The automotive landscape in the GCC is undergoing a profound transformation, with Chinese brands emerging as influential contenders. Recent data reveals that countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have become battlegrounds for traditional automakers and the rising wave of hybrid and electric vehicles. This rapid shift highlights changing consumer preferences and strategic industry realignments, ushering in a new chapter for mobility across the region.
Record Registrations and Rapid Growth of Chinese Cars
In 2024, the UAE recorded 318,981 new vehicle registrations, marking a 15.7% increase over 2023, which itself had experienced a notable 27.2% surge. Meanwhile, the Saudi automotive market surpassed a major milestone by exceeding one million registered vehicles for the first time, highlighting an unprecedented surge in demand.
Amid this momentum, Chinese automakers continued to grow their market share in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Inquiries about Chinese vehicles rose by 77% in late 2024, signaling increasing consumer interest in these brands within the used car market. Platforms like DubiCars reported a 56% rise in listings for Chinese vehicles, while listings for non Chinese brands declined by 5%, a clear indicator of shifting preferences toward models that blend modern features with attractive pricing.
Hybrid Models Gain Momentum as Buyers Go Digital
Data from the platform shows that 86% of users are buyers, while only 14% are sellers. Among the buyers, 75% prefer GCC spec vehicles, designed specifically to handle the region’s extreme heat and demanding road conditions.
Consumer behavior continues to shift toward digital platforms. In both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, 83% of buyers begin their vehicle search on dealer websites, emphasizing the critical role of a strong online presence. Notably, UAE based buyers visit physical showrooms an average of 3.9 times before finalizing a purchase, the highest average globally.
SUVs remain the market’s top choice, but hybrid vehicles are quickly gaining ground, with listings increasing by 44% in 2024. In contrast, electric vehicle listings rose by only 2%, underscoring a regional preference for fuel efficient solutions that retain the reliability and range of combustion engines.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Advance in EVs and Smart Mobility
The UAE is accelerating its adoption of electric vehicles, targeting 50% of total vehicle sales to be EVs by 2050. Dubai, in particular, aims to grow its EV fleet to 42,000 by 2030, a sixfold increase over current levels.
The rollout of charging infrastructure is also gaining momentum, backed by government support and advancements in ultra fast charging technologies. The UAE stands out as a pioneer in smart mobility, with 60% of residents voicing support for self driving vehicles. Ambitious projects, such as autonomous driving trials in Masdar City and the goal of making 25% of all trips driverless by 2030, highlight the country's dedication to innovation and sustainable transport.
With a growing emphasis on electrification and autonomy, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are emerging as key players in the global shift toward intelligent, environmentally conscious mobility.
Senior Writer The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
