Latest news with #SOCC
Gulf Today
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Classic cars
People around the world have a separate place in their hearts for classic cars. The reason of that, in any era, owning a car remains the top dream of all and love to enjoy it in life ('Classic cars dating back to 20th century on display in Sharjah,' Feb.14, According to the report, The Sharjah Classic Cars Festival (SCCF 2025) returned for its highly anticipated second edition, bringing together industry experts, classic car enthusiasts and collectors to celebrate automotive heritage. Held under the theme 'Where the Story Begins,' the festival runs until Feb.17 at the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) headquarters, offering visitors a unique experience that blends history, entertainment, and education. On the day of valentine, Feb.14, people showed their love for classic cars with their presence at the Sharjah Classic Cars Festival. The presence of a huge number of classic car lovers at the highly anticipated second edition of the Sharjah Classic Cars Festival, made the extravaganza one of the favourite festivals in the United Arab Emirates.
Sharjah 24
18-02-2025
- Automotive
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Classic Cars Festival wraps up 2nd edition
Organised by the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) under the theme "Where the Story Begins," the festival showcased over 400 classic cars, each with its history and heritage. Beyond the gleaming exteriors and polished engines, the event hosted nine thought-provoking panel discussions, during which 21 experts explored classic automobiles' cultural and technological evolution. On the concluding day, SOCC announced a new initiative to convert one of its classic vehicles to run on electric power while maintaining its original authenticity. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with an expert and officially unveiled during the upcoming edition. The inspiring project aligns with the club's commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements and exploring the future of classic cars amid the transition to sustainable energy. During the closing ceremony, SOCC announced the Sharjah Classic Cars Awards winners and added a new Elite Cars category for the first time as the fifth category to its existing categories. The latest addition recognises vehicles that combine rarity, historical significance, market value, and overall condition. The Elite Cars Award was presented to a BMW M1 (1978), a Cadillac Eldorado (1953) and a two Mercedes SL300 Gullwing (1955). The Oldest Participating Car Award went to a Ford Model A (1928), owned by Tariq Al Noori, while the The Oldest Participating Motorcycle Award was given to Motorworld by V. Sheysnov (1947). For the Best Factory-Condition Classic Car Award, the Dodge Charger RT (1969), owned by Ahmed Rashid Al Tamimi, won first place. The Chevrolet Corvette C2 (1964), owned by Abdullah Noor Al-Din, took second place. The third place went to MG TD (1953) owned by Hamad Al Zaabi. The People's Choice Award went to Ziad Hassona for his Packard 1941. Shaping the future of the classic car sector Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, President of SOCC, described the festival's second edition as a significant success, reinforcing its status as a leading platform for classic car enthusiasts from the UAE and the wider Arab region. The event facilitated valuable networking and knowledge exchange among owners and collectors, further strengthening Sharjah's reputation as a leading hub for classic cars on regional and international levels. He said: "The festival served as an important forum for discussions among sector institutions across the UAE and region. Through expert-led panels and discussions, it shaped a strategic roadmap for the industry by addressing key challenges and exploring sustainable solutions to preserve this historical heritage for future generations." Will electricity take over classic cars? The concluding panel discussion, titled Will Electricity Take Over Classic Cars?, featured Salman Hussain, Co-founder of Fuse, a company specialising in converting petrol cars to electric, and Saeed Matar Al-Blooshi, a seasoned classic car expert. The discussion explored whether electrification enhances or diminishes the essence of classic cars, its impact on market value, and appeal to enthusiasts. Al-Blooshi highlighted the practicality of electric conversions, citing lower maintenance and extended lifespan while noting that preferences vary between preserving petrol engines and adopting sustainable solutions. Hussain echoed this view, stressing the importance of retaining classic aesthetics while integrating modern EV technology. They also discussed cost variations, with DIY conversions starting at AED 35,000 and full conversions being costly, depending on specifications.
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Classic cars dating back to 20th century on display in Sharjah
The Sharjah Classic Cars Festival (SCCF 2025) returned for its highly anticipated second edition, bringing together industry experts, classic car enthusiasts and collectors to celebrate automotive heritage. Held under the theme "Where the Story Begins," the festival runs until Feb.17 at the Sharjah Old Cars Club (SOCC) headquarters, offering visitors a unique experience that blends history, entertainment, and education. The five-day event was launched in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah; Sheikh Saud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Authority; Sheikh Salem Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority; and Dr Ali Ahmed Abu Al Zoud, President of SOCC. They were joined by automotive enthusiasts and experts from across the region. The opening ceremony included a tour of festival grounds and the classic cars on display, including two historically significant vehicles: a 1988 two-door Range Rover Classic once owned by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a 1988 four-door Range Rover belonging to the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These iconic cars serve as a testament to the rich legacy of the nation's leadership, adding a profound historical dimension to the exhibition. This year, the festival features over 400 rare classic cars, some dating back to the early 20th century, highlighting the event's richness and significance as one of the most specialised gatherings in the region. The festival programme includes expert discussion panels, entertainment activities, interactive competitions, dedicated food and beverage areas, and an exclusive auction for rare classic cars, offering collectors the opportunity to bid on unique models and secure exceptional deals. As part of the inaugural day, a panel discussion titled "Passion or Business? The Art of Collecting Classic Cars" featured Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Mohammed Bin Dakhin Al Matroushi, and Salem Bin Salem Al Suwaidi. The discussion explored key considerations in selecting a classic car, whether as a passion or an investment and highlighted the most sought-after brands among enthusiasts in the region. The session also examined how a passion for classic cars can evolve into a profitable business, stressing that ownership is not exclusive to people with financial means, as enthusiasm for the sector transcends social barriers. Additionally, experts shared insights on accurate valuation methods and effective investment strategies in the classic car market. During the session, Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Jarwan emphasised that classic car collecting is more than an appreciation of culture or heritage; it reflects personal taste and brings unique enjoyment to owners. He said: 'At its core, this field is a hobby, and any commercial activity that emerges from it supports a passion that has gained global recognition through auctions and specialised publications.' Mohammed Bin Dakhin Al Matroushi underscored the importance of joining SOCC and benefiting from its members' expertise. He noted that modifying classic cars requires skill and creativity, with certain modifications preserving a vehicle's original value. While acknowledging the commercial potential of the classic car market, he stressed that success requires in-depth knowledge and expertise to achieve profitable returns. Salem Bin Salem Al Suwaidi highlighted classic cars' nostalgic value and growing global demand. He noted that collectors from the US and Japan are willing to pay high prices to reclaim rare models. Emphasising the need to preserve a car's authenticity during modifications, he called for expert committees to assess vintage vehicles, especially inherited ones, ensuring their true value is recognised by official bodies like courts and banks. During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi and Dr Ali Ahmed Abu Al Zoud honoured the event's strategic partners and sponsors, including Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre - BMW, Emirates Auction, Sharjah Islamic Bank, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
What's On
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
This car festival in Sharjah is packed with rare classics
Vintage fun… When you're living in the UAE, you're bound to see a good ol' classic car every now and then. You know, the one shining golden oldie amongst the Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis. If you want to see more of these classic beauties in one space for some cool photo ops, drive on over to our neighbouring city this weekend for the Sharjah Classic Car Festival. 3 of 12 The popular classic car festival has returned, running until Monday, February 17, 2025. It's the ultimate pit stop for vintage car enthusiasts. In other words, you don't want to miss it. Over the festival, you can witness an impressive collection of rare automobiles, and there will be plenty of ways you can build a relationship with the passionate community. The event is organised by the Sharjah Old Car Club (SOCC), so while the whole experience will be entertaining, you will also learn a thing or two about classic cars. Make sure you visit the curated pavilions and engaging activities that are sure to even have your curiousity engines roaring to life. If you are part of the collectors from the UAE, you can participate in workshops dedicated to restoration and preservation techniques. And if you are seeking to add a steel classic to the family, get your credit card ready and join a rare car auction. And of course, all festival goers will be able to fuel up at the food and beverage stalls, soak in some entertainment, go shopping, and even relax at various spaces at the festival. Bring the whole family, because they will all find something to enjoy, even if its just to gawk at cars. Speaking on the festival, Dr Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, Chairman of SOCC stated that the 'event bolster Sharjah's status as a hub of culture and heritage, attracting vintage car enthusiasts from across the globe.' He added, 'Vintage cars are more than nostalgic artefacts; they are enduring legacies fueling economic progress. By transforming a passion for classic cars into a vibrant creative industry, Sharjah demonstrates that investing in heritage is preserving the past and actively building a sustainable future.' Images: Sharjah Old Car Club @visit_shj > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
