Automotive
Škoda’s Roadmap to Growth and Innovation in the Middle East
Exclusive Interview with Lukas Honzak, Managing Director at Škoda Middle East
What specific strategies have contributed to the 10% sales growth in the Middle East, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum?
Škoda’s 10% sales growth in the Middle East has been driven by a combination of its diverse product portfolio and nearly 130 years of European expertise, delivering quality and reliability that customers trust. From compact sedans to versatile SUVs, Škoda offers vehicles that cater to a broad range of demographics, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, Škoda’s value-for-money proposition and competitive pricing have been crucial in attracting new customers and driving sales across the region.
In addition to its strong product line-up, Škoda has developed robust partnerships with local dealers, expanding its dealer network to improve accessibility and brand presence. By collaborating closely with partners and integrating Škoda’s core values, the company has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of a state-of-the-art, digital-first showroom in Kuwait. This expansion underscores Škoda’s strategic focus on the Middle East as a key region for growth.
The success has also been strengthened by ongoing support from Škoda’s global headquarters, which has provided strategic guidance and resources to ensure smooth operations and alignment with global standards. Recognising the Middle East as a high-potential market, Škoda remains committed to expanding the brand’s presence in the region, positioning it as a key area for long-term investment and growth.
Are there any upcoming model launches, facelifts, or generational changes planned for Škoda vehicles? How do these future releases align with the brand’s strategy for the Middle East?
Yes, Škoda has several exciting model launches and facelifts planned. In the final quarter of 2024, we will introduce refreshed versions of the Kamiq, Scala, and Karoq. At the beginning of 2025, we will launch our hero and top-selling model, the all-new Kodiaq, which has been a tremendous success in Europe, as well as the completely new Superb, our flagship limousine. Additionally, the Octavia, our best-selling model globally, will also receive a significant facelift.
2025 will be a remarkable year for Škoda Middle East, with a completely refreshed portfolio, showcasing new cars in new showrooms with our new corporate identity (CI). This is truly a unique moment for the brand, and we’re excited to present this new lineup to the region, where it’s bound to attract a lot of attention.
Furthermore, we are in discussions with Škoda HQ to bring additional new models to the region very soon, and we’re eager to share more details shortly. This sets 2025 up as a milestone year, with innovative products and expanded offerings that align with Škoda’s strategy to meet the evolving needs of customers in the Middle East.

Can you provide details on any new partnerships or business ventures Škoda is planning or has already secured in the Middle East? Are there specific markets or regions within the Middle East where these new collaborations or expansions are planned?
We are proud to have recently announced a key partnership with L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France. L’Étape Dubai is an amateur cycling event that brings the same quality and experience of the official Tour de France to the Middle East for the first time in February 2025.
Cycling is deeply embedded in Škoda’s brand identity, reflecting our commitment to promoting active lifestyles and community engagement. Our “We Love Cycling” platform exemplifies this ethos, and L’Étape Dubai by Tour de France is a significant part of this initiative. Škoda’s collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council for L’Étape highlights the importance of strategic partnerships with government bodies. This collaboration not only amplifies the event’s reach but also reinforces Škoda’s commitment to promoting health and fitness in the Middle East.
With the growing popularity of cycling in the region, we plan to expand our “We Love Cycling” platform across the Middle East, bringing cycling and sustainable mobility closer to our audience.
Could you share more about the most prominent dealerships and service centres in the UAE? How have they impacted, sales figures, customer experience and service accessibility?
Škoda’s prominent dealerships in the UAE, represented by Ali & Sons in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, have played a crucial role in boosting sales and enhancing the overall customer experience. We offer customers a seamless buying process and top-tier after-sales support. This customer-centric approach has been a key contributor to Škoda’s sales growth in the region, with the UAE contributing over 56% of the overall Middle East sales year-to-date. The UAE has also experienced an average year-on-year sales growth of 46% since 2021, reflecting high levels of customer satisfaction and convenience.
Looking ahead, 2025 will see major investments in additional Škoda facilities in the UAE, underlining Ali & Sons’ long-term commitment to the brand’s growth. Early 2025 will witness the opening of a brand-new Škoda showroom in Abu Dhabi. In addition to new car sales, Ali & Sons will introduce the Certified Pre-Owned programme, Škoda Plus, in Q1 2025 to cater to a new audience, offering quality pre-owned vehicles with a risk-free experience.
Later in 2025, a state-of-the-art service centre and body shop dedicated to Škoda will open in Al Quoz, Dubai, as the largest Škoda service facility in the region. Additionally, Škoda will continue to bring its products closer to customers through roadshows, motor shows, and pop-up displays in strategic public locations, such as Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Festival City from 18th September to 18th October, where customers can experience our latest models and take test drives.
Furthermore, 2025 marks a significant year for Škoda’s regional growth as we expand into new markets, primarily to Oman and Saudi Arabia, completing our coverage of the entire GCC market. This expansion, along with our refreshed product portfolio and new facilities, will solidify Škoda’s presence across the Middle East, helping us fulfil our commitment to the region.

Could you provide insight into Škoda’s sales development in the Middle East and UAE, and the targets the brand aims to achieve by the end of the year?
Škoda’s market share in the Middle East has grown steadily, with a 10% increase in sales to date in 2024, driven by strong demand in key markets like the UAE and Kuwait. The Kodiaq and Kushaq models have been significant contributors to this success, reflecting the strength of our SUV lineup.
Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for Škoda, as we introduce a completely refreshed product portfolio, including the all-new Kodiaq and Superb, alongside major facelifts for the Octavia and Karoq. With these new models and our expansion into new markets, particularly Saudi Arabia, we expect to further boost our sales figures. While this year has been one of stabilisation and preparation for future growth, our refreshed portfolio and new market entries will position us for even greater success in 2025 and beyond.
Our focus on enhancing customer accessibility and service quality will remain central to our strategy as we aim to solidify our position in the Middle East with our broad range of SUVs and saloons.
Automotive
GWM Marks Ramadan in the Middle East with a Brand Film Celebrating Togetherness and the Joy of Coming Together

This Ramadan, GWM Middle East unveils a new brand-led campaign that celebrates one of the most meaningful moments of the Holy Month: coming together for iftar. Anchored by a regional social film, the campaign reflects the shared values of family, connection and presence, while subtly showcasing GWM’s growing vehicle range, including the newly launched TANK 700 and HAVAL V7.
The film follows different members of the same family as they make their way through the city toward a shared destination, a restaurant where they will break their fast together. Each journey unfolds independently, yet with a shared sense of purpose, capturing the anticipation, comedy, warmth and quiet reflection that define the moments leading up to iftar.
Many Journeys. One Table.
Set against familiar Middle Eastern urban backdrops, the film portrays everyday Ramadan realities, last-minute arrivals, and the unspoken understanding of being exactly where you need to be. Each family member arrives in a different GWM vehicle, collectively representing the brand’s diverse portfolio and how it fits seamlessly into different lifestyles.
The TANK 700 appears as a confident, commanding presence, reflecting strength and assurance on the road, while the HAVAL V7 is positioned as a refined and versatile companion for daily city driving. Meanwhile, the HAVAL H9 is born for families, delivering space, comfort, and reliability for every journey together.
Together with other models from the GWM range, the vehicles act not as the focus, but as enablers, quietly supporting moments that truly matter.
Rooted in Regional Values
Rather than focusing on performance alone, the Ramadan film emphasizes GWM’s belief that mobility plays a role in human connection. The story mirrors the rhythm of Ramadan in the Middle East, where schedules slow, priorities shift, and togetherness takes center stage.
Through natural, relatable storytelling, the campaign reinforces GWM’s commitment to the region, offering vehicles designed for comfort, safety and reliability, built to support everyday life during the most meaningful times of the year.
A Message of Togetherness
Speaking of the campaign, Sunny Bhat, Sales & Marketing Director, GWM Middle East said, “Ramadan is a reminder that no matter how different our journeys may be, what matters most is where we end up, together. This film reflects our belief that vehicles are not just about getting from one place to another, but about enabling moments of connection. We are proud to see our growing range, including the TANK 700 and HAVAL V7, be part of these everyday Ramadan stories.”
Automotive
Arabian Automobiles Introduces Choice-Led Nissan Ramadan Offers Reflecting the Spirit of the Holy Month
Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), the flagship automotive company of AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer for Nissan in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has launched its Nissan Ramadan offers across selected models. Aligned with the spirit of generosity associated with the Holy Month, the campaign is structured around flexibility and choice.
Customers can select one of three ownership options based on their priorities, whether that is added reassurance through complimentary insurance and service, greater ease in monthly planning with 0% interest rate over three to five years, or a savings option across selected models. Businesses, fleet owners and logistics operators can also benefit from these Ramadan offers, with value-led advantages such as 5-year warranty, 5-year service, and 5-year roadside assistance extending the same spirit of flexibility to commercial needs.

This approach reflects AAC’s considered interpretation of value, recognising that customer needs and circumstances differ, and that choice plays a central role in how value is defined during Ramadan.
The offers span a broad lineup, including Altima, Kicks, Magnite, Pathfinder, Patrol, X-TERRA, and X-TRAIL, with savings ranging from AED 6,000 up to AED 25,000. For those seeking a more performance-led experience, the Nissan Z is also included, also with savings of up to AED 50,000.

That same spirit of care continues beyond the showroom, with seasonal after-sales advantages. Customers coming in for an interval service or a free inspection will be eligible for a one-year, 24/7 roadside assistance membership covering Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates.
Keeping convenience in mind, Arabian Automobiles is offering a buy-four-get-one promotion on maintenance contracts to make long-term upkeep more manageable, alongside up to 65% off parts for additional repairs. Flexible payment options are available through Tabby and selected credit card plans, and a gift is included with any Nissan accessory purchase. Customers are invited to explore the Ramadan campaign at their nearest Nissan of Arabian Automobiles showroom.
Automotive
UDRIVE PARTNERS WITH AGMC TO INTRODUCE MINI VEHICLES TO ITS CAR-SHARING FLEET IN THE UAE
Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has signed a strategic partnership with AGMC, the official importer of MINI in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, to introduce MINI vehicles to Udrive’s shared mobility fleet in the UAE. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Udrive and AGMC and brings the MINI brand — the iconic British-heritage premium automotive brand within the BMW Group, renowned for its distinctive design and engaging driving experience — into the car-sharing space, supporting a shared ambition to expand access to premium urban mobility solutions across the country.
The partnership will see a total of 100 MINI vehicles progressively introduced to the Udrive platform, with an initial fleet already available to customers across the UAE. The lineup will include MINI Convertibles, bringing the experience of open-top driving into the car-sharing space, alongside other MINI models well-suited to urban mobility and everyday city use. Through the Udrive platform, customers benefit from an all-inclusive car-sharing experience, with fuel and parking covered as part of the service.
By expanding flexible access to premium mobility, the partnership supports the UAE’s broader ambitions for smarter, more connected cities, in line with the vision outlined in the Dubai Master Urban Plan 2040. The collaboration reflects a growing shift toward agile, shared and experience-led mobility solutions, complementing evolving urban lifestyles and mobility needs.

Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive, said: “At Udrive, innovation is about giving customers real choice and flexibility. Our platform is designed to adapt to how people live, whether that means enjoying a convertible over the weekend or choosing a practical vehicle during the week. Partnering with AGMC MINI allows us to bring distinctive premium vehicles to more customers and support the UAE’s vision for flexible and efficient urban mobility.”
Ziad Boghdady, Head of AGMC MINI, said: “Our collaboration with Udrive introduces a new way for customers to experience the MINI brand. Integrating MINI models into a car-sharing platform reflects changing preferences in the UAE, where access and flexibility are increasingly valued alongside design and performance, complementing MINI’s distinctive design and engaging driving experience. The partnership demonstrates AGMC MINI’s commitment to supporting modern mobility solutions that fit the needs of today’s urban lifestyles.”
Through the MoU, users will gain access to a range of MINI models via the Udrive platform, including Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants, as well as MINI Convertibles. Introducing convertibles into the car-sharing space expands the scope of shared mobility experiences, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy open-top driving on a flexible, on-demand basis.
Udrive enables customers to locate, book, and unlock vehicles through its mobile app, with flexible by-the-minute or by-the-day rentals. The service includes free fuel, free parking, and no deposit, removing common barriers associated with traditional car rentals. Udrive now operates a fleet of 2,000+ cars and has completed over three million rentals to date. In 2025 alone, the platform recorded over 554,000 trips and more than 45 million kilometres driven, reflecting growing demand for flexible mobility across the UAE.
Udrive continues to differentiate itself through exclusive partnerships, first-to-market initiatives, and value-led offerings that expand customer choice. Promoting car sharing as an alternative to private car ownership helps optimise vehicle usage, reduce congestion, and lower the overall environmental footprint by encouraging shared access over individual ownership.
-
News10 years ago
SENDQUICK (TALARIAX) INTRODUCES SQOOPE – THE BREAKTHROUGH IN MOBILE MESSAGING
-
Tech News2 years agoDenodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR11 months agoMicrosoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews2 years agoNavigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News8 months agoNothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
Automotive1 year agoAGMC Launches the RIDDARA RD6 High Performance Fully Electric 4×4 Pickup
-
VAR2 years agoSamsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Tech News2 years agoBrighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign


