On 15 February 2026, Audi Dubai participated in The Grand Picnic at Safa Park for the first time, joining what has become one of the UAE’s most established open-air automotive gatherings. Think of it as more of a cars and coffee, but with a park and an emphasis on family. The event is known less for spectacle and more for accessibility, with owners, collectors and their loved ones sharing space across the lawns and walkways.
Audi Middle East has increasingly positioned itself as one of the more active regional Audi divisions when it comes to lifestyle-driven engagement. From last month’s presence at the 24 Hours of Dubai — including a temporary brand installation tied to the race weekend — to curated owner experiences throughout the year, the strategy has centered on meeting enthusiasts where they already gather. Participation in The Grand Picnic extends that approach beyond motorsport-centered or Audi-specific audiences to the broader UAE car community.
THE AUDI LINE UP
At the center of Audi Dubai’s display was the Audi RS 6 Avant GT, limited to 660 units globally. The GT specification serves as a tribute to the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, connecting current RS performance models with Audi’s late-1980s North American motorsport program.
Alongside it was a highly modified pink Audi R8 V10 owned by Adam Najdi, reportedly producing approximately 1,600 horsepower. The build reflected the scale of aftermarket engineering present in the region, where high-output supercar projects have become a recognizable part of local car culture.
A Dubai Police Audi R8 V10 plus was also included. Rated at 610 PS, the police-liveried R8 has become a familiar symbol of the UAE’s automotive profile, regularly appearing at public events and exhibitions.
Heritage representation came through a rally-inspired Sport quattro S1 E2 replica referencing Audi’s early 1980s World Rally Championship era. This car is a regular at Audi Dubai activities and also had a position of honor at the 24 Hours of Dubai installation.
Providing additional historical context was an Audi 60 L from the late 1960s. While not performance-focused, the 60 L represents an important rebuilding period for the brand and served as a precursor to the Audi 80 lineage that would ultimately evolve into today’s A4 range.
Completing the display was the current Audi RS 3, powered by Audi Sport’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder TFSI engine producing 400 PS. Compact dimensions and a distinctive firing order continue to define the RS 3 within the contemporary lineup.
COMMUNITY CONTEXT
Audi Dubai’s participation was structured without formal presentation or staged programming. Six vehicles were positioned to represent distinct aspects of the brand: limited production performance, motorsport heritage, regional identity, enthusiast modification and foundational history.
The event itself maintained an informal atmosphere. Owners discussed restoration projects, visitors moved freely between displays and families treated the day as a community gathering rather than a conventional auto show.
As Audi Middle East continues to expand its footprint across race weekends, owner drives and lifestyle installations, events such as The Grand Picnic demonstrate a complementary positioning: engaging not only brand loyalists but the wider enthusiast audience that defines the UAE’s automotive landscape.
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