Organizers report successful turnout to mark the region’s first one-of-a-kind festival

MECOM Forums has reported a successful debut of Gulf Bike Expo 2009, the first complete bike exhibition in the Middle East. Held from 19th to 21st March 2009, at the Dubai Festival City, the event was inaugurated by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA Vice-President for Sport and President of the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and was attended by over 19,000 visitors from all over the GCC who enjoyed a complete biking festival atmosphere. The 3-day show received 55 exhibitors from major local and international brands from across Europe, USA, Canada, Italy and Japan.

“This show has far acceded the club’s expectation; from the organization aspect as well as the response from bikers and enthusiasts. It is a true rival to shows in the USA” said Maher Murad, VP, Desert Warriors Motorcycle Club.

Truly a bikers’ haven, Gulf Bike Expo 2009 was an opportunity for bike fanatics to enjoy a comprehensive range of products and merchandises including cruisers, street bikes, off road bikes, as well as custom bikes, ATV's, tuning & customizing, parts & accessories, helmets, clothing. Daily live bike entertainments included electrifying display of daring feats at the Red Bull’s FMX’s arena by FMX World Championship’s Nick de Wit aka Sick Nick and Frog with their hard-living, death-defying and spectacular free-style airborne jumps. Rome and Randie, Scorpion Custom’s stunt couple maneuvered some jaw-dropping exhibition of stunts to the cheering crowd. Visitors also had a chance to admire works of master bike customizers on modified and transformed bikes as well as enjoyed on-site competitions.

The outdoor Piazza area was built to compliment the festival with musical performances by the best of local musical talents. Singers Juliana Down, Abri, Lumi, The Meerkats, Paul Akiki and Jonas Desai performed an array of original indie and rock music as bikers rested and enjoyed the afternoon. The legendary rock band, Deep Purple received over 4,000 fans to the concert as they took stage on day two of the festival.

“If you are a biker then this show is must” said Mr. Rob Klugmann, General Manager, Honda.

The highlight of the show was Gulf Bike Expo 2009 first charity ride “Wheels for Autism”. Congregated early on Friday morning at Dubai Festival City, over 800 bikers came together in unity to support local charity, Dubai Autism Centre. Escorted by RTA and Dubai Police, 475 bikes cruised over 74 kilometers around Dubai to support the cause.

“The Gulf Bike Expo has been an excellent venue for us as a brand. It’s nice to have been able to showcase our bikes and speak to bike enthusiasts about KTM” said Mr. Tim Trenker, General Manager, KTM-UAE. “It’s a great event to show our different categories of bikes and new models” added Mr. Bassem Wazaff, Product Manager Yamaha.

“Being the first show we were not sure what to expect both from the exhibitors point of view as well as the consumers’ participation. However the hard work has paid off and we have witnessed the making of an outstanding world-class exhibition right here in Dubai. Everyone came on board with an open mind and this overwhelming success is a confirmation that the industry craved for such a platform. The growth within this sector is inevitable, we have now given the biking industry a tool to unite and expand the lifestyle in the region” said Mr. Christopher Hudson, Managing Director, MECOM Forums.

Worth over $800 million regionally, the bike and motoring industry is set to grow at least 15% in 2009 around the region with KSA and UAE expected to maintain the market share. An all action-packed biking experience, Gulf Bike Expo is set become an annual gathering for exhibitors and consumers making this the biggest biking exhibition in the Middle East.

“Gulf Expo 2009 surpassed and exceeded all our wishes; at last the Middle East has a global platform for biking industry. Harley Davidson and Buell will continue to support Gulf Bike Expo in the future with bigger and better presence” concluded Mr. Marcell Bode, GM, Harley Davidson.