Since its debut in 2021, the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai has rapidly become a global highlight in Porsche culture. Many enthusiasts even plan their trip around the event to rent a Porsche 911 in Dubai and experience the city in true Porsche style.
Evolving from its origins into the Middle East’s largest automotive gathering, it now draws tens of thousands of collectors, enthusiasts, artists, and families to the vibrant Dubai Design District every November.
A Festival of Cars, Culture, and Community
Initially launched as a two-day automotive showcase, Icons of Porsche has expanded into a week‑long celebration. In 2024, side events included track nights at the Dubai Autodrome across 150-plus Porsches, community drives, and even golf outings, creating a fuller, more immersive experience for visitors from every corner of the globe.
At its core, Icons of Porsche is a fusion of heritage, innovation, and entertainment:
- Museum masterpieces cross continents: Early‑era 356s, classic racing icons, prototypes flown in from Stuttgart’s museum collection.
- Exclusive reveals: In 2024, Porsche’s Sonderwunsch One‑Off 911 Turbo Remastered made its world auction debut alongside an RM Sotheby’s presentation.
- Creative zones: From interactive art installations and design exhibits to family activities like a LEGO-brick build pit and even festival‑exclusive food items like the “Cayenne Pepper” pizza created just for the occasion.
Growth by the Numbers
- The fourth edition in 2024 welcomed over 28,000 visitors across two days, marking another record year.
- Porsche Chairman Oliver Blume attended for the second time, celebrating the passion, emotion, and global community spirit that have come to define the festival.
- Porsche Club chapters traveled internationally to attend, most notably the Porsche Club of Belgium, whose members described the experience as culturally enriching and internationally connective.
Make It Real: Rent a 911 and Drive the Dream
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Icons of Porsche experience is to spend part of your trip behind the wheel of a Porsche. Whether it’s a 911 Turbo S, a Taycan, or a classic model through an arranged experience, driving in Dubai brings the event to life in a way that spectating alone can’t.
Imagine cruising past the Burj Khalifa in a 911 Turbo S , carving along Jumeirah’s coastline, or heading out on a sunrise drive into the desert. Combining the festival with a few days of spirited driving turns a great trip into an unforgettable one.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025
The fifth edition is slated for 22–23 November 2025, again at “The Slab” in Dubai Design District, with even more ambition behind it.
Porsche Middle East and Africa CEO Dr. Manfred Bräunl has confirmed that 2025 will feature an even wider lineup of activities with more art, more cultural programming, and increased family‑friendly entertainment. He noted the festival is no longer simply for car lovers, but a broader celebration of brand lifestyle.
Expect rare heritage cars alongside unveiling of new models, expansions of motorsport zones, themed food and art collaborations, and ever‑growing engagement with global clubs and communities.
Why Dubai Is the Perfect Stage
Dubai provides more than just infrastructure; it’s a city that offers a dramatic, aspirational backdrop. The blend of cutting-edge architecture, desert vistas, and driver-friendly roads lends itself perfectly to a Porsche-themed festival. Visitors arrive expecting spectacle and leave with memories of architectural contrast, adrenaline-fueled drives, and lifestyle immersion.
The city’s warm November climate means visitors can enjoy relaxed days combined with evenings exploring Dubai’s cultural and dining hotspots. For many, driving is part of the experience in addition to celebrating the Porsche marque with other enthusiasts.
Grey Areas to Add: Practical Planning Tips for 2025
- Book months in advance, both for the festival (which sells out) and rental bookings.
- Aim to arrive a day early, to adjust, explore, and get set before the weekend rush begins.
- Wear light layers as nights may cool off, while you’ll want coverage in the Dubai sun and daytime festivities.
- Review the schedule in advance: select when heritage reveals happen (e.g. rare classics or the Turbo Remastered), attend motorsport demonstrations, and be there for creative showcases.
- Add a few days to discover, especially if you’re renting a 911, plan drives to Hatta, Ras Al Khaimah, or blue-skies desert escapes.
In Summary
Icons of Porsche has become much more than just a car show – it’s a global brand festival, blending automotive storytelling with culture, art, food, and community. What began in 2021 has grown into the region’s largest car gathering, drawing tens of thousands and international clubs year after year.
The upcoming 2025 edition promises a fully immersive brand experience featuring heritage cars, creative installations, exclusive reveals, motorsport exhibits, and lifestyle features.
