Once in force, the agreement will remove tariffs on around 93% of UK exports to the six Gulf states.
Automechanika Dubai, taking place from 10–12 November 2026, connects UK businesses with buyers and industry professionals from the Gulf, Africa and Asia.
London, UK: The UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) free trade agreement will strengthen market access for UK automotive aftermarket suppliers across the six Gulf states. The UK and the GCC concluded negotiations on the agreement in May 2026. It will enter into force once both sides complete ratification. Tariffs will then be removed on around 93% of UK exports to the GCC. The UK government estimates the agreement will remove around £580 million in duties a year, based on current exports. The full saving applies once the agreement is fully implemented. According to Ken Research, the GCC automotive aftermarket was worth USD 12 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 16 billion by 2031.
Automechanika Dubai gives UK businesses an opportunity to explore the market and build relationships ahead of the agreement taking effect. The 23rd edition runs from 10–12 November 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai. UK exhibitors and visitors can meet distributors, importers and workshop groups from across the Gulf in one venue. Dubai’s role as a re-export gateway extends that reach into Africa, Asia and key CIS markets. The 2025 edition welcomed visitors from 161 countries and exhibitors from 63 countries.
Messe Frankfurt Middle East organises Automechanika Dubai with government support from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI). Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is the show’s Host City Partner. This year’s edition is the first at DEC, after 22 editions at Dubai World Trade Centre. The venue has a linear hall layout, more than 10,000 parking spaces and direct Metro access via Expo 2020 Station. It also sits close to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, JAFZA and Dubai South.
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “After more than two decades at Dubai World Trade Centre, moving to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai feels like the right next step for Automechanika Dubai. The market is changing quickly, and the show needs the space and flexibility to keep changing with it. The new venue sits beside Dubai South, close to the trade and logistics growth targeted by the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. It will help us improve how people move through and connect at the event, while Dubai’s position between major international automotive markets keeps the show close to the opportunities emerging across the Middle East and Africa.”
The 2026 edition comes at a pivotal time for the Middle East and Africa automotive aftermarket. Glasgow Research and Consulting forecasts that the market will reach USD 87 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of up to 7%. Expanding vehicle numbers and fleets, together with rising repair and maintenance requirements, are creating opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, workshop operators, technical specialists and investors.
The mix of vehicles operating across the region is also becoming more complex. Conventional vehicles continue to account for a substantial share of vehicles on the road, while hybrid, electric and connected vehicles are growing in prominence. The result is a wider range of requirements across parts availability, diagnostics, workshop equipment, technical skills, servicing and investment.
“What we are seeing across the region is a more varied aftermarket,” said Tommy Le, Show Manager, Automechanika Dubai. “Conventional vehicles remain a major part of the market, but hybrid, electric and connected vehicles are changing the products, skills and technical knowledge the industry needs. Automechanika Dubai 2026 will bring that evolving mix together, giving businesses the opportunity to understand where the market is heading and build the relationships they need as the show moves to Dubai Exhibition Centre for the first time.”
More than 1,200 exhibitors from over 50 participating countries are expected in 2026, including Al Mokamel, AUMOVIO, Hella, Meyle and Hanon Systems. The exhibition will span 11 product sections across the automotive aftermarket value chain, including parts and components, electrics and electronics, tyres and wheels, batteries and technology, diagnostics and repair, vehicle care and detailing, and digital solutions and services.
The exhibition floor will feature at least 20 content-led features and activations, including conferences, training, awards, live demonstrations, competitions, interactive experiences, and new launches. The programme is designed to help automotive professionals understand market developments and prepare for changing customer, vehicle and workshop requirements.
Aftermarket Central will look at next-generation battery demand, service readiness, battery second life and recycling. Innovation4Mobility will cover the policy, infrastructure and consumer adoption needed to scale electrification. Modern Workshop will focus on EV and hybrid servicing, safety, diagnostics, tools and technician training. LABX will examine used-oil collection and re-refining, including the regulation, technology and economics behind circular lubricant systems. Fleet FWD returns as an expanded two-day conference that brings in CV Evolution, covering cost pressures, electrification, data-driven decision-making and logistics for fleet and commercial vehicle operators. Training & Development, AfriConnections, Grand Tour Challenges, the Automechanika Dubai Awards and the IBIS @ Automechanika Dubai conference complete the programme, which brings together decision-makers from across the aftermarket.
In 2026, the show’s global participation will give the regional industry a clearer view of how suppliers and markets across Asia, Europe and key CIS countries are responding to changes in vehicle technology, servicing and workshop requirements.
The 2026 edition will bring manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, workshop professionals, fleet operators and buyers together. It will reflect the broader mix of vehicles, technologies and business models now shaping the Middle East and Africa aftermarket. For UK suppliers, the show offers a place to meet distributors, buyers and partners from across the GCC and the wider region. With the UK-GCC agreement moving towards entry into force, those relationships can support future trade across the Gulf.