Beijing – Ahmed Sadiq and Hamad Al Ali
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a key global platform for companies to launch their state-of-the-art technologies and products, particularly in the automotive sector. As Chinese firms rise as a formidable industrial and technological force, the UAE has established itself as a strategic gateway for these companies to access markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and even beyond. This pivotal role is supported by a variety of economic, geographical, and technological factors that position the emirate as an ideal hub for innovation, especially in the realms of smart and electric vehicles.
The UAE’s unique geographical location connects Asia, Europe, and Africa, serving as a natural transit point for international trade. This location provides Chinese enterprises with a significant logistical advantage when they choose the UAE as a launchpad for their new products. Companies such as Geely, GAC, BYD, and Nio are leveraging the UAE as an optimal starting point to reach diverse markets with a growing demand for modern, particularly electric, vehicles.
The country also offers a flexible and attractive economic environment for investment, featuring supportive government policies towards innovation, advanced infrastructure, and free zones that allow for full foreign ownership. These factors mitigate the challenges companies face when entering new markets. Moreover, the presence of clear regulations and the ease of establishing businesses encourages Chinese firms to utilize Dubai as a testing ground for their new technologies before expanding to other markets.
The vision of the UAE government plays a crucial role in enhancing the emirate’s position as a center for future technologies. The government has launched multiple initiatives aimed at transitioning towards smart mobility and environmental sustainability, opening avenues for Chinese companies to provide innovative solutions in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence. This aligns with the strategic goals of Chinese firms seeking to lead the shift towards clean energy.
In a time when the automotive sector is rapidly transforming globally, the UAE stands out as a leader in the region ready to adopt advanced technologies. GAC Group has highlighted that the country ranks first as a reliable market for testing and launching electric vehicles and modern technologies due to its advanced infrastructure and swift adoption of future solutions. This assessment comes as international automotive companies redefine their strategies, with GAC reinforcing its international presence through a flexible approach that emphasizes multiple technical options rather than a singular path toward the future.
As one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, GAC has established a comprehensive industrial ecosystem over the years that includes manufacturing and research and development, supported by a solid operational force of around 100,000 employees, along with nearly 800,000 individuals in the supply chain.
The company’s organizational structure comprises multiple brands, including “Aion” for electric vehicles and “Hyper” for high-performance sports vehicles, in addition to traditional and hybrid cars, granting it significant agility in responding to varying market demands.
Looking ahead, projections for 2025 reflect the group’s strong operational capabilities, with production reaching approximately 1.74 million vehicles and sales nearing 1.72 million units. Financially, the company reported revenues of about 401.7 billion Chinese yuan in 2024, marking its continued inclusion in the “Fortune Global 500” for the thirteenth consecutive year.
Currently, GAC operates in around 100 countries worldwide and aims to expand to 120 countries over the next five years, backed by a distribution network exceeding 2,000 dealerships outside China, signifying a shift from an export model to a localization approach and the creation of local partnerships.
In the Gulf region, the UAE has emerged as a pivotal market in the company’s strategy. Feng Wang, Deputy Chairman of GAC Group and Head of the Middle East and Africa region, emphasized that the UAE market is one of the most significant in the area, particularly in terms of brand building and enhancing the company’s presence.
More Ready
Wang noted that the UAE market serves as a primary reference for GAC to experiment and launch electric vehicles and advanced technologies in the region due to its developed infrastructure and rapid adoption of modern solutions, making it the most prepared environment for receiving this type of vehicle.
Additionally, he indicated that many other regional markets may require a time frame of up to five years to reach full readiness to accommodate various types of vehicles, including electric and hybrid models, as well as advanced technologies.
Wang pointed out that GAC has made substantial investments in the UAE market by introducing a range of advanced models, including high-performance sports cars like the “SSR”, and has established its own operating company within the country, aimed at reinforcing its local presence and executing its strategy directly.
Furthermore, the company is introducing advanced technological solutions to the UAE market, including a battery swapping system that allows for battery replacement in mere minutes, enhancing operational efficiency, particularly in service sectors like transportation and taxis.
Regarding technologies, Wang affirmed that GAC has a robust foundation in research and development and is prepared to offer various technological solutions, whether in electric or hybrid vehicles, alongside intelligent driving systems, with the UAE representing an ideal platform for implementing these technologies.
Addressing challenges, he acknowledged the intense competition in the large vehicle category, given the influx of numerous companies, which complicates market share acquisition; however, the company is working towards balancing this aspect.
Wang confirmed that GAC’s strategy does not revolve around imposing one type of vehicle, but rather relies on market demand, offering a mix of electric, hybrid, and extended-range vehicles that enable it to adapt to the needs of each market.
This approach reflects GAC’s vision of gradual expansion and reliance on market understanding rather than imposing solutions, providing it with a prominent position in a globally evolving marketplace.
Key Market
Victor Yang, Vice President of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, stated that the UAE is among the crucial markets where Geely focuses on introducing its latest innovations, citing the market’s capacity to absorb new automotive technologies.
In comments made to a news outlet, he expressed that the UAE boasts an extremely advanced infrastructure, making it an excellent locale for unveiling new developments in the automotive sector, especially in electric and autonomous vehicles.
Yang noted that Geely has successfully garnered a significant sales share in the UAE market, which continues to expand at a rapid pace, affirming confidence that the market is one of the most important for the Chinese brand.
In 2025, Geely Group achieved historic results, surpassing annual sales of 3.02 million vehicles, with a strong focus on electric vehicles. The company recorded notable growth, including 420,000 units in external sales (exports), with a record performance in November sales reaching 310,000 vehicles and sustained growth for the ninth consecutive month.