Exploring the Sharjah Classic Car Festival: Highlights & Entrants
Experience timeless elegance and engineering excellence at the Sharjah Classic Car Festival 2025, where history meets horsepower.
The Sharjah Classic Car Festival 2025 is one of the UAE’s most celebrated automotive events, drawing collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from around the world. Hosted in the heart of Sharjah, this five-day celebration of motoring heritage showcases decades of automotive history through stunning displays, workshops, auctions, and competitions.
Organised by the Sharjah Old Car Club (SOCC), the event returns for its second edition from February 13 to 17, 2025, transforming the emirate into the ultimate pit stop for vintage car lovers.
From meticulously restored classics to one-of-a-kind rarities, the event highlights innovation, craftsmanship, and heritage, reinforcing Sharjah’s reputation as a regional hub for automotive restoration and cultural tourism.
Key Highlights
-
Discover rare vintage cars and lovingly restored classics from across the UAE and beyond.
-
Meet restoration experts, collectors, and classic car enthusiasts.
-
Participate in live workshops on restoration and preservation.
-
Experience Sharjah’s growing role in automotive heritage and the creative economy.
-
Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, food stalls, and shopping zones.
What to Expect at the Sharjah Classic Car Festival 2025
1) A Gallery of Automotive Icons
This year’s festival promises a dazzling collection of vehicles, from 1920s roadsters to 1980s supercars. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting some of the world’s most iconic marques and models.
| Category | Featured Brands | Notable Models / Highlights | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Classics | Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz | Silver Shadow, E-Type, W123 | Represents elegance and timeless design; showcases craftsmanship and performance that define luxury motoring. |
| American Legends | Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge | Mustang, Bel Air, Charger | Symbols of freedom and power; celebrated for bold styling, roaring engines, and cultural influence in cinema and motorsport. |
| Japanese Favourites | Datsun, Toyota, Nissan | 240Z, Land Cruiser, Skyline | Highlights Japan’s rise in reliable engineering and innovation; blends performance, endurance, and precision design. |
Each car tells a story of design evolution, performance innovation, and cultural influence. Many displays feature detailed restoration reports, illustrating the passion and expertise that bring these timeless machines back to life.
2) The Art and Science of Restoration
A central theme of the festival is classic car restoration, an art that merges mechanical precision with aesthetic dedication. Expert restorers demonstrate:
-
Metalwork and chassis reconstruction
-
Upholstery repair and detailing
-
Paint restoration and preservation techniques
Attend live workshops and panel talks covering sustainable methods, sourcing authentic parts, and balancing originality with modern safety and reliability.
3) Rare Car Auction & Collector Networking
One of the festival’s major attractions is the rare car auction, where collectors can acquire exclusive models seldom available on the open market. The event also serves as a networking hub for owners, restorers, and parts specialists, encouraging knowledge-sharing and investment in preservation.
4) Festival Zones and Family Entertainment
To ensure an inclusive experience, the festival features multiple entertainment zones, food & beverage stalls, shopping areas, and relaxation spaces. Families can enjoy photography spots, music, and kid-friendly activities, making it one of Sharjah’s most welcoming cultural events.
5) Meet the Entrants and Judges
Entrants include private collectors, classic car clubs, and restoration firms, all competing for prestigious awards such as:
| Category | Award | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Best in Show | Overall Excellence | Authenticity, finish, rarity |
| People’s Choice | Public Vote | Aesthetic appeal |
| Best Restoration | Technical Merit | Craftsmanship and accuracy |
Judging is carried out by international automotive experts, museum curators, and members of SOCC, ensuring transparency and precision.
Why does it matter?
This landmark event goes beyond exhibition, serving as a living showcase of history, engineering, and creativity.
-
For car lovers: See automotive icons up close.
-
For families: A fun weekend with food, entertainment, and nostalgia.
-
For restorers: Network with regional masters and suppliers.
-
For UAE residents: Celebrate innovation built on heritage.
Classic Cars and Culture: Sharjah’s Automotive Vision
Sharjah has long been a cultural capital of the UAE, and the Classic Car Festival reflects that identity. Supported by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the event aligns with national efforts to leverage heritage as a driver of sustainable growth.
Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, Chairman of SOCC, notes that the festival embodies a forward-thinking vision; leveraging heritage to fuel sustainable development and reinforcing Sharjah’s standing as a hub of culture and heritage. He emphasizes that vintage cars are enduring legacies powering the creative economy, transforming passion into entrepreneurship and innovation.
Tips for Visitors
Planning to attend? Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
-
Arrive early: Parking fills up quickly.
-
Check the schedule: Some restoration demos and awards happen on specific days.
-
Bring a camera: The vintage car exhibition is a photographer’s dream.
-
Stay hydrated: The open-air venue can get warm during midday.
-
Use public transport: Visit the Road & Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai website for transport routes and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is the Sharjah Classic Car Festival held?
It typically takes place between February and March each year. Confirm dates via the official festival page.
Q2: Is there an entry fee?
Admission is usually free or nominal for general access. Premium packages may include guided tours.
Q3: Can I display my vehicle?
Yes, enthusiasts can apply as entrants through the official registration form on the Sharjah Classic Car Club’s website.
Q4: Are restoration services available onsite?
Several workshops offer live demos and consultations for vintage vehicle owners.
Final Thoughts
The Sharjah Classic Car Festival 2025 unites past and present, blending artistry, engineering, and cultural pride in one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re admiring a 1915 Dodge, eyeing a Mercedes Pullman Limousine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Sharjah isn’t just preserving history; it’s driving it forward.
Which classic car stole your heart this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below and connect with the UAE’s growing community of vintage car enthusiasts. Read more exclusive coverage and insights on the ArabWheels Blog.
