Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East, and Gargash Enterprises have formalized a partnership that positions Gargash as the first authorized member of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Partner Network in the Middle East. Announced at The Pavilion at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, the agreement adds a new layer of structure to the region’s classic car sector, where interest in restoration, preservation, and heritage experiences has steadily grown.
The Classic Partner Network is a global program that designates selected dealers to provide specialized services for older models, including maintenance support, certified parts access, and guidance for owners navigating restoration work. While the network is framed around safeguarding the company’s historic catalog, its broader function is to create standardized points of expertise in different markets. For collectors, the value lies less in branding and more in having formalized channels for sourcing parts and technical knowledge that can be hard to obtain through independent workshops.
Gargash Enterprises’ inclusion is tied to its long-standing relationship with the manufacturer, dating back to the late 1950s. The company has been involved in heritage servicing for decades, and its appointment reflects both its technical capability and the region’s growing appetite for classic vehicles. The move follows the 2024 opening of the Mercedes-Benz Brand Center in Dubai Design District, which blended retail, cultural displays, and curated experiences in a bid to consolidate the brand’s presence. While such spaces often carry promotional weight, they also indicate a market shift in the UAE, where luxury and heritage automotive culture has been expanding beyond showroom transactions to a broader mix of events, exhibitions, and service ecosystems.
Executives from Mercedes-Benz emphasized the network’s role in maintaining consistent standards for classic models. Marcus Breitschwerdt, who leads Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, described the initiative as an effort to preserve older vehicles through reliable service infrastructure and access to authentic components, noting that regional hubs help sustain long-term ownership. Michael Stroband, who oversees operations in the Middle East, said the appointment reflects confidence in Gargash’s ability to support heritage owners, citing its familiarity with the customer base.
From Gargash’s perspective, the partnership is framed as a continuation of its decades-long involvement with classic models and an acknowledgment of the multigenerational relationships that often define the collector community. The announcement took place alongside the Mille Miglia Experience UAE 2025, an event that brings together enthusiasts and restorers and underscores how motoring heritage has become a visible part of the local cultural calendar. Situating the news within that setting highlights how the region is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for historic automotive events and specialized services.
As part of its new certification, Gargash will expand its offerings to include classic model servicing, parts procurement through authorized channels, restoration guidance, exclusive gatherings, and a curated merchandise line. These additions support a growing classic-car ecosystem in the UAE and suggest a deeper institutional commitment to maintaining older vehicles in a market that has historically focused more on modern luxury models. For owners, the partnership may provide clearer paths for maintaining authenticity and long-term usability as interest in preservation continues to rise.
