The UAE’s automotive market continued its trajectory in H1 2025, with new car registrations rising to approximately 157,000 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 11%¹. While Toyota maintained its top spot with little growth (+0.7%), the real momentum came from Chinese brands: Jetour soared +163.9% to claim 4th place (it is worth noting that Jetour has recently faced setbacks in the GCC, with distribution challenges in Qatar raising questions about the brand’s ability to sustain its rapid momentum across the region), Geely surged +39.1%, and MG and Ford also outperformed. EV adoption accelerated as well, with H1 sales growing by 18.6% and reaching a 7% share². Another major catalyst reshaping the landscape has been the 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese car imports, prompting Chinese manufacturers to redirect inventory toward the Middle East. With over 70% of buyers in the UAE & KSA now expressing trust in Chinese brands³, this shift is fueling a structural transformation in market dynamics, reflected clearly in the performance of newer entrants outpacing legacy brands…