SHARJAH CAR MUSEUM

I always thought that we would see either Dubai or Abu Dhabi complete this feat first, but Sharjah has beaten them to the punch.

While many car collections remain in the private residences of owners across the UAE, Sharjah has decided to take one step in the right direction in this rapidly developing market.

If you want to know more about the new RTA law on cars older than 20 years and what you can do to protect your classic car please seach the Latest News Section on a dedicated piece to guide you along your way.

While the Sharjah Car Museum isnt exactly littered with Duesenbergs, Lincon Zyphers or Auburn Boattail Speedsters, it certainly does have its fair share of very nice Rolls Royce’s and other marques you would certainly expect to see out here in the Middle East.

The majority of cars need work, as does the clubs ethos in reaching the correct base it wants to attract to its Membership rota.

With a dedicated clubhouse, pool table, books, magazines and a soon to operate coffee house – it has all the humble beginnings of an organisation that can sprout to much larger proportions in the very near future. Winter occasions will be supported by the large outdoor space with manicured lawns that adorn the entire purpose built facility just next to the Sharjah Airport.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is a member of the Federally recognized club that aims to protect owners and put them on an equal footing with one another during Member gatherings with specially made historic plates and an individual registration process.

A trip to the Museum is well worth it and I do believe that it will be a template for Dubai and Abu Dhabi to celebrate the mass hoard of trophies and true spectacles of Rolling Art littered throughout the UAE.

Do feel free to get in touch should you need more information at info@rollingartemporium.com

Sharjah Classic Car Museum to the rescue on RTA’s new law? ATC to form new body or laws?

The Rolling Art Emporium would no doubt have serious concerns about the new law that the RTA has passed regarding cars over 20 years old. Our sole speciality concerns the finest classic and vintage cars in the World.

However, amidst the mass hysteria and panic for those who own and trade in classic cars – or even cars that are over 20 years old should stop holding their breath and foaming at the mouth.

The Sharjah Classic Car Museum is also home to the Sharjah Classic Car Club. Why should this interest you or classic car owners? All shall be revealed:

The Sharjah Government has lobbied long and hard to the Federal Council to initiate what it has recognized as a rapidly growing community of classic car owners and thus under law – allowed to issue Federal plates for classic cars.

A membership form filed along with the fee to join the club and other costs involved in procuring the plate insure your car is protected.

On a private visit to the Museum, the curator was keen to mention that they would help owners register their cars even they currently were registered in Dubai. They even have services to look after your vehicle, and send it off for its testing to secure its registration, so you have nothing to worry about.

One should mention, of the first 5 members of the club – MBS himself is a member and the honorary star guest who was given a personal tour when it was first opened.

But wait – there is a catch.

Firstly the club needs the car to be physically present before it can be protected via registration and given a plate.

They will not provide such services for cars they do not deem to be classic, vintage or historic (despite the fact that the Museum is home to replicas and other such cars it does not register).

Such details include cars that are ‘younger’ than 1970 or more would not fall into the category.

All registering cars will also have to be part of the club, which means the joining fee and the renewal fee every year. A small cost in my mind for those who can already enjoy such a small (or extreme) luxury.

For those of you concerned about the Sharjah element and making their way to the Museum, have no fear. It is located conveniently off the Emirates Road and the Curator and Director are very friendly and willing people. We have personally had tours one on one there and can say the initiative is present with some way to go before they reach the correct calibre of presentation and content.

Recently their web contacts list has been taken off the list of Sharjah Museums, however – I have a contact number and fax number for you to reach them on:

Phone  065 58 00 58

Fax      065 58 08 07

How about Dubai then? What will they do you ask.

Well, from extremely reliable sources, we know for a fact that the ATC UAE is working its way towards establishing a body modelled closely on the guidelines of the Federation of International Classic Vehicles (of which it became a member not long ago).

I have yet to contact them and establish exactly what their laws are regarding “Classic” vehicles and how to go about protecting them. Once I know more – so will you.

Dubai is a place I have lived in all my life. If its known for one thing – its being realistic. Fine, the RTA has passed a drastic law – the intentions of which have not been clearly outlined. At some point before 2009 in the coming months, they will sharply review the law with exceptions – which I suspect will protect classic cars.

I am vary as to what the definition of a classic car is, but I imagine it will be something along the lines of the Sharjah Car Club mark of 1970 and older.

I know first hand that there are over 5000 classic cars in Dubai alone which are registered. Some personal collections even span into an excess of 175 cars amongst prominent but very low key people.

I suspect that ExoClass Club UAE will be meeting at some point once all its members and committee chairs have returned from their summer vacations to discuss this further.

Rumor has it that a recent article in Gulf News claimed that all classic cars would be protected from this law. How? What defines a classic car – the gent who sent in the email did not say, but once we find out more – we will post it up here for all to see.

We welcome all your suggestions and concerns and if a petition need be started – your signatures. Send them all in to info@rollingartemporium.com