Automotive
Geely’s Recipe for Growth in the UAE: Innovation, Affordability, and After-Sales Excellence
- Exclusive Interview with Dr. Andreas Schaaf, CEO – Geely Group Brands at AGMC
What advantages do Chinese brands like Geely offer compared to prominent Japanese or European competitors?
Geely stands out by providing a unique offering of luxury, performance, and advanced technology in its vehicles, all at competitive prices. If you look at the vehicles in our line-up, like the Monjaro and the Okavango, it’s evident that our brand places a priority on providing premium features usually seen in more expensive European and Japanese models.
Geely cars come equipped with cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and outstanding performance. For example, the Monjaro, a highly advanced SUV by Geely, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, 235 horsepower, and a sophisticated BorgWarner 4WD system, providing it with power and agility. This model directly competes with much pricier high-end brands in terms of performance and features, yet it remains affordable.
Likewise, the Okavango, our well-liked seven-seater SUV, provides ample interior room, comfort, and advanced technology features tailored for families’ requirements without compromising on quality. These models have been very well received in the UAE.
What really stands out is the after-sales support we offer at Geely UAE – which includes a comprehensive service package – and the strength of its warranties, which are vital in giving customers long-term confidence in their vehicle choice and ensuring peace of mind.

How have perceptions of Chinese car quality evolved among UAE consumers recently?
In recent years, Geely has caused a significant change in the way Chinese car brands are viewed by consumers in the UAE, mostly because of our attention to quality, technology, and dependability. Geely quickly built a solid reputation by offering vehicles that go beyond just being affordable – our vehicles also excel in performance, design, and safety.
Models such as the Geely Coolray and Emgrand sedan are consistently rated as top performers in their respective segments. The Coolray’s dynamic design and powerful yet efficient engine have made it a top choice in the B-segment SUV category, while the Emgrand has gained popularity in the sedan market for its sleek design and advanced safety features. Geely’s position as a brand that surpasses customer expectations has been strengthened by such success stories.
This change in perspective is also mirrored in Geely’s sales numbers. In just the first six months of 2024, we managed to sell 3,392 vehicles in the UAE, proving the increasing popularity of Chinese cars which provide excellent quality, top-notch features, and attractive prices.

What role does pricing play in the popularity of Chinese cars in the UAE?
The pricing of Geely vehicles is a crucial factor in the brand’s increasing popularity and success in the UAE, and it is not solely due to being budget friendly. Our cars offer great value, with features and technology that compete with pricier European and Japanese cars. The mixture of offering great value alongside premium features makes them an attractive choice for a wide variety of customers, who are seeking vehicles that maintain quality, safety, and performance without breaking the bank.
For instance, consider the Geely Okavango. It’s an SUV that provides ample space inside, cutting-edge technology, and excellent performance at an appealing price in a fierce SUV market. Similarly, the Starray, which was launched this year, provides a mix of opulence, modern technology, and stylish aesthetics at a reasonable cost, catering to those seeking top-tier experiences without the accompanying hefty price. This makes it a compelling alternative to more established brands.
How has Geely’s acquisition of Volvo influenced its reputation in the UAE market?
In 2010, Volvo was acquired by Geely, China’s largest privately owned automotive company, resulting in what is seen as one of the most successful mergers in the sector. It combines the strengths of a historic European brand with Chinese innovation and resources.
The merger demonstrated Geely’s ambitions and commitment to manufacturing vehicles of the highest quality, and shows the strategic foresight of the Geely Group and their strong understanding of the importance of leading innovation.
But Geely’s influence goes beyond Volvo. Known for its ownership of brands such as Lotus and Lynk & Co, as well as its substantial investment in Mercedes-Benz, it has developed a culture of excellence that is visible everywhere, and Geely is benefitting from this reputation.
Having a variety of brands across multiple segments has allowed Geely Auto to establish itself as a reputable carmaker that can provide both budget-friendly and luxury vehicles, attracting a diverse customer base in the UAE.

What challenges do Chinese brands face in further expanding their presence in the UAE?
The main obstacle facing Geely and all other brands is the growing competition in the UAE’s car market. The increasing number of car companies entering the market has led to more intense competition, creating a crowded landscape and a challenge for manufacturers like Geely. Nevertheless, we are fully equipped to confront these challenges directly.
We are embracing the challenge by concentrating on our impressive range of vehicles and providing outstanding aftersales support. By partnering with AGMC, Geely gains an advantage from a strong sales and service network in the UAE and a strong reputation for service excellence, guaranteeing customers receive high-quality support and parts availability. This is a crucial element in ensuring customers are satisfied in the long run.
Although the rivalry is strong, it also works in favour of customers by providing a wider selection and improved value. Geely UAE’s competitive advantage lies in our capability to provide high-quality features and top-notch service at affordable prices, helping us differentiate ourselves in a highly competitive market.
How do after-sales service and parts availability compare between Chinese brands and others?
Geely’s excellent aftersales services are a result of our collaboration with AGMC, a highly regarded automotive importer in the UAE established almost half a century ago. Geely’s extensive service network throughout the Emirates provides customers with dependable support that is quick and efficient whenever they require it.
Additionally, we excel in availability of parts, with our specialised parts distribution centre in Dubai, a cutting-edge facility, set up to guarantee prompt and effective delivery of spare parts not just in the UAE but also throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Situated in Dubai’s Jebel Ali, its location is ideal for meeting the needs of our expanding clientele. By ensuring spare parts are easily available and minimising any downtime for vehicle owners, this system positions Geely as a reliable and service-focused brand in line with other global brands.

What future growth projections do you have for Geely in the UAE?
Geely has a very promising future ahead in the UAE. Our plans include opening additional showrooms, growing our market share, and introducing new models to further expand our business. We will bolster our footprint with a massive network development plan scheduled to cover the entire country, as well set up significant investment in top automotive talents to support the brand’s rapid growth in the coming years.
Our commitment to excellence, creativity, and customer approval, along with a proactive plan to expand showrooms, will aim to maintain Geely’s significance in the UAE automotive industry for many years to come.
Automotive
EV LAB invests in Pure Electric, kicks off partnership with new lineup of e-scooters
EV LAB, the region’s first omni-channel multi-brand EV store, has invested in Pure Electric, a global specialist in electric micromobility founded by British entrepreneur Adam Norris, and will serve as the brand’s exclusive partner across the Middle East. The partnership kicked off with the launch of Pure Electric’s three new e-scooters in the UAE – Air⁴, Pure x McLaren, and Pure Flex. The collaboration marks a pivotal move towards advancing sustainable transport solutions and supporting the UAE’s goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050.
Under this new venture, EV LAB will feature Pure Electric products across its five stores in the region. This will include the new lineup, primarily designed for urban commuters, lifestyle riders, tech-forward consumers, and micromobility enthusiasts, offering a potent blend of performance, innovation, and purposeful design tailored for the region’s fast-paced city environment. The latest models include the Air⁴, a remastered fourth-generation classic e-ride with a smoother, more powerful ride featuring a 710W motor and 30km range; the Pure x Mclaren finished in McLaren’s iconic orange livery, built with active steering stabilisation, a 900W motor, and a 50km range; and the Pure flex, the world’s most compact scooter featuring a unique forward-facing stance, ultra-compact design, and a 45km range, built for maximum control and stability.
Kevin Chalhoub, CEO and founder of EV LAB, stated, “Collaborating with Pure Electric to launch these unique, state-of-the-art e-scooters in the UAE is an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability by reducing carbon emissions that will help prevent wider climate problems across the Middle East. Over the past few years, consumers in the region have grown more environmentally conscious and are looking for smarter and greener approaches to travel. These new models will help us advance our mission of creating a dynamic ecosystem in which brands, consumers, and experts can connect through accessible, sustainable, and meaningful electric mobility experiences.”
Micromobility is becoming increasingly popular in the United Arab Emirates due to factors such as the rise in eco-conscious consumers, urbanisation, and traffic congestion within cities. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2 per cent, the UAE micromobility market is projected to reach USD 2,014.8 million by 2030. Aligning with this growth, EV LAB, as the first multi-brand electric mobility platform in the region, is building a thriving network of EV businesses, experts, and enthusiasts, while offering advanced electric mobility solutions for land, air, and sea, including boats and surfboards, cars, scooters, and air taxis. Through the latest partnership, the company continues to push forward the transition to electric mobility within the UAE and across the Middle East through knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.
Adam Norris, CEO and Founder of Pure Electric, said: “Pure Electric was formed with the goal of revolutionising personal transport and preparing cities for future generations. Our latest collaboration with EV LAB is a step towards this vision and reinforces our commitment to advancing smarter, greener travel solutions. At Pure Electric, we believe people must begin making thoughtful mobility decisions, not only for practical reasons but also for the wellbeing of our cities and the environment.”
“This new partnership is also of great importance to me, as it comes at the same time my son, Lando, has secured his first Formula 1 World Championship title in Abu Dhabi. I am incredibly proud of these milestones, both as a father and business owner, and look forward to what lies ahead,” Norris added.
Pure Electric, since its founding in 2018, has quickly grown into eight nations owing to its clear vision, precision engineering, and a relentless commitment to delivering quality riding experiences. The company’s global momentum, paired with EV LAB’s regional leadership, opens the door to a new era of micromobility in the country.
Automotive
SONAX ACCELERATES DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH ACROSS GCC AND MIDDLE EAST WITH UAE DISTRIBUTOR RAMY AUTOMOTIVE
SONAX GmbH, the global leader in car care solutions, has recorded consistent double-digit growth across the GCC and wider Middle East region, averaging between 10% and 20% over the past five years. This sustained expansion underscores the company’s strong foothold in the region and its position as the number-one premium car care brand, reinforced by a 35-year partnership with its UAE distributor, RAMY Automotive.
Building on this success, SONAX will showcase its next-generation innovations at Automechanika Dubai 2025, where it will unveil two new additions to its Ceramic Coating line, CC Glass and CC Rim. These latest formulations highlight SONAX’s continuous investment in innovation, performance, and product excellence.
“Our continued double-digit growth underscores the strong trust and loyalty that SONAX has built among car enthusiasts and professionals across the UAE,” said Edwin Berberi, Senior Business Development Manager SONAX, GmbH. “At RAMY Automotive, we take pride in representing SONAX in the UAE and strengthening its legacy of excellence in car care. We are committed to further expanding our footprint while upholding the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction across the region.”
Founded in 1950 in Neuburg, Germany, SONAX has built its reputation on premium quality, continuous research, and technical advancement. Its comprehensive portfolio spans car, motorcycle, bicycle, and industrial care, from manual detailing to automated washing, offering both private and professional users products that meet the highest global standards.
The GCC is one of the fastest-growing markets for high-end vehicle maintenance, driven by discerning customers who own luxury cars and demand superior quality care. As such, SONAX has continued to attract both individual car enthusiasts and commercial clients seeking long-lasting protection and professional-grade efficiency.
“Automechanika Dubai provides the perfect platform to strengthen our connections with customers and partners while introducing our latest innovations tailored for regional needs,” added Berberi. “Our mission remains clear: to deliver premium, sustainable, and high-performance solutions that make every vehicle shine.”
SONAX’s advanced Ceramic Coating products have set industry benchmarks since the launch of Nano Paint Protect in 2006. Today, the brand leads with a complete portfolio that includes CC Vinyl+PPF and CC Plastic+Rubber, and now expands further with the 2026 innovations CC Glass and CC Rim.
As part of its environmental commitment, SONAX integrates sustainability across its operations and product development. The company is ISO 14001 certified for its environmental management system and participates in the Responsible Care initiative, ensuring continuous improvement in environmental, health, and safety standards. Most of its products are made with 99.75% natural ingredients, reflecting its dedication to creating environmentally conscious products without compromising performance.
With a strong partner network across the GCC and Middle East, SONAX is uniquely positioned to serve regional and international customers. Its cooperation with RAMY Automotive in the UAE has been a cornerstone of its regional strategy, ensuring that customers across all markets receive the same quality, service, and reliability synonymous with the SONAX brand.
Automotive
Emarat Showcases Emojet’s Aviation Fuel Leadership at Dubai Airshow 2025
Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), a pioneer in the UAE’s oil and gas industry, will highlight the strength of its aviation fuel business at Dubai Airshow 2025 through its aviation subsidiary, Emojet, one of the leading into-plane fuel service providers at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central). Emojet will host airline, airport and industry partners at Chalet A52 from 17–21 November 2025, between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM at Al Maktoum International Airport.
A key pillar of Emarat’s portfolio, aviation fuel is delivered through Emojet, which has proudly served the UAE’s world-leading aviation industry since 1992. Today, Emojet supplies aviation fuel to many of the world’s leading international airlines at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, delivering award-winning into-plane services built on safety, reliability and service excellence.
Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emarat, said, “Dubai Airshow is a natural platform for Emarat and Emojet. For more than three decades, we have been privileged to fuel the growth of the UAE’s aviation sector and support Dubai’s rise as a global hub for passengers and cargo. Through Emojet, we combine best-in-class infrastructure, rigorous safety and operational discipline with a partnership mindset that puts our customers’ network and growth ambitions at the centre. At Dubai Airshow 2025, we look forward to reinforcing our commitment to the aviation ecosystem and exploring new collaborations that will help shape the future of air connectivity in our region.”
At Dubai Airshow 2025, Emojet will focus on deepening existing relationships and building new partnerships with airlines, cargo operators, airports, and logistics players from across the region and beyond. This follows Emojet’s July 2024 agreement with Emirates SkyCargo to supply aviation fuel for the airline’s cargo operations at Al Maktoum International Airport – a model of the strategic collaborations the brand aims to replicate and expand during the show.
Salem Bin Suloom, Vice President – Aviation Sales at Emarat, said, “Emojet’s promise is simple – safe, reliable and efficient fueling, every time. Our customers operate in highly demanding environments, and they rely on us to deliver on-time performance, technical excellence and responsive service across every flight and every turnaround. At Dubai Airshow 2025, our focus is on listening to our partners, understanding their evolving operational needs and identifying new ways we can support them – whether through long-term supply agreements, expanded into-plane services, or new collaborations with airports and operators across the wider region. We warmly invite existing and prospective partners to visit us to discuss how Emojet can fuel their future plans.”
Emojet stands apart through its modern fleet of refuelling equipment, advanced control systems and highly trained operational teams. The company utilises the latest electronic data capture and interface systems to drive efficiency, accuracy and transparency, ensuring that its operations and equipment exceed mandated IATA standards.
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