Fast, expensive cars have long been among the favorite items of the rich from all over the world and, in these days of diminishing oil reserves, theres perhaps no richer region than the Middle East. The heart and soul of Middle Eastern excess is Dubai, and for a decade now, theyve been hosting one of the worlds premier auto shows.

This year the 10th Annual Dubai International Motor Show kicked off on December 16th and wrapped up on the 20th. Held at the lavish Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, this motor show gave the UAE region a much needed profile boost after the recession took hold.

Also known as the Middle East International Motor Show, this event is easily the largest of its kind in the region and is held once every two years. 2007s show brought in well over 100,000 people to witness various concept cars, hybrids and other models.

Last years show featured the usual suspects, only two years older and two light years beyond what was shown previously in terms of the wow factor. With 13 world premiers, nearly 50 regional launches and 200 cutting edge concept designs, the motor show was a hit before the end of the first day.

This auto show is paradise for everyone involved with automobiles. Exhibitors were showing off their custom builds, various parts, hybrids, aftermarket designs, paint jobs, audio systems and much more. Its also a great venue for businesses to get their names out there.

Many auto insurance providers showed up for the four-day festival, as well as purveyors of finishing products, oil and gas providers, marketers and advertisers, and the green nuts with their futuristic energy conservation solutions. It was also a platform to show off some of the fastest bikes, trikes and quads available on the market today and those still to come.

But, of course, the Dubai International Motor Show is really all about the spectators both those looking and those planning to buy. Theres plenty of royalty in the Middle East, and sheikhs and shahs were showing up by the dozen. High-power business executives and celebrities were also in attendance to see the latest and greatest vehicles. The list also extended to overseas buyers and others looking for the hottest design that could really get their business booming.

However, there was plenty of room for the average Joe, too. With the launch of a special edition car, thousands of people showed up simply to see what was under the curtain. There were also many contests going on, like the Noise Pollution - A sound and style competition. This was a knock-down, drag-out battle to see whose audio system reigned supreme. A similar contest was held for the best Enviro-Zone - A green car.

Many aspects of the show are strictly for the average fans in attendance, like the 10-car giveaway and the many raffles and promotions that were going on. But the stealer of the auto show, which is the same every year, was the 10 super cars showcase. This is where the fastest of the fast turn out, looking more like wingless jets than average cars. All told, the 10th annual show was a real hit.