March 2025 was a pivotal month for the MENA automotive industry. With significant OEM decisions, dealership achievements, EV infrastructure expansion, and major vehicle launches, the region has made a strong case for its increasing influence on the global stage. Below is a comprehensive update on the most notable events shaping the sector.
🚘 Saudi Arabia’s Dealership Ranking Initiative: The Saudi Ministry of Commerce published its first dealer ranking list. Abdul Latif Jameel ranked highest, with over 27,000 customers on a waitlist. Al-Naghi, Petromin, and Al-Juffali followed. The initiative aims to boost service standards Kingdom-wide.
🚘 Automechanika Riyadh Preparations: Set for April 28–30, the region's largest aftermarket trade event will feature 450+ exhibitors from 32 countries, underlining Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a regional mobility hub.
🚘 Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition Unveiled in UAE: Launched at the Dubai Polo Gold Cup, this limited-edition luxury SUV reflects growing demand for ultra-luxury, performance-oriented models.
🚘 The Naran Hypercar Debuts in Dubai: British marque Naran Automotive introduced its $2.1M bespoke hypercar, with only 39 units available globally.
🚘 Chinese Brands Make Big Moves:
* BYD SEALION 7 debuted via Al-Futtaim in the UAE.
* Deepal, a Changan-backed brand, entered via Al Tayer Motors.
🚘 Al-Futtaim Becomes BYD Strategic Investor: Strengthening its alliance, Al-Futtaim joined BYD’s financing round to accelerate sustainable mobility solutions across the Gulf.
🚘 Saudi & UAE Expand EV Infrastructure:
* EVIQ signed an MoU to install 5,000 fast chargers across Riyadh by 2030.
* SMI enhanced REEV offerings like the AVATR 07 for UAE customers with long commutes and off-grid needs.
🚘 Lumi Launches Tabuk Service Megacentre: Now one of Saudi Arabia’s largest, the facility supports Vision 2030’s ambitions in mobility and local capability.
🚘 Qatar Insurance & Alfardan Automotive MoU: This collaboration aims to digitalise insurance and mobility services for Qatari consumers.
🚘 AGMC Launches Flagship BMW & MINI Facility in Sharjah: Spanning over 35,000 sqm with 36 service bays, this site redefines the premium car-buying and aftersales experience.
🚘 Al Masaood Opens Renault Showroom in Abu Dhabi: A fully digitised retail concept aligned with Renault’s global CI was launched on Airport Road.
🚘 Al Ghurair Unveils SunTek Car Care in Dubai: This advanced facility offers infrared and ceramic protection, meeting demand for premium car care.
🚘 DP World Records 53.6% Automotive Volume Surge: Jebel Ali Port processed nearly 960,000 ro-ro units in 2024, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global trade and re-export hub.
🚘 Volvo Unveils ES90 Sedan: Featuring 800-volt architecture and 435-mile range, this model showcases the next frontier of Scandinavian EVs.
🚘 Nissan Leadership Shake-up: Ivan Espinosa was appointed as CEO amid plans to slash product development times and push new electrified SUVs.
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1. Key Events in the MENA Automotive Industry
🚘 Tesla to Enter Saudi Arabia: Tesla confirmed its long-awaited entry into Saudi Arabia by April, a landmark move signalling the Kingdom's rising EV readiness and market appeal.🚘 Saudi Arabia’s Dealership Ranking Initiative: The Saudi Ministry of Commerce published its first dealer ranking list. Abdul Latif Jameel ranked highest, with over 27,000 customers on a waitlist. Al-Naghi, Petromin, and Al-Juffali followed. The initiative aims to boost service standards Kingdom-wide.
🚘 Automechanika Riyadh Preparations: Set for April 28–30, the region's largest aftermarket trade event will feature 450+ exhibitors from 32 countries, underlining Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a regional mobility hub.
2. Noteworthy Vehicle Launches in the MENA Region
🚘 Nissan Magnite Debuts in UAE and KSA: The compact SUV made its first LHD debut in the region, targeting tech-savvy urban drivers with competitive pricing.🚘 Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition Unveiled in UAE: Launched at the Dubai Polo Gold Cup, this limited-edition luxury SUV reflects growing demand for ultra-luxury, performance-oriented models.
🚘 The Naran Hypercar Debuts in Dubai: British marque Naran Automotive introduced its $2.1M bespoke hypercar, with only 39 units available globally.
🚘 Chinese Brands Make Big Moves:
* BYD SEALION 7 debuted via Al-Futtaim in the UAE.
* Deepal, a Changan-backed brand, entered via Al Tayer Motors.
3. Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
🚘 Oman Forms Automotive Committee: A dedicated industry body was created to modernise regulations, support investors, and fuel sectoral growth.🚘 Al-Futtaim Becomes BYD Strategic Investor: Strengthening its alliance, Al-Futtaim joined BYD’s financing round to accelerate sustainable mobility solutions across the Gulf.
🚘 Saudi & UAE Expand EV Infrastructure:
* EVIQ signed an MoU to install 5,000 fast chargers across Riyadh by 2030.
* SMI enhanced REEV offerings like the AVATR 07 for UAE customers with long commutes and off-grid needs.
🚘 Lumi Launches Tabuk Service Megacentre: Now one of Saudi Arabia’s largest, the facility supports Vision 2030’s ambitions in mobility and local capability.
🚘 Qatar Insurance & Alfardan Automotive MoU: This collaboration aims to digitalise insurance and mobility services for Qatari consumers.
4. Retail & Customer Experience Milestones
🚘 Bentley Emirates Wins Five MEIA Awards: At the 2024 MEIA Regional Dealer Conference, Bentley Emirates was honoured for sales, marketing, and performance across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.🚘 AGMC Launches Flagship BMW & MINI Facility in Sharjah: Spanning over 35,000 sqm with 36 service bays, this site redefines the premium car-buying and aftersales experience.
🚘 Al Masaood Opens Renault Showroom in Abu Dhabi: A fully digitised retail concept aligned with Renault’s global CI was launched on Airport Road.
🚘 Al Ghurair Unveils SunTek Car Care in Dubai: This advanced facility offers infrared and ceramic protection, meeting demand for premium car care.
🚘 DP World Records 53.6% Automotive Volume Surge: Jebel Ali Port processed nearly 960,000 ro-ro units in 2024, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global trade and re-export hub.
5. Global News with Local Relevance
🚘 BYD Achieves Record Profits and Ultra-Fast Charging Milestone: The brand reported 73% YoY net profit growth and unveiled 1MW-capable charging tech delivering 400km range in 5 minutes.🚘 Volvo Unveils ES90 Sedan: Featuring 800-volt architecture and 435-mile range, this model showcases the next frontier of Scandinavian EVs.
🚘 Nissan Leadership Shake-up: Ivan Espinosa was appointed as CEO amid plans to slash product development times and push new electrified SUVs.
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