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
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.
Automotive
BALANCING TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY: THE NEXT GENERATION TRANSFORMING AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOPS
PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) today unveils new research exploring how independent automotive workshops and service businesses across EMEA are navigating the balance between tradition and technology. Based on insights from 800 workshop owners in Benelux, France, Germany, Poland, Turkey, Italy, the UAE, and Iberia, the findings reveal the sector is at a pivotal moment.
Nearly all workshop owners believe that protecting their reputation and values, as part of a family or community tradition, is paramount. This sense of legacy is particularly strong in Turkey (96%), the UAE (96%), and Iberia (95%.) The findings reveal a deep emotional connection among the next generation and new mechanics entering the industry, who are committed to preserving the skills and standards of their predecessors. Whilst at the same time, demonstrating the powerful blend of tradition and innovation which drives the sector.
The research, commissioned by PLI, reveals that owners are also acutely aware of the need to stay up to date with today’s technological advancements. This is where the energy and talent of younger generations become truly invaluable. Their passion for innovation and natural fluency with digital tools can transform what might seem like a challenge into an exciting new chapter for the industry. By actively investing in young talent and embracing their fresh perspectives, workshops can become vibrant hubs of progress, bridging digital and technological gaps, and leading the way in both the digital and green transitions shaping the automotive sector.
Nearly three in five (59%) owners report their workshop is seen as a trusted service provider locally but tradition alone isn’t enough to secure the future. With the industry changing fast, almost half (49%) of workshop owners say their biggest challenge is keeping up with new technologies. From electric and hybrid vehicles to digital systems and advanced diagnostics, the pressure to modernize is real. It’s also compounded by the struggle to find and train skilled staff, an issue flagged by nearly half of respondents (40%). For younger professionals entering the industry, this gap represents an opportunity to carve out a future in a sector hungry for fresh talent and innovation. Embracing the tech savviness and adaptability of younger workshop owners not only bridges existing gaps but also opens doors for further training and job opportunities, empowering workshops to evolve, driving a better future for all.
Despite the challenges of staffing, there’s a strong sense of optimism in the sector. Owners are determined to blend the best of the past with the demands of the future. More than a third (35%) say that putting the customer first remains their top priority, even as they navigate new territory. They’re finding ways to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring their workshops stay relevant and resilient.
“Independent workshops are the backbone of the automotive industry, and their ability to evolve by bringing in younger generations is inspiring. The research that PLI has commissioned shows that while heritage and trust remain at the heart of these businesses, owners are embracing innovation, from electric vehicles to digital tools and sustainable practices. At PLI, we’re committed to supporting this transformation by providing solutions that help workshops stay competitive, relevant, and true to their values.” said Giuseppe Pedretti, Regional Managing Director EMEA, PETRONAS Lubricants International
Sustainability is a defining theme for the sector, with nearly nine in ten (88%) workshop owners considering it essential in daily operations and customer communications. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, integrating sustainable practices is crucial for long-term growth, reputation, and alignment with global goals. Accelerating this transition requires investing in younger workshop owners, who bring fresh perspectives, digital expertise, and enthusiasm for innovation, supported by targeted training.
Empowering the next generation goes beyond adapting to change; it ignites a shared passion for the future and ensures workshops remain central to a dynamic, evolving industry. As the automotive landscape transforms, PLI stands as a trusted partner, offering solutions that reflect the values and ambitions of both established owners and emerging talent, driving real-world success.
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