SCCF 2025 showcases entrepreneurial journeys, cultural heritage

The evening started with a panel discussion titled “How to Turn a Hobby into a Business? Successful Stories from the Classic Car World,” featuring Engineer Mohammed Al Dhaeri and Yousef Al Ansari. The two experts discussed how passion for classic cars can be translated into a sustainable business model, offering tips on identifying opportunities in a growing market.

Al Ansari shared his journey from enthusiast to industry professional, highlighting that turning a passion into a business requires a deep understanding of the market, assessing demand for different models, and sourcing the right parts. His journey began in 1997 with a 1989 Camaro RS, which sparked his interest in classic cars, particularly American and Japanese models.

He emphasised that professionalism in the classic car industry requires objectivity, ensuring that work is not limited to personal preferences for specific models. He warned against misinformation regarding vehicles or maintenance, which could result in substantial financial losses or negatively impact performance.

Regarding his transition into a successful business, Al Ansari explained that he established a company dedicated to car cooling systems, focusing on radiators and fans. He began with small-scale experiments and progressively honed his expertise, using cheap small cars as test models to deepen his technical knowledge.

For his part, Al Dhaeri detailed his journey from a deep passion for classic cars to a professional specialisation in Mercedes mechanics. His dedication to the brand led him to focus exclusively on Mercedes, particularly due to its pioneering role in introducing hydraulic suspension systems in 1963.

He emphasised that training courses were pivotal in his career, enabling him to refine his skills through specialised workshops and hands-on experience with industry professionals. He also spent two years working part-time with a car dealership, gaining valuable insights from experts.

Concluding his remarks, he highlighted how he transformed his private garage into a fully equipped workshop, allowing him to apply his expertise and provide high-quality services to classic car enthusiasts. He stressed that success in this field demands ongoing passion, specialised training, and continuous learning from experienced professionals.

Cars and Poetry

In the second session titled, “Cars and Poetry,” H.E. Fahad Al Mamari, Chairman of the Emirates Library and Information Association, and H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, highlighted how classic cars have inspired poetry and storytelling and become an integral part of heritage and artistic expression.

Al Mamari highlighted how cars became a literary and poetic symbol in the UAE from the 1950s to the 1980s. He said Emirati poets documented car brands and colours, often linking luxury vehicles to social status. Some poems, like one by the late Mohammed bin Suqat, even wove cars into romantic narratives, showcasing their role beyond transportation.

For his part, Al Musallam traced the UAE’s automotive history, noting the first car's arrival in Sharjah during the rule of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi II. He said that early Ford models played a key role in daily life, such as transporting water. He also highlighted how poetry reflected the shift from traditional transport to modern vehicles, with poets depicting the rivalry between cars and camels, keeping classic cars embedded in cultural expression.

Running until February 17, the festival welcomes visitors daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For the latest updates and the full event programme, follow the Sharjah Old Cars Club on social media: @shjocc.