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.
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.
“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.
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.
