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.
This came during a panel discussion titled "Car Clubs: Their Objectives and Significance", held on Sunday at the ongoing Sharjah Classic Cars Festival 2025. The session brought together Ahmed bin Hanzal, Director of the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum; Elyas Zadjali, Founder and President of the Oman Classic Car Club; Dr. Nasser Al-Massari, President of the Saudi Classic Car Club; Ateeq Mubarak, General Coordinator of the Automobile and Motorcycle Federation in the UAE; and Rashid Al-Tamimi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Classic Car Club.
Global Culture
Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, President of SOCC, said: "Our new strategy reaffirms our commitment to positioning the club as a global leader in the vintage car sector, aligning with the cultural and developmental vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who views vintage cars as historical and cultural artefacts contributing to Sharjah’s and the UAE’s economic landscape."
The renewed ISO certifications align with the club's forward-thinking 2024-2028 strategy, which aims to position SOCC as a centre of excellence in the sector. By adhering to ISO 9001:2015, the club continually enhances its processes, leading to improved customer satisfaction. ISO 45001:2018 ensures that employee safety remains a top priority, with proactive risk management creating a secure and healthy working environment.
Saud Ali Al Matrooshi, a board member of the club, expressed pride in representing Sharjah at this prestigious event, highlighting the significance of classic cars in the global tourism sector.
Al Matrooshi emphasised the role of events like Path 71 and the Sharjah Classic Cars Festival in enhancing Sharjah’s appeal as a cultural and tourism hub. He added that displaying iconic classic cars at the event, such as the rare 1960 Ford GT 500, provides a unique opportunity to share Sharjah’s rich heritage with a global audience.
This 410-kilometre event will guide participants through six significant locations in Sharjah, starting at the Sharjah Classic Car Museum and progressing to Al Badayer Retreat, Sharjah Safari, Al Rafisah Retreat in KhorFakkan, Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre, and Dibba Al Hisn before concluding back at the museum. This event will highlight Sharjah’s vibrant heritage and varied natural beauty.
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 His Excellency Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority; and Dr Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, President of SOCC.
Dr. Ali Ahmed Abu Al-Zoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Classic Car Club, confirmed that the festival’s second edition is not only a gathering for classic car enthusiasts and owners but also an event that fosters fruitful collaboration between various government and private entities in the UAE, further establishing Sharjah as a global tourist destination for those interested in this unique heritage sector. He expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and partners, whose support has enabled the festival to offer an exceptional experience for classic car fans.
The third Sharjah Classic Cars Festival concluded on Sunday after attracting more than 18,000 visitors between 22 and 25 January 2026 at the Sharjah Classic Cars Club. Held under the theme “When Time Moves”, the four-day event featured over 300 classic and rare vehicles, alongside cultural discussions and family-focused interactive activities.
Living history
