Tourism & Hospitality | Monday 8 April, 2019 1:39 pm |

The first-ever Abu Dhabi Engine Week, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), exceeded expectations, welcoming more than 40,000 visitors to the capital between March 28 and April 6. 

Hotels in Abu Dhabi reported a surge in bookings over this period, attesting to the huge appeal of Abu Dhabi Engine Week’s action-packed schedule of events. 

Visitors and residents rushed to experience the week’s exciting motoring and entertainment activities, such as the Custom Show Emirates, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and FIA World Rallycross event, which included championship racing, drifting events, live music, BMX biking and parkour displays. Abu Dhabi Engine Week culminated with a sold-out headline concert by US hip hop sensations Migos on 5 April.

Another popular attraction during Abu Dhabi Engine Week was the Abu Dhabi Club Social, the ultimate beach festival at which thousands of families took part in sports and entertainment activities, and enjoyed a live concert by the popular British indie band Bastille, among other acts. 

"We have been really pleased with the popularity of Abu Dhabi Engine Week, which has surpassed our expectations, attracting more than 40,000 visitors,” said Saeed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Director of DCT Abu Dhabi. “The event’s success in what is only its first edition reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a leading tourism destination in the region, providing world-class leisure, entertainment and adventure experiences and activities for the whole family.” 

Abu Dhabi Engine Week was organised with the collaboration of a number of strategic partners to produce the four headline motoring and entertainment races and events. These partners included the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Lulu Hypermarket and Bin Hammouda Auto, the leading Abu Dhabi-based auto dealership. 

Based on the success of the first edition, Abu Dhabi Engine Week is set to become a permanent addition to Abu Dhabi’s annual events calendar and enhance the emirate’s position as a leading tourism destination, internationally and in the region.