The Evolution of Car Culture UAE & UK | 2024
It’s been quite a few years since Imthishan Giado and I last sat down for a good, old-fashioned chat. As former business partners and good friends, we’ve shared countless memories during our time at Car Middle East and Motoring Middle East. Yesterday, we found ourselves in a sunny corner of London, reminiscing about the good old days and reflecting on how the car culture in the UAE has evolved over the years over a cup of coffee.
“Believe it or not, it’s been five and a half years, maybe even six, since the great team of Motoring Middle East was together,” Imthi remarked as we settled into our conversation. It’s incredible to think how much has changed since then. The UAE car scene, which we were once at the forefront of, has undergone a significant transformation.
One of the first things I asked Imthishan was how the car culture in the UAE had evolved. “People will never forget Motoring Middle East,” he said. “The wonderful meets we did, the passion we ignited – that legacy lives on. But the world has changed in a good way. There are a lot more people, a lot more groups. It’s all much more complicated now.”
“People will never forget Motoring Middle East. The wonderful meets we did, the passion we ignited – that legacy lives on.” – Imthishan Giado
Indeed, the car scene in the UAE has exploded in diversity and enthusiasm. When we were active, we saw the beginnings of the stance movement. Today, it has grown into its own entity with dedicated shows and events. “Stance has its own very successful shows now,” Imthishan noted. “They take place in hotels and other venues, attracting a lot of attention.”
As someone who has been watching from the outside, it’s been fascinating to see how car culture has taken off. Instagram is flooded with images and videos showcasing the vibrant community. “It looks like the car culture scene is really thriving,” I commented. “It’s taken off in a good way.”
Imthishan agreed, highlighting how the scene has become very micro-niche. “Everybody who has an interest in a particular car has a group. There are specific groups for everything – MX-5s, Grand Cherokees, you name it. What we did with Motoring Middle East, bringing everyone together, that mantle has now been taken up by others like Flat 12. They’re doing a great job.”
Flat 12 is a fascinating development. “Flat 12 is a brand and a place,” Imthishan explained. “They have a great event called Grand Picnic with over a thousand cars. They also have a cafe, which is something we never had.” It’s remarkable to see such large-scale events bringing the community together, something we always aimed to do with our own meets and activities.
“The passion for cars in the UAE remains strong. People are still buying cars, modifying them, and meeting up.” – Imthishan Giado
However, not all changes have been positive. The rise in car culture has also come with increased restrictions. “The desert’s not what it used to be,” Imthishan said. “A lot of areas have been fenced off, and roads have changed. Places we used to enjoy are no longer accessible in the same way.” This is a sentiment I can relate to, seeing how London’s car culture has also declined. “In the middle of London, we haven’t seen a single cool car pass by. It didn’t use to be this way,” I lamented.
Despite these challenges, the passion for cars in the UAE remains strong. “People are still buying cars, modifying them, and meeting up,” Imthishan assured me. “The passion and energy are there. People will always find ways to enjoy their cars, even if it means going further into the desert or up Jebel Jais.”
Reflecting on the current state of the UK car scene, it’s clear that things have changed drastically. “The car culture in the UK has dipped,” I said. “It’s a downswing big time. We’re in the middle of an election month, and it’s not looking good for car enthusiasts.” The vibrant, bustling car scene we once knew has been overshadowed by restrictions and the rise of public transportation.
“All you can hope for is that you get remembered and that you inspire others. That’s what it’s all about.” – Imthishan Giado
However, our conversation wasn’t all doom and gloom. Imthishan shared his recent adventures in road tripping across the Arabian Peninsula, seeking out historical relics and abandoned aircraft. “That’s my thing now – finding historic relics,” he said. “I’ve been all over, from Massira Island to the far reaches of Saudi Arabia. It’s about the adventure and the stories you discover along the way.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that while the car culture in the UAE and the UK has changed, the core passion remains. “We did some groundbreaking stuff with Motoring Middle East,” we agreed. “The videos, the events – they were spectacular. If we inspired people to drive and love cars, that’s more than enough.”
Imthishan echoed this sentiment, adding, “All you can hope for is that you get remembered and that you inspire others. That’s what it’s all about.”
So, whether it’s in the bustling streets of London or the expansive deserts of the UAE, car culture continues to evolve. It may face challenges and restrictions, but the passion and enthusiasm of car enthusiasts will always find a way to thrive. Here’s to many more years of driving, exploring, and celebrating the love of cars.
Brown Car Guy 
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