Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are increasing their presence across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, deploying battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range models alongside traditional vehicles. The push comes amid regulatory pressures and tariffs in Western markets, leading brands such as BYD, Geely, Chery, Changan, MG, and Li Auto to focus on regional distribution and after-sales networks in the Gulf.
According to Arthur D. Little's 2026 Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index, the UAE ranked 22nd out of 31 evaluated countries, leading the GCC region. Electric vehicles, encompassing pure battery-electric and plug-in hybrid variants, accounted for approximately 9% of new-vehicle sales in the UAE in 2025. The country had around 2,800 charging points, comprising about 1,250 DC units and 350 high-power chargers, while representing an estimated 42% of the GCC EV market that year.
Automakers are partnering with established local commercial groups to scale sales and support infrastructure. In April 2026, Li Auto signed distribution agreements with Al Fahim Motors in the UAE and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors in Saudi Arabia. In September 2026, BYD's Saudi distributor, Al-Futtaim, opened showrooms in Riyadh and Al-Qassim, expanding its network in the kingdom to 10 locations. Saudi Arabia's state-backed Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company (EVIQ) has also partnered with BYD's local distributor to broaden charging services.
Chinese producers are deploying advanced charging technology, including a system announced by Geely in September 2026 that the company states can charge a compatible battery from 10% to 70% in about 4.5 minutes under specified conditions. However, the report notes that vehicle reliability, regional cooling requirements, high summer temperatures, and local grid support remain critical operational factors in the GCC.
Sources
- Asia Times · 2026-10-19
