Khaberni - The car markets in the Gulf countries are witnessing a notable boom in Chinese brand sales, which are recording growth exceeding that of their European and American counterparts, and experts expect them to account for a quarter of the new sales over the next five years.
Chinese cars are no longer limited to economy or electric categories only; they have begun to compete with global brands in middle and high-end categories. Last July, the Jetour brand – under China's Chery group – ranked third among the top-selling cars in the Gulf, according to data from Jato Dynamics, after its sales jumped by 135% on a yearly basis, becoming the first Chinese brand to enter the top three in the region.
Sebastian Fox, executive director of AutoData Middle East, says: "Just seeing Chinese brands today in major showrooms and capturing double-digit shares reflects how entrenched they have become in the Gulf market. The Middle East has become one of the most important global export destinations for Chinese car manufacturers."
According to "AutoData" data, Chinese brands captured between 10 and 15% of new car sales in the UAE during the first half of 2025, and 12% in Saudi Arabia. As for the used car market, the rate is believed to be higher than that, compared to only about 5% in Europe, while no Chinese cars are sold in the American market yet.
A report issued by consulting firm AlixPartners last April indicated that China will produce about a third of the cars globally by 2030, with a significant proportion of these cars directed towards Gulf markets.
Fox confirms that the booming sales of Chinese cars in the UAE specifically shows that they are no longer just an option for those looking for the right price, but have become a real competitor in terms of "value and image."
For example, the Jetour T2 car ranked fourth among the top-selling cars in the UAE during the first half of the year, and its price starts at about 144,000 dirhams ($39,000), which is about 100,000 dirhams cheaper than cars like the "Nissan Patrol" and "Toyota Land Cruiser" which offer similar specifications.
He adds: “In the past, a consumer might hesitate to buy a Chinese car due to a lack of information or concerns about reliability, but today there is no logical reason to back down from such a decision."
And he concludes by saying, "The Gulf markets show steady growth from quarter to quarter, which indicates sustained consumer acceptance and not just a temporary wave."
Forecasts: By the end of the decade, Chinese cars may represent a quarter of the new sales in the Gulf markets, in a shift that redraws the map of competition between the East and the West on the roads of the region.
