Overview

The Middle East is emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic markets for classic and vintage automobiles. Fuelled by established wealth and a growing appreciation for automotive heritage, the region is reshaping the  collector’s car landscape. The UAE is leading this growing demand for classic cars among affluent buyers, both locals and the ever increasing ex-past population. What was once a Western-dominated hobby has found enthusiastic adoption across Gulf states. From Saudi Arabia to Qatar high-net-worth individuals view classic cars as a genuine alternative investments alongside real estate, art, and precious metals.

As the market matures the region’s love of automobiles is extending beyond modern hypercars to an appreciation of the historically significant foundations on which they are built. Owning a 1950’s, 60’s or 70’s model connects an owner to the heritage that informed their modern models. Classic car clubs have blossomed throughout the Gulf and regular gatherings and concours events provide a social network that encourages use – a vital component in the value of any collector’s car – helped in no small part by the regions favourable climate.

royal bahrain concours

Last weekend saw the inaugural Roayal Bahrain Concours, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The event brought together a selection of the World’s finest cars for the regions first premier-level concours competition. Deserving winner of the Best in Show award was the Bahrain-based, ex. Shah of Iran Lamborghini Miura SV. Personal favourites at the event included:

  • The Porsche 911 GT1. One of the all time great homologation specials.
  • The late HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s Aston Martin DB4. Resplendent in Peony Red with wide-whitewall tyres!
  • A stunning Lamborghini Countach 5000S. The iconic supercar, finished in desert-friendly white.
Collector’s week

As a sign of the perceived importance of the region Sotheby’s has established Collector’s Week, in association with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, as a platform to highlight opportunities for high net worth individuals to invest in collectables of all kinds, with automotive at the forefront. Over 2 – 5 December a series of exhibitions, seminars, masterclasses and auctions will take place, culminating in RM Sotheby’s sale at the Saadiyat Island Resort on the 5th. Sotheby’s sees the region as an important market, as the collector’s sector around the Gulf grows and matures with a younger demographic of both local and ex-pat residents.

The RM Sotheby’s auction is stacked with desirable automobiles, the highlight being one of the original 64 McLaren F1 road cars, ex. Brunei royal family and upgraded by the factory with GTR spec. features. Estimate $21m +. Bidders will also have the unique opportunity to purchase one of next year’s McLaren Grand Prix cars, eventually taking possession in 2028.

Mille miglia

Running alongside Collector’s Week will be the UAE edition of the Mille Miglia, taking 120 crews over 1600km through seven Emirates from 30th November – 4th December. This is the largest and most exclusive classic event in the Arabian Peninsula. The opening day is based at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai and attracts over 10,000 enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the history of the event. Being run in the Northern Hemisphere ‘off-season’ gives this rally a unique selling point as another opportunity for an immersive experience – a vital component of old car ownership in this day and age.

auto museums

20km from Doha in Qatar is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. 530,000 square meters of space across three buildings and 15 halls houses a selection from the Sheikh’s collection of over 1000 vehicles. No era or type of vehicle is overlooked, from the earliest veterans to modern supercars. Such is the quality of cars in the Sheikh’s collection that there is no doubt more of the collection will be selected to enter the Qatar Auto Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Elsewhere, as a reflection of the importance of the automobile in Gulf culture, several very special cars have been on display in the National Museum of Qatar including a Ferrari 250 GTO and the uber-flamboyant ex. Diana Dors Delahaye 175S with coachwork by Saoutchik.