More than 1,000 rare cars on display in Dubai for 2019 Gulf Car Festival - in pictures

Car lovers from around the Gulf have gathered for this year's event at Dubai Festival City

A car enthusiast checks out the Red Bull muscle car at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

A Mercedes Benz car fan takes a snap of the collectors cars at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

A car enthusiast checks out Nissan Patrol Turbo at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

A car enthusiast checks out the Dodge Viper car at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

Eugene Santos with his Toyota 86 car at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

Abdo M. and his Black Devil Nissan car at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

A 4X4 Jeep club arrives at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

Car enthusiasts arrive at the Gulf Car Festival 2019, Dubai Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

A UAE National Day themed Nissan Skyline at the Gulf Car Festival 2019 at the Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

Gulf Car Festival 2019 at the Festival City Mall. Victor Besa/The National

Car enthusiasts from around the UAE have descended on Dubai Festival City for the 2019 Gulf Car Festival.

The three-day festival, taking place between Thursday, December 12 and Saturday, December 14, is one of the Middle East’s largest car gatherings, growing steadily since its debut in 2014.

There are more than 1,000 cars on show at this year’s festival, while more than 7,000 visitors are expected to attend over the course of the three days.

The festival will feature some of the most unique cars and bikes from around the region, as well as new car launches and car clubs.

Scroll through our gallery above to see all the action from the first day.