In our scrutinizing society, Dubai has an opportunity to paint its car repair industry in an innovative light. Important reform and integration of the industry is giving Dubai and surrounding territories a thrust in a more reliable, efficient direction in terms of car repair.

The UAE plays host to this highly populated metropolis and distribution hub, exporting goods to Africa and the Far East. With so much traffic, literally and figuratively, it’s easy to lose track of the municipal and industrial headway that is transforming the region

Advances in automotive repair have boosted the precision quality of body work on cars and taken the speed of repair from days to hours. Minor damage that used to require work on an entire panel can now be performed locally on specific areas with specialised tools, paint and materials. One such process, commonly referred to as SMART (Small, Medium Area Repair Technology) is just beginning to become available in the UAE.

The ability to perform this service in Dubai is an opportunity waiting to be seized, says Andy Patterson, founder and managing director of Automotive Repair Systems.

“Many expats working in the dealerships out here had an understanding of Smart Repair, but no dealerships or companies wanted to invest into it.”

Since no regulation on garage standardization existed, agencies knew their clients would choose lengthy body repairs rather than forego their warranty at an independent specialist. Instead of investing in the training and equipment necessary to perform SMART car repair, companies in Dubai waited.

It seems this might soon change, as regulations are being approved this year that will require all workshops to comply to a standard set in place by the Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority (ESMA). Esma’s director-general, Abdullah Al Muaini, intends to gracefully improve the level of service offered throughout the country.

“Our aim is to CATEGORIZE and classify all workshops across the country. We will certify them, we will examine and certify the mechanics who work at these workshops and then rate these units according to the skills possessed by the employees who work in the workshops and the equipment the workshops possess,” he states.

This reform has not only the potential to build a trusted network in a vast sector, but also to give workshops incentive to adopt better practices using newer technologies. Already, new brands are appearing that offer more efficient alternatives. Gtechnique, a paint protection aero enhancer, was just launched by the specialist ProDent, and several more companies are now advertising SMART technology repair.

It’s an exciting to be a car owner anywhere, especially when it’s becoming this easy. Discover more about new paint and car repair in Dubai here, after the link.

Owning a car in Dubai comes with all the care and repair as anywhere else, except here over half the population is looking for the same service. In stats reported by the Roads and Transport Authority, its vehicle density of 540 per 1,000 people puts Dubai on the top of the charts both regionally and globally. If there is a car for one out of every two people, there is also a thriving market to cultivate and sustain. For those driving in this metropolis, it can come in handy to know what specific repair services are offered, as quantity shouldn’t negotiate quality when it comes to caring for your vehicle.

Most of us tend to think in a bilinear scale when it comes to auto repair, choosing between dealerships or independent specialists. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages, especially in Dubai, where foreign brands abound and accidents are as frequent as 8.5 a day according to the DSC. Compounded with the infiltration and trade of counterfeit car parts in the UAE, and the search for quality car repair behooves the effort.

Dealerships, Going to the Source

While more exotic brands require manufacturer specific parts, the specialized training, technology and experience of agency service is available to all.

What to expect

1. The offer of manufacturer-backed warranties, factory sourced materials, and a staff of routinely trained mechanics give agencies credibility that is often accompanied by higher prices.
2. To maintain consistent high quality products, manufacturers may encounter factory stock issues that delay repair time and increase overhead.
3. Agencies rely on manufacturer supported warranties rather than customer service for return business, and it may show.

Specialists, Value with Personality

Generally smaller, with a personalized touch that comes from dealing directly with your mechanic, independents offer non-manufacturer regulated and often significantly less pricey options. More importantly, the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (ESMA) is currently working to create a system to effectively rate any independent workshop which should significantly aid in the search for quality car repair in Dubai.

What to expect

• Options regarding part acquisition, from factory produced originals to cheaper alternate or rebuilt versions.
• These garages may service a composite of car brands, allowing for workaround solutions that wouldn’t be available in an agency.
• Customer satisfaction is very important for return business, and the mechanic will be dealing with you directly.

While cheaper, faster service may instantly appeal to any driver, protecting you and your car is imperative. Look for the greatest transparency in any transaction you make outside the agency, and avoid any garage that doesn’t adhere to new consumer protection regulations. Know the origin of any replacement parts, remembering anything labelled genuine should not be available at discount, and is probably counterfeit and dangerous.

This region is an enviable hub of commerce, business and distribution, with high demand for quality service. Local government and businesses are working hard to regulate car repair in Dubai, but you can start your search here.