Dubai:The Automechanika Dubai Awards 2026 honored leading companies, products, and professionals in the automotive aftermarket sector at an event held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai. This recognition celebrates advancements and contributions in the industry, showcasing the talents and innovations of participants from various regions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the sixth edition of the awards, with Bridgestone as the Lead Sponsor, saw a significant increase in participation, with entries rising by 110 percent to 748, from 22 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, compared to 357 in 2025. Winners were chosen from 70 shortlisted candidates by an independent panel of regional and international experts who evaluated technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and industry impact, including through site visits.
Among the notable awardees, Abdulla Hamad Alghfeli, Director-General of the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), received a Special Recognition Award. Michael Johannes, Vice President of Automechanika, Messe Frankfurt GmbH, emphasized the expanding global automotive aftermarket sector, with 1.6 billion vehicles worldwide and an expected market value of US$850 billion by 2035. He highlighted the quality of entries and the increasing participation of public sector organizations in road safety, sustainability, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director for Mobility and Logistics at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, noted that the award-winning companies and professionals reflect the investment and expertise driving the automotive aftermarket towards greater sustainability, agility, connectivity, and safety, with the UAE recognized as one of the fastest-growing markets. Tommy Le, Show Manager for Automechanika Dubai, commented on the impressive progress demonstrated by the winners in safer transport, digital services, and sustainable workshop operations.
The awards acknowledged achievements in service excellence, product development, digital transformation, and individual contributions to the sector. ADNOC Distribution secured two awards Car Care Specialist of the Year and Digital Product of the Year for the ADNOC Distribution App. Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre received the Safety Product of the Year for its school transportation platform, Salama, while Dubai Taxi Company was awarded the Digitalisation Project of the Year for its AI and machine learning-based EV charging management system.
Digital products and services were prominent among the 12 company and product awards, with Axxion Claims Settlement Services recognized as Start-Up of the Year and receiving a Highly Commended distinction for its Claims OS platform. Sustainability featured prominently, with innovations including BlueVerse CleanTech's vehicle washing system and EV charging solutions. International winners included Inchcape Kenya Bodyshop and Germany's Meyle AG.
Syeda Aisha Atif from the German Emirati Vocational Institute won the Women in Automotive Aftermarket award. The Rising Star in Automotive Aftermarket was awarded jointly to Klevisa Toska, CEO of Northstar Shine Car Care, and Nicholas Jesus Fernandes, Senior Group Marketing Executive - International Business at Bahwan International Group Holding, recognizing emerging talent and leadership. Eurodiesel Services received the 20 Years Long-standing Partnership award. The event continues at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, until Thursday, 12th November.