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Abu Dhabi plans Dh125m complex for used cars

The project which will take one year to complete will have separate zones for exhibitions, warehouses and central building. The central zone includes buildings for maintenance, auction, administration besides banking, insurance, licensing and traffic. The Department will soon issue a public tender for the construction of the landmark project.

Mohammed Shabbir Saleemi, a leading re-exporter for used cars termed the move as a step in the right direction hoping it would put Abu Dhabi on the map of a multi-billion US dollar flourishing trade. He said that at present 1-1.5 million cars are traded in Dubai by over 1,200 car dealers in free zone and other parts of the city.

But, the proposed complex with modern facilities would be a roaring success and will help catch up the lost business very soon. With the business growing, there was need to expand this business to other emirates particularly Abu Dhabi which has excellent business facilities, another trader said.

Dubai used car market re-exports to Pakistan, Yemen, Russia, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and several other countries. The trade is growing at a phenomenal pace with number of stakeholder increasing each passing day.

“The re-exports to Iraq which has flourished during recent months has lifted the spirits of traders while the openings of new markets of Libya and Afghanistan are on cards which would bring additional business giving new impetus to the trade,” Mohammed Shabbir Saleemi said.

In Abu Dhabi, the trade which is at its infancy stage is carried out in an unorganised manner at old Airport road by over 100 traders catering to the needs of local market.

The initiative, a landmark, would have far reaching impact on the economy of Abu Dhabi as it will augment government policy to diversify the non-oil economy of the Emirate. The huge infrastructure in the Emirate is being termed as ideal to carry out used car business.

The expanding handling capacities at the Port Zayed would also be boosted, with more ships calling at the Port. It will also help raise revenue for the Emirate besides having a snowball impact in creating business opportunities for the banks, insurance and other businesses.

The Emirate is focusing on the Mussafah industrial estate by expanding its infrastructure and updating its modern facilities for smooth industrial and business activities which lured several international industrial establishments to set up their manufacturing facilities during the course of last six months.

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