Automechanika Dubai 2025 Finalists Drive Industry Innovation

The fifth edition of Automechanika Dubai Awards has announced its 2025 finalists, celebrating individuals, products and organisations redefining excellence, innovation, and leadership across the Middle East’s automotive aftermarket and service industry sector.

Among this year’s highlights are two new award categories, the Rising Star in Automotive Aftermarket and Distributor of the Year, both introduced to reflect evolving dynamics of the industry and recognise people and businesses shaping its future.

Marking its debut in 2025, the Rising Star category celebrates outstanding young professionals under the age of 30 within the GCC who have demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact within the regional automotive aftermarket.

Finalists include Nehla Sunil Azeez, Zeez International Group; Mohammed Faraz, Al Mana Automotive Group; Klevisa Toska, CEO, Northstar Shine Car Care; and George Varkey, Owner, TunerStop.com.

Tommy Le, Show Manager, Automechanika Dubai, said: “The Rising Star category shines a spotlight on the next generation of professionals shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket. These are individuals bringing fresh ideas, digital-first thinking and new energy into an industry that thrives on transformation and innovation. By recognising their achievements, we’re celebrating the forward-looking and dynamic outlook of the industry itself.”

Introduced under the Service Excellence category, the Distributor of the Year award recognises independent aftermarket distributors demonstrating exceptional performance, innovation, and service quality across the Middle East and Africa.

Finalists include Eurodiesel Services, Al Muqarram Auto Parts, Central Motors & Equipment, (A member of Al Fahim Group), Al Shirawi Enterprises Group, and DJ Auto Parts, each representing excellence in operational reach, supply reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Beyond these two new accolades, the Awards continue to celebrate excellence across Service Excellence, Products, Transformation, and People categories.

The Service Excellence section encompasses a diverse range of categories, including Bodyshop of the Year - Passenger Cars, Workshop of the Year - Passenger Cars, Services Provider of the Year - Commercial Vehicles, Car Care Specialist of the Year, and Mobile Services Provider of the Year. Several industry leaders have been shortlisted, including PITSTOP, Gargash Auto Repair, Munich Motor Works Oman, Orient Motors, DLuxe Car Care, Dial-A-Battery, Eurodiesel Services, German Experts Car Maintenance and Grand Service Station, among others.

Within Products, the Innovative Product of the Year finalists are Brigade Electronics Group, GRI Tires, SATA, Central Motors & Equipment LLC, (A member of Al Fahim Group), and Brembo. At the same time, Sustainability Product of the Year contenders include Ominent Sdn Bhd (IGL Coatings), GRI Tires, Allied Transport, NanoPower Lubricants and Auto Millennium Group. Meanwhile, Safety Product of the Year finalists feature Brigade Electronics, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Technolube, MANN+HUMMEL Middle East and Gilani Mobility. Finally, Digital Product of the Year shortlist includes Aufinity Group, Infomedia Europe, AutoX3, Smart Auto Systems, and BuyParts24.

In People, and part of the Women in Automotive Aftermarket, shortlisted nominations include, Shubhra Shrivastava, CEO, GaragePlug Inc. and Founder of AutoPulse Community; Nehla Sunil Azeez, Director of Operations, Zeez International Group; Kajal Chaudhary, Co-Founder, V2R Autoinfinite; Bhavika Sachdeva, Managing Director, Trinity Lubes and Greases; and Padmashila Subhash Patkar, Technical Consultant, Akzo Nobel UAE Paints, for their contributions to the aftermarket ecosystem through leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial efforts.

The Transformation section features two categories: Digitalisation Project of the Year, with shortlisted companies including Dubai Taxi Company, GaragePlug, German Experts Car Maintenance , Uzdpart Spare Parts, and Tashweesh for Software Development and Information Technology; and Start-up of the Year, highlighting Quantum Brand Protection, Azelerator Mobility, V2R Autoinfinite, Tire Base., and Morning Star Co. as shortlisted contenders.

Gaitri Jeswani, Chief Operating Officer, Eurodiesel Services, added: “The entries this year were remarkably diverse, reflecting the depth and maturity of the regional industry. The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, making the judges’ role both rewarding and challenging. Awards like this recognise dedication and inspire others to continue learning, adapting, and growing. This industry is ready for change and embracing new ideas.”

Closing the awards line-up, Special Recognition of the Year category will honour an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the Middle East’s automotive and aftermarket industry. This distinction celebrates long-term vision, leadership, and exceptional impact in driving innovation, sustainability, and industry growth across the region.

Ghanim Mohammad Al Falasi, Senior Vice President, Director General Office, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), concluded: “Serving as a judge is both an honour and a responsibility. Every finalist has invested immense effort, and the competition reflects the significant progress this industry has made. All participants are winners in their own right for their contribution to the growth of the automotive aftermarket.”

The Automechanika Dubai Awards 2025 ceremony will take place on 10 December 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, during the 22nd edition of Automechanika Dubai, the largest international automotive aftermarket trade exhibition in the Middle East and Africa, which will run from 9 to 11 December 2025. This year’s edition will welcome over 2,400 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, featuring 20 international pavilions and expanded coverage across 20 halls.

The show will feature 10 product sections, including Parts & Components, Electrics & Electronics, Accessories & Customising, Car Wash, Care & Detailing, Body & Paint, Diagnostics & Repair, Oils, Lubricants & Fuels, Tyres & Batteries, Digital Solutions & Services, and a new product area focusing on Connectivity & Autonomous Driving.