‘Al Badayer Retreat Classic’; followed by ‘The Chedi Al Bait Classic’ on March 26. The event returns to the centre of Sharjah city for its final showcase with the ‘The Flag Island Classic’ on April 2.

As families and motor enthusiasts appreciate the cars on display, they will have access to restaurants, kids’ play areas, and other world-class leisure amenities across all these leading Shurooq destinations.

The events are all open to the public from 1pm – 6pm and are free-to-attend.

To be held in the sprawling open spaces of Shurooq’s world-class destinations, the festival will showcase the best of automotive design down the ages and provide a platform for both classic car collectors and enthusiasts to meet and interact with each other.

Strict safety protocols and precautionary measures will be in force at the venues in line with the UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary measures as well as Shurooq’s health and safety regulations.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq, said: “Shurooq is very excited to bring back the emirate’s much-loved classic car show in a new format. Sharjah is one of the biggest markets for class car collectors in the UAE and the region, and this event will showcase classic favourites as well as some rare makes that are not commonly seen in the country. Moreover, we have chosen some of the most picturesque destinations that the emirate and Shurooq have as the backdrop for this festival, to enhance visitor experiences.”

He added: “We look forward to welcoming collectors, connoisseurs as well as classic car enthusiasts in the UAE to enjoy this unique and prestigious event. With so many stunning examples of rare and classic cars on display, this exclusive event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all visitors. This is a chance for the entire family to come and see some of the greatest cars from motoring history and also enjoy the one-of-a-kind hospitality services all Shurooq destinations offer. The events are also a part of Shurooq’s objectives to drive its business and support the UAE community with safe and unique entertainment experiences.”

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, Chairman of Sharjah Old Cars Club, welcomed this collaboration Shurooq, praising the entity’s active role in turning the spotlight on all the emirate’s regions as ideal destinations for the pursuit of both investment and culture, through such unique events. “Starting with the ‘Khorfakkan Beach Classic’ this festival presents classic cars enthusiasts an exceptional opportunity to be in the company of artfully crafted rare automobiles manufactured between 1923 and 1989 by some of the oldest and largest car manufacturers in the world.”

“The beauty of Khorfakkan, which makes up the eastern enclave of Sharjah, offers the perfect seaside backdrop for this unique showcase, and will allow visitors and families to explore, learn about and cherish a historical and naturally gifted region of the emirate”, he added, saying that visitors will get to vote for and choose the three most beautiful cars participating in the event.