UAE, March 23, 2015 - Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), has announced that the first edition of the Abu DhabiAuto Festival will kick off on March 26, and run until March 29, 2015in various locations including the Abu Dhabi Corniche parking area, Yas Marina Circuit, and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Among the events to be held under the umbrella of the Auto Festival are the seventh edition of the Al Hilal Auto Festivalorganised by Al Hilal Bank, a progressive Islamic bank, in addition to Custom Show Emirates at ADNEC and Yas Superstreet Challenge at Yas Marina Circuit. The announcement was made during a press conference held today (Monday, March 23, 2015) at the Abu Dhabi Economic Media Club.

Commenting on the creation of the Auto Festival as an overarching umbrella for different stakeholder-organised events, TCA Abu Dhabi Events Bureau Director Faisal Al Sheikh said: Specialised motoring events generate a positive impact on Abu Dhabis tourism scene and reflect the growing importance of motoring-themed entertainment activities. The emirate has a proven track record in delivering safe and enthralling motorsport events and competitions, and Al Hilal Bank Auto Festivals involvement reaffirms their commitment to developing the sector. The annual Al Hilal Bank Auto Festival events include a myriad of exciting family activities, and bring together multiple stakeholders to provide a unique tourism product and leverage Abu Dhabis world-class assets including Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) to enthrall residents and visitors alike, added Al Sheikh.

During the press conference, Mariam Ahli, Head of Corporate Communications atAl Hilal Bank, unveiled the festivals attractive and fun-filled activitiesorganised for the visitors. For one, the Bank will feature its one-of-a-kind 60-minute Walk In,Drive Out auto finance scheme that offers competitive rates starting from 1.99 per cent and a car insurance program at a rate of 2.25 per cent via Al Hilal Takaful. The event willbe graced by triple national rally driving champion, drifting legend andcelebrity Abdo Feghali. Competitions such as the auto drift challenge will be heldas well to add to the excitement of the four-day festival.

Commenting on the festival Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit said: We believe in the power of motorsports to excite and entertain audiences,and a festival is a great way to showcase the many ways to enjoy the sport. We look forward to what is going to be an amazing weekend of activity. Similar to last years edition, Al Hilal Auto Festival will display a diverse collection of carefully selected models of luxury and classic cars to enable enthusiasts to take a closer look at various vehicle features and craftsmanship. More entertaining activities and competitions with attractive prizes are in store to attractfamilies and friends.AdesignatedHala and Nassour Kids Village willfeature more fun-filled gamesthis year for the childrens enjoyment.

For the first time, the bank will designate a free exhibition area exclusively for women, the Al Hilal Laha Exhibition, to showcase the products and services of 30 Emirati designers and business women. The move demonstrates the banks support for local womens business endeavors in particular, and the whole Emirati business sector in general.

Many government entities, car agencies and other concerned organisations will participate in the Al Hilal Auto Festival as well by setting up pavilions to interact with the public and raise awareness about their facilities, offerings and achievements. In 2014, Al Hilal Auto Festival displayed a variety of offered vehiclesfrom the latest models of cars to motorcycles and luxury yachts and a select range of 2015 branded cars unveiled during the event. It also featured special entertainment and educational facilities for all ages, including a Hala and Nassour Kids Village, and over 20 kiosks displaying handmade cultural products.