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
Udrive’s data reveals how freedom of choice is shaping UAE Millennials’ mobility habits
Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has released new proprietary data showing how app-based car access is becoming part of everyday work, school and leisure travel across the UAE. Customers aged 30 to 40 account for 45% of users, while mornings and weekends are the busiest periods across the platform. Residential communities and business districts generate the highest demand, showing how app-based car access is becoming part of everyday travel across the UAE.
This core age profile points to a generation seeking greater freedom to choose when, how and what they drive as they balance professional and family commitments. Activity rises during the morning as customers head to offices and schools, then builds again around afternoon pick-up times as families manage school collections and after-school activities. At weekends, shopping, leisure and social visits bring more customers onto the road.
This reflects the way many people live across the region, where changing jobs, growing families and new priorities can lead residents to move homes more frequently. From housing and entertainment to transport, greater choice and access are becoming increasingly important, allowing services to adapt as people’s lives change.
In Dubai, Karama, Al Nahda, Dubai Marina and Al Rigga rank among the most popular areas for vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs, with demand concentrated around residential neighbourhoods and nearby parking areas. Office-led travel also accounts for a major share of daily ridership, with Barsha Heights, Business Bay and the area around Emirates Headquarters among the strongest locations. These journeys include daily commutes, meetings and trips that involve several stops or fall outside fixed public transport schedules.
The Ford Territory, BYD QIN and MINI Cooper rank among the most preferred vehicles on the platform, with SUVs continuing to attract strong demand. Vehicle needs can change quickly, with a customer choosing a compact car today before moving to an SUV as their family grows, or upgrading to try something different. Long-term rental allows the vehicle to adapt to the customer’s life rather than tying them to the same car for several years.
“Life in the UAE moves quickly, and people’s circumstances and tastes can change considerably within a few years. We are seeing the same mindset with cars, as people want the convenience of having a vehicle alongside the flexibility to choose one that suits their needs today. Our data helps us understand how those needs are evolving so we can position vehicles effectively and build a fleet around the way residents move. At Udrive, our vision is to make mobility seamless, accessible and data-driven, ensuring our service continues to evolve with the needs of residents across the country, ” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.
Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.
Udrive operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman and has completed more than three million rentals. In 2025, customers travelled more than 45 million kilometres and completed over half a million trips, while registrations increased by 14% compared with 2024. Residents account for 90% of the customer base, demonstrating strong everyday demand for flexible car access.
As cities grow and travel patterns become more varied, Udrive will continue expanding its coverage and fleet choice across the country. The latest data shows car sharing becoming a regular part of commuting, family routines and leisure travel, giving residents access to a vehicle when needed.
Automotive
5 mobility tips to navigate the UAE this summer
Summer changes the pace of life across the UAE as school holidays bring more family outings and airports become busier. Many plans also shift into the cooler evening hours, changing when and how people travel around the city. Dubai International is now one of the world’s busiest airports, handling 95.2 million passengers in 2025 alone, making early planning increasingly important during the summer travel season.
With these changing routines in mind, Yango Ride, the ride-hailing service part of global tech company Yango Group, shares five practical ways to make getting around easier.
Plan the airport journey before departure day
Getting to the airport can feel like the start of the holiday rush. Planning the night before can make the whole experience feel more relaxed. Double-check your departure terminal, set your packed bags aside early, and allow extra time for traffic or longer-than-usual security queues.
Scheduling a ride in advance can also help take the pressure off. Live tracking allows passengers to see when the driver is approaching and step outside at the right moment instead of waiting curbside in the heat. Selecting a clear pick-up point is especially helpful in buildings with multiple entrances, while families or passengers carrying extra luggage can choose a car with enough space for a comfortable journey.
Keep family days flexible and comfortable
Family days are much easier when everyone can stay cool and comfortable. Malls and indoor theme parks give children plenty of room to stay active away from the summer heat, while summer camps add regular drop-offs and pick-ups to an already busy week.
Coordination before setting off can save time later. Agree on an easy-to-find entrance or meeting point, especially at popular venues where several families may be arriving at once. Yango Ride’s Kids category can be used to travel in a car equipped with a child safety seat and is better suited to a family outing.
Turn a weekend into a local staycation
A weekend at a waterfront resort near Jebel Ali or a quieter hotel around Dubai’s historic districts can provide a refreshing change of setting without the planning or travel time of a longer trip. Booking a ride also makes it easier to bring the family and the bags without searching for hotel parking or leaving a car unused all weekend. Before the stay ends, arrange the return journey ahead of check-out so there is no last-minute rush. With the travel taken care of, there may even be time to enjoy lunch nearby or visit one more attraction before heading home.
Make the most of Dubai after dark
Dubai takes on a different rhythm after sunset, when cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors. Ride-hailing can keep the night flexible when plans begin in one neighborhood and end somewhere else. Plan a walk around Al Seef before dinner in Downtown Dubai or meet friends near Dubai Marina without using the best part of the evening to search for parking.
Before setting off, a clear pick-up point away from crowded entrances will help the driver locate the passenger easily. If travelling home late, share the trip details with a trusted contact and enjoy the journey without having to think about the drive back.
Stay cool from door to destination
Even a short summer outing can feel tiring when it involves walking through the heat, sitting in traffic and searching for parking. Ride-hailing makes it easier to move from a cool indoor space to an air-conditioned destination with as little time outside as possible. Passengers can settle in and focus on the plans ahead instead of the road.
Behind the scenes, Yango’s routing technology uses local road conditions and predicted congestion to calculate efficient routes. In 2025, it saved users more than five million hours across over 20 cities, including 34,000 hours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi combined. With the journey taken care of, the whole outing can feel calmer, cooler and easier from beginning to end.
Automotive
ZEEKR SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE WITH THE ZEEKR 7X AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT, CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION

The Zeekr 7X has earned a Guinness World Records™ title for the tightest gap passed through whilst drifting an electric car, successfully passing through a gap with an astonishing clearance of just 25 centimetres.
The record was officially achieved at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the exceptional precision, stability, and dynamic control of the Zeekr 7X. The achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Zeekr’s intelligent electric vehicle platform and reinforces the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation.
The Zeekr 7X’s record-setting performance is underpinned by a combination of advanced chassis engineering and intelligent vehicle control systems. Its front double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional steering precision and responsiveness, faithfully translating driver inputs into accurate vehicle movement. The high-output rear electric motor provides instant, precisely controllable torque, enabling smooth, sustained drifts while allowing fine adjustments to the vehicle’s direction through throttle modulation. Complementing these systems, the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) provides exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability, balance, and driver confidence under extreme driving conditions.
The record attempt formed the centrepiece of Zeekr’s global celebrations marking its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2021, Zeekr has rapidly established itself as a premium intelligent electric mobility brand, continually pushing the boundaries of design, technology, safety, and performance. This latest Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and serves as a powerful demonstration of the engineering excellence behind the Zeekr 7X.
“Achieving a Guinness World Records title is a proud milestone for Zeekr and a fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary,” said Mr. Mars Chen, Vice President of Zeekr. “The Zeekr 7X embodies our commitment to intelligent engineering, precision, and performance. This achievement demonstrates the strength of our technology and reinforces our ambition to continue redefining premium electric mobility through innovation.”
“This Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the innovation, precision, and performance that define Zeekr,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AWR Automotive. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and to bring the intelligent technology and advanced engineering of the Zeekr 7X to customers across the UAE.”
The celebration continued on 13 June 2026, when more than 200 Zeekr owners, customers, partners, and members of the UAE media gathered at Yas Marina Circuit to commemorate both the world record achievement and Zeekr’s five-year journey. The event brought together the Zeekr community to experience the brand’s latest innovations and celebrate this landmark moment.
As Zeekr enters its next chapter, the company remains committed to accelerating the future of intelligent electric mobility through cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and customer-centric innovation.
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