Saudi Arabia Named World’s Largest Classic Car Importer as Interest and Investment Accelerate

Saudi Arabia has become the world’s largest importer of classic cars, emerging as one of the Gulf’s most active markets in the sector as investment surpasses SR100 million ($26.7 million). The growth is being driven by rising demand for vehicle restoration and customization, as well as expanding participation in motorsport events celebrating vintage automobiles.

The expanding scale of the industry was highlighted through preparations for the upcoming Tuwaiq International Classic Car Rally, where 50 classic vehicles—each more than 50 years old—are expected to take part. The collective value of these cars is estimated at around SR25 million, said Nasser Al-Massari, head of the rally’s organizing committee.

Speaking at the launch of rally registration at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Al-Massari outlined plans to expand international involvement in future editions. Organizers aim to draw competitors from Europe, the Americas and Australia, while also increasing prize money and refining judging standards. He noted that individual cars in the event can be worth as much as SR1 million.

This year’s rally will begin at Maraya in AlUla on January 25 and conclude in Sharjah in the UAE. The route will cross three countries, and participation is open to all nationalities. Women’s participation—which was introduced last year—is also set to grow, with mixed and women’s-only categories included.

Classic car owner and restorer Hassan Daryan said Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market has strengthened sharply as demand continues to rise. Daryan, who heads the Daryan Classic Cars Factory, noted a shift toward local manufacturing and customization, reducing reliance on foreign workshops. He added that some vehicles once considered scrap in the Kingdom have fetched record prices at US auctions, reaching as high as $30 million.

Mai Al-Shumaimari, the first Saudi woman to compete in the Tuwaiq Rally, said driving a 1970 Corvette across long distances posed significant challenges. After winning last year’s women’s category, she said classic car racing offers experiences and skills distinct from driving modern vehicles and encouraged more women to participate.

Industry experts say the market’s expansion is supported by dedicated facilities. According to Fadi Malek Al-Sayed of Cross Section Global, around 100 classic cars—valued between SR200,000 and more than SR1 million each—are stored in specialist garages in Jeddah and Riyadh. He said around 15 cars featured in a recent showcase at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, attracting collectors including one of Ukraine’s leading classic car owners.

Al-Sayed said this year’s rally will run for 12 days with participants expected from eight countries including Qatar, Ukraine and Yemen. The route will include stops in AlUla, Buraidah, Hail, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa before crossing into the UAE and continuing to Oman, ending in Sharjah with a ceremony featuring cash and in-kind awards.

Classic car racing has gained momentum in Saudi Arabia, supported by regular events such as the Diriyah Classic Car Festival and the Qassim Festival in Buraidah. The Tuwaiq Rally is organized under the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and is approved by the International Federation of Classic Vehicles (FIVA). Last year’s winning entry was a 1956 model that successfully completed a long-distance journey reaching Russia.