The National Day holiday kicked off in the UAE on Thursday — and there has been no shortage of activities to celebrate the occasion, with the typical cultural spectacles and musical performances taking place.
Celebrations shifted gears at Dubai's Souk Al Marfa, which hosted the third Emirates Motor Show.
The waterfront destination in Deira transformed into a hotspot for car enthusiasts on Thursday, with more than 250 vehicles from prestigious car clubs on display.
Scroll through the gallery above to see the models displayed at the Emirates Motor Show
Vehicles with powerful engines and those with quirky designs, were exhibited for eight hours, not only attracting avid petrolheads, but also families with children.
The mostly customised cars and motorbikes were peppered across the scenic venue. Some of the models included the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Toyota Supra, Nissan GT-R R35 Nissan Z, Camaro, Jeep and FJ Cruiser, among many others.
Some cars were truly National Day-inspired, specifically featuring a sleek painting of the UAE flag or a stylised portrait of the country's founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
It's no surprise that an event such as this crops up on National Day, as the UAE has a thriving motoring culture.
A few other motoring events were held in the UAE in the past weeks, including the Gulf Historic Dubai Grand Prix Revival, which featured classic pieces such as the Hesketh 308B raced by 1976 Formula One world champion James Hunt and a Le Mans-winning 1987 Rothmans Porsche 962.
Before that, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Yas Island was a massive hit, with the high-octane event graced by thousands of Formula One fans, as well as celebrities and dignitaries who flew in for the occasion.
The one-day motor show at Souk Al Marfa marked the venue's series of activities over the National Day weekend. On the same day, it also played host to the famed Dubai Flea Market.
For those who missed the two events on Thursday, the waterfront venue is still hosting a cultural showcase until Monday, where activities highlighting Emirati culture and Khaleeji cuisine are being held. Traditional treats such as luqaimat and regag are also being served.
The market is open from 3pm to 10pm.
More information is available at soukalmarfa.ae
Scroll through the gallery below to see how the UAE is marking National Day
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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