The Saudi Arabian automotive aftermarket continues to be a key focus area for the industry, as it is remains one of the major re-export destinations serviced by Dubai.

Leading international manufacturers and suppliers of automotive aftermarket equipment will pay close attention to the changing trends and needs of the Kingdom’s buyers, as they come together at the upcoming Automechanika Middle East 2012 in Dubai.

Saudi Arabia, along with Iran and Iraq are the main destination countries for exports and re-exports of automotive equipment and spare parts out of Dubai.

According to statistics released by Dubai Customs, the Saudi Arabian export and re-export market was worth $ 215 million in 2010.

The complete figures for 2011 will be revealed during the trade exhibition.

“As trade between the two largest economies of the Arabian Peninsula continues to flourish, due to forward-looking policy decisions taken by the two governments, the Saudi market for automotive equipment and spare parts will continue to gain in importance,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizer of Automechanika Middle East.

“This increase in interest among manufacturers and suppliers has also resulted in growing awareness among Saudi Arabian buyers of the advantages of sourcing products from Dubai,” Pauwels added.

This is reflected in the continuing increase in the numbers of Saudi Arabian trade visitors to Automechanika Middle East, which grew 21 percent between 2009 and 2010 and enjoyed a further 28 percent rise in 2011.

The organizer expects a further increase for the upcoming edition taking place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 22 to 24.

Another key factor facilitating ongoing growth in the Saudi auto aftermarket is the fact that as of 2011, an estimated 70 percent of the passenger cars, totaling 1,946,038, in the Kingdom were three years or older.

In addition, nearly 62 percent of the trucks and buses in Saudi Arabia, or 1,200,105, were similarly three years of older.