‘World Automobile Day’ Summit – What’s it For?
Organised by Autoworld Journal, this annual event celebrates industry experts, innovations, and key achievements shaping the automotive sector.
History
World Automobile Day is celebrated every year on January 29th. It marks the day in 1886 when Karl Benz, a German inventor, applied for a patent for his ‘Motorwagen,’ the first practical car that could be sold. This car, known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was the world’s first petrol-powered car.
However, 117 years prior, French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot had already constructed the first steam-powered road vehicle in 1769. Then, 39 years later, in 1808, François Isaac de Rivaz, a French-Swiss inventor, designed and built the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine.
In fact, it was 78 years after this revolutionary discovery that Karl Benz applied for a patent for his ‘Motorwagen’ car in 1886. Nevertheless, it was the American-made Model T, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in 1908, that first gained dominance in the market. Released at a price affordable to the general public, this car was quickly adopted in the United States. It rapidly overtook horse-drawn carriages and established the ‘Ford Model T’ as a favorite in the market.
From the first car patent, in just 138 years, we have progressed to autonomous cars that operate without human involvement and even to vehicles capable of flying. Indeed, by 2036, marking 150 years since the first practical car, the Benz Motorwagen, it is expected that our roads will be dominated by autonomous vehicles powered by the most eco-friendly fuels.
History
World Automobile Day is celebrated every year on January 29th. It marks the day in 1886 when Karl Benz, a German inventor, applied for a patent for his ‘Motorwagen,’ the first practical car that could be sold. This car, known as the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, was the world’s first petrol-powered car.
However, 117 years prior, French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot had already constructed the first steam-powered road vehicle in 1769. Then, 39 years later, in 1808, François Isaac de Rivaz, a French-Swiss inventor, designed and built the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine.
In fact, it was 78 years after this revolutionary discovery that Karl Benz applied for a patent for his ‘Motorwagen’ car in 1886. Nevertheless, it was the American-made Model T, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in 1908, that first gained dominance in the market. Released at a price affordable to the general public, this car was quickly adopted in the United States. It rapidly overtook horse-drawn carriages and established the ‘Ford Model T’ as a favorite in the market.
From the first car patent, in just 138 years, we have progressed to autonomous cars that operate without human involvement and even to vehicles capable of flying. Indeed, by 2036, marking 150 years since the first practical car, the Benz Motorwagen, it is expected that our roads will be dominated by autonomous vehicles powered by the most eco-friendly fuels.
Discover, Connect, Celebrate
Join us in Dubai for an extraordinary two-day conference and celebration at the 141st World Automobile Day. This event is a pivotal gathering for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators from around the globe.
Our Pledge of Excellence
The premium image that Auto World Journal has created in the market through 12 years of meticulous work offers you this assurance:
‘This event has been meticulously crafted to empower, enrich, engage, energize, and inspire every participant. It aims to leave you with a lasting collection of positive memories, enduring a lifetime.’
Event Overview
Dates: , 2027 January 28 & 29
Location: Dubai World Trade Center
Host: Auto World Journal, Pioneers in Responsible Auto Industry Reporting Since 2012
Participants: 4000+ Industry Stakeholders and Innovators from Over 100 Countries
What to Expect
Networking Opportunities:
Connect with over 4000 like-minded professionals from the global automotive community.
Expert-led Seminars:
Expand your knowledge through a series of free seminars led by industry experts.
Collaboration and Growth:
Discover potential growth opportunities and forge lasting professional relationships.
Annual Awards:
Commemorate outstanding achievements in the automotive sector from the previous year.
Event Postponed
We sincerely apologise to everyone who has been waiting for this event. Despite our best efforts to resolve legal requirements and conduct it in 2026, unavoidable circumstances have made it necessary to defer the programme.
We look forward to celebrating the 141st World Automobile Day in Dubai on 28-29 January 2027, and we regret any inconvenience this may cause. All existing enquiries and applications will receive special consideration for the next edition.
Thank you for your understanding and support.

