Vroom Vroom - Dubai Auto Show

This adventure happened last fall, but I'm just now getting around to blogging about it. We decided to attend the Dubai International Auto Show and as all things Dubai, it was big, sparkly and completely over the top.

If you've never been to an auto show, let me explain. It's basically an opportunity for car manufacturers to show off their latest and greatest. Some bring their best selling cars, some bring concept models that aren't in production yet, but all aim to put their best stuff out there and impress the public. What's really fun are the custom car outfitters - these guys take off the lot cars and turn them into something unique and spectacular ... and with the money in Dubai, some of these creations were jaw-dropping.

Here are a few photos to give you a taste of the event.

There were quite a few electric and other hybrid production cars and concept cars at the event. Unfortunately, they all also carried the phrase, "not yet available in UAE". Figures, what would a country with this much oil want with an electric car? Although, we did run across a car rental agency that rents electric cars for the day, week, whatever. We thought that was pretty cool, but it's REALLY expensive (and rentals are fairly cheap here) so I can't imagine they're doing really well.

Sorry for the people in this photo, but I couldn't get close enough for a great picture. I'm not sure how well you can see it, but the exterior of this SUV is some kind of composite material rather than metal. Think of the composite decking material you may have seen in the states and this is close - very interesting.

 This is from one of the custom shops, Mistrale. It's a porch that's been bedazzled.

And what car show would be complete without a few scantily clad women to show off the cars. Actually, while there were lots of beautiful women in tight fitting clothing, aside from this cutie, they all had their shoulders and knees covered ... tightly, but covered.

I had never even heard of a Maybec, but Brian had and said it's a very high end car. I could understand why, it was gorgeous!

I think this was BMW or maybe Lexus, but the reason for the photo is the custom head rests. See the UAE Falcons? They also had a Steinway car that had the Steinway piano logo on the head rests and bragged that the dashboard was the same material as their grand pianos.

One of the concept cars from BMW. Really cool to look at, but completely impractical to actually use on the road. Still, very fun to see.

One of the Bentlys. See that glass wall in front? You needed special permission to get into the area and actually touch or like these guys, sit in the car. I wonder why we didn't get in ... Brian's zip off pants? my scruffy tennis shoes?

My favorite car of the event, a green Bugatti convertible - such a sweet car. And no, I don't know how much it costs because this is one of those places where "If you gotta ask, you can't afford it".

And finally, a custom Rolls Royce. The photo does not do this car justice. It was absolutely stunning and kitted out with everything you could imagine. Too bad they weren't offering a test drive! ;)