Chinese Electric Vehicles Gain Traction in UAE
The UAE is witnessing a significant influx of advanced electric vehicles from China, with brands like BYD, Geely, Chery, MG, and Deepal leading the charge. According to a recent analysis by global consulting firm AlixPartners, Chinese automotive brands are expected to capture a staggering 34% market share in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region by 2030, up from just 10% in 2024.
The trend is driven by the technical prowess and competitive pricing of Chinese vehicles, which have gained significant consumer trust in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Alessandro Massaglia, partner and managing director at AlixPartners, noted that Chinese vehicles are attracting Middle Eastern buyers with their advanced features.
Recently, Al Tayer Motors launched the Al Deepal S05, an intelligent electric SUV, in the UAE. The S05 is available in both a purely electric version (BEV) with a 460 km range and a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) offering over 900 km total range. It boasts features typically found in higher-end cars, including an augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD), a 15.4-inch central screen, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
Yin, Deputy General Manager of Changan Automobile’s Middle East and Africa Division, stated that the S05 is positioned to compete with other EVs like the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai IONIQ 5, as well as internal combustion engine (ICE) SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4. The initial sales target is 3,000 units in the first year, with a longer-term goal of over 10,000 units in the next 3-5 years.
The increasing appetite for innovation and investments in future mobility is expected to drive even deeper partnerships with Chinese brands. Huawei, a Chinese technology giant, has established itself as a crucial Tier 1 supplier and technology partner in the automotive sector, focusing on intelligent and electric vehicle solutions. Its HarmonyOS-powered intelligent cockpit system is one of its flagship automotive offerings.
As countries like Saudi Arabia set ambitious targets for EV adoption as part of their Vision 2030 initiatives, the demand for Chinese electric vehicles is likely to continue growing in the region.
