Champions unite to celebrate MINI’s 10th anniversary at Dubai International Motor Show

MINI once again defied convention by making the 'stars' come out in the daytime on the first day of the Dubai International Motor Show. The small premium car with the undeniably big attitude and even bigger fan-following celebrated the 10^th anniversary of its arrival in the Middle East with a ceremony at the MINI stand, attended by Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro and members of the MINI family. 

Fabio Cannavaro, a MINI Cabrio driver himself with a self-confessed love for the daring and cheeky brand, joined MINI team members and select media to cut a special MINI anniversary cake to commemorate the occasion. While visitors and attendees vied for the celebrity footballer’s attention, it was two other ‘special’ guests that stole the limelight. 

The all-new MINI Coupé, the brand’s first ever two-seater and the sportiest model to join the MINI family, was on display for the first time since its Middle East debut at the DRIVE OUT LOUD MINI Festival, held recently in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in October. 

Unmistakably MINI in its characteristics but bringing a new and exciting extension in design and performance, the MINI Coupé is the fifth MINI model in the brand's portfolio and boasts a unique body and interior concept as well as the brand’s customary commitment to premium levels of quality, technology and go-kart driving experience. It can be ordered with the most powerful petrol engines with outputs ranging from the 122 hp of the MINI Cooper Coupé, to MINI Cooper S Coupé (184 hp) and all the way up to the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé, a thoroughbred athlete producing 211 hp. 

The other special guest, making its debut in the Middle East following its global reveal at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year, was the MINI Paceman Concept car, the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small car segment. The MINI Paceman Concept takes the fundamental strengths of MINI and gives them a fresh twist with the help of cutting-edge technology and an innovative body concept. It brings together the classical MINI concept, the defining features of the MINI Countryman and the style of a coupe - the result is a MINI “muscle car”. 

Speaking at the Dubai International Motor Show, Sarah Klippert, MINI Manager for BMW Group Middle East said: “The MINI family is out in full strength to demonstrate the great tradition and the progression of the MINI brand. Each car boasts unique design details and of course incorporates the very best in performance; handling and safety.  From the racing heritage encapsulated by the MINI Coupe to the visionary design in the form of the MINI Paceman, the MINI product range has grown over the last 10 years from just one model to five now, and more exciting models are still yet to come!” 

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the MINI Countryman, a genuine crossover that bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimised driving comfort. 

The entire MINI model range is available from AGMC, the exclusive importer of MINI vehicles in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, in their two MINI showrooms in Dubai Media City and Sheikh Zayed Road and Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah showrooms. For more information please visit www.MINI-dubai.com.