Khalid bin Humaid visits Sharjah Classic Cars Festival

Celebrating cultural and sporting heritage

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Humaid praised the festival for offering a distinctive experience that blends sporting passion with cultural heritage. He stressed that such events strengthen community identity, raise awareness of industrial heritage, and support initiatives that combine sport with the preservation of historical memory, in line with Sharjah’s vision of promoting culturally and intellectually enriching events.

Dialogue session on motorcycle passion

As part of the festival’s third-day dialogue programme, a session titled “Motorcycles… The Passion for Riding” was held, attended by Sheikh Suhail bin Hasher Al Maktoum and Dr Mohammed bin Butti Al Hajri. Dr Nawfal Saadoun Al Jourani shared his personal journey into the world of motorcycles, recounting how a childhood interest evolved into a lifelong passion.

Exploring motorcycle history and culture

Moderated by Ali Al Hosani, the session explored the history of motorcycle manufacturing, highlighting World War II’s role in their widespread adoption and their transition from military tools to civilian transport. Al Jourani also discussed the intense competition between American and Japanese manufacturers in the 1980s and the technological and aesthetic transformations that shaped the industry.

The human experience of riding

Al Jourani addressed the psychological dimension of motorcycling, describing the sense of freedom, focus, and connection with the road as central to the experience. He compared past and present motorcycle designs, noting that modern advances have revived the spirit of classic bikes in new forms. The discussion concluded by framing riding as a holistic mental and human experience that reshapes the relationship between people, machines, and time.

Strong public engagement on day three

The festival’s third day saw a large turnout of visitors of all ages, reflecting its growing reputation as a cultural and heritage destination. Attendees engaged with exhibitions, dialogue sessions, and interactive areas, highlighting the festival’s success in transforming enthusiasm for classic vehicles into a shared cultural experience.

Hub for collectors and enthusiasts

The dedicated area for collectors and enthusiasts attracted significant interest, offering open discussions on collecting culture, maintenance challenges, and the technical and cultural value of classic vehicles. Classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts found the festival an ideal platform to connect with experts and like-minded individuals.

A festival bridging generations

The diverse participation of visitors from different ages and nationalities underscored the festival’s social and cultural impact. By bringing together enthusiasts and the general public, the event enriched dialogue and provided an interactive learning experience focused on the history, design, and cultural significance of classic vehicles.

Festival concludes third edition

The Sharjah Classic Car Festival concludes its third edition on Sunday evening, reaffirming its role as a vibrant cultural space where memory, passion, knowledge, and experience converge. With its growing popularity and rich programme, the festival continues to establish itself as an annual event celebrating classic vehicles as living stories of history on the road.