Automotive
Chery Debuts First-Ever TIGGO 9 in UAE and MENA Markets

Chery UAE, in partnership with AW Rostamani Group, has launched the TIGGO 9, Chery’s flagship SUV and the largest vehicle in the TIGGO line-up. This model sets a new benchmark for elegance, safety, and performance, catering to SUV customers in the UAE and MENA markets.
With its refined design, high-performance engineering, and thoughtful craftsmanship, the TIGGO 9 enters a highly competitive segment with the goal of delivering a vehicle that not only offers a sophisticated experience but also promises lasting value for modern drivers.
As the first generation of the model, the TIGGO 9 is specifically designed to meet the growing demand for premium, powerful SUVs in the UAE market. This launch marks a significant milestone for Chery, as it expands its footprint in the UAE and MENA region with a vehicle that combines performance, elegance, and durability in one comprehensive package.

The TIGGO 9 launch event took place at the Bluewaters Forum at Banyan Tree Bluewaters Island, where senior representatives from Chery Global and AW Rostamani Group, media representatives from the UAE and MENA, and regional distributors attended the event, underscoring the importance of this debut for both the UAE and the broader region. This event highlights Chery’s strategic focus on the UAE and MENA markets, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s expansion and its commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-end SUVs in the region.
Commenting on the launch, Michel Ayat, CEO of AW Rostamani Automotive Group, emphasized the growing presence of Chinese automotive brands in the UAE: “Our partnership with Chery represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s automotive evolution. Today Chery Global has sold more than 15 million vehicles worldwide. The TIGGO 9 exemplifies this progress, as demand for Chinese vehicles in the region continues to rise. With their competitive prices, innovative features, and growing appeal among car enthusiasts, Chinese car brands have captured more than 12% of the UAE market in 2024 — up from just 4-5% in previous years. Our collaboration ensures that we continue to offer the very best in performance and luxury, redefining what consumers expect from today’s vehicles.”

He continued: “AW Rostamani’s legacy of quality, trust, and customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with Chery’s innovative approach, ensuring that our customers experience the best in automotive excellence. The TIGGO 9 is not just a car but a statement of sophistication, elegance, performance, technology, and safety.”
Zaher Sabbagh, Director of Chery UAE, added: “With the launch of the TIGGO 9, we are introducing a model that redefines expectations for an SUV. As the largest model in the TIGGO lineup, it combines enduring design, high-end technology, and reliable performance to cater to UAE drivers looking for a vehicle that balances elegance with strength. This milestone reaffirms Chery’s dedication to delivering premium products and sophisticated driving experiences to the UAE and regional markets.”
Sabbagh continued: “The UAE stands at the heart of this launch, marking a proud moment for us as the country remains a vital market for luxurious, high-performance SUVs. The TIGGO 9’s debut here is a testament to our commitment to the MENA market and its evolving automotive preferences.”
Crafted for Pure Elegance
The Chery TIGGO 9 is the brand’s most ambitious SUV, fully embodying the philosophy of “Conquer with You, Guard for Love.” Its bionic-inspired design, featuring the iconic Tiger Eyebrow Bow, Sharp Teeth accents, and diamond-accented grille, radiates both strength and elegance. The rear diamond-shaped taillights and tiger-stripe fog light frames further elevate its commanding presence on the road.
Inside, the TIGGO 9 prioritizes luxurious comfort and cutting-edge technology. The 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, equipped with lumbar support, memory settings, ventilation, heating, and massage functions, ensures a premium driving experience. Advanced features like a 540-degree HD camera system, voice control, and a hybrid 3DHT powertrain provide a dynamic, eco-conscious driving experience. The 14-speaker surround sound system, with integrated headrest speakers, delivers an immersive audio experience that enhances every journey. Additionally, the auto-folding rear seats offer practicality, transforming the cabin to provide a spacious 2.08m² bed when the backrests are folded down. This seamless transformation ensures flexibility for both passengers and cargo.
Safety is a key feature of the TIGGO 9, which boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, 13 ADAS systems (including lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control), and 10 airbags. Its reinforced steel frame provides maximum protection, while intelligent voice control and adaptive cruise control enhance the driving experience. The SUV’s exterior and interior technology combine to offer an unparalleled level of convenience and security.
This SUV excels in user experience with its 15.6” 2.5K HD touchscreen and heads-up display, offering essential information to drivers without distractions. These features, along with the headrest speakers, foldable rear seats, and a strong focus on comfort, safety, and innovation, make the TIGGO 9 a standout option for those seeking luxury, performance, and peace of mind on the road.
The debut of the TIGGO 9 is part of Chery’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the UAE. With the opening of its showrooms in Sharjah and Dubai, Chery is also expanding in Abu Dhabi with the Sh. Rashid Bin Saeed showroom and the Mussafah service center. This move makes a clear statement about the brand’s long-term intentions in the region. The TIGGO 9 is more than just a car; it represents Chery’s growing role in the MENA automotive market, catering to the evolving demands of local consumers for reliable, high-performance vehicles.
Automotive
VOYAH Free Brings Premium Luxury EREV Design to the Emirates

VOYAH has entered the UAE with a clear ambition: to redefine modern mobility for the Emirates. Distributed exclusively by Performance Plus Motors, a homegrown mobility enabler founded in 2021, the brand brings together premium design, advanced technology and sustainable performance. More than a new automotive marque, VOYAH UAE positions itself as both a luxury EV player and a sustainability partner, aligning closely with the UAE’s vision for smart, technology-driven progress.
The brand’s design philosophy is shaped by cultural heritage and harmony with nature. At its heart lies the Kunpeng, a mythical creature from Daoist tradition that symbolises limitless ambition and the pursuit of greatness. This inspiration is reflected in VOYAH’s winged logo and in the flowing light signatures across its vehicles. The result is a design language that blends elegance, balance and innovation, uniting craftsmanship with advanced technology to create a holistic identity for the UAE market.

Leading the charge is the VOYAH Free, an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) that embodies the promise of sustainable luxury. With a pure electric range tailored for daily commutes, the Free engages a compact petrol engine only when needed to recharge the battery on longer journeys. Drivers, therefore, enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without being restricted by charging availability, a particularly relevant solution in the Emirates, where infrastructure is developing. By delivering electric-first performance with the reassurance of extended range, the Free removes barriers to adoption and supports the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, including the national target for half of all vehicles on the road to be hybrid or electric by mid-century.
Inside, the Free offers a distinctly premium experience. Its cabin features sustainable materials and a tri-screen digital cockpit that pairs next-generation technology with refined design. The spacious layout creates first-class comfort, ensuring that every journey feels both immersive and elegant. Ownership is enhanced with complimentary 1-year car insurance, registration, tinting, and a home wall box charger with installation. Confidence continues long term through 5 years or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, 8 years or 150,000 km battery warranty and 3 years or 60,000 km service contract. Combined with expert after-sales care and customer education, these measures provide an ownership experience that is seamless and reassuring.

VOYAH UAE also seeks to inspire a wider shift towards sustainability in everyday life. Each Free model contributes to reducing transport-related emissions and encourages greener choices among consumers. Intelligent battery management, AI-enabled mobility, advanced safety systems and seamless connectivity all demonstrate how innovation, luxury and responsibility can progress together.
Through the Free model, VOYAH UAE and Performance Plus Motors are introducing more than a car to the Emirates – they are setting new standards for premium mobility. By combining cultural inspiration, extended-range electric innovation and uncompromising craftsmanship, VOYAH presents a vision that is both practical for today and transformative for the journeys of tomorrow.
Automotive
Metadome.ai launches AI Virtual Sales Assistant with Jameel Motors Egypt

Metadome.ai, in collaboration with Jameel Motors Egypt, one of the country’s most prominent automotive distributors, has launched an AI-assisted virtual sales assistant designed to support the entire customer journey — both pre-sales and post-sales.
Jameel Motors, a key player in Egypt’s automotive market, brings decades of expertise in the mobility sector and a reputation for representing some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands. Its expansive sales and after-sales network position the company as a trusted name in delivering customer-centric innovation.
As a collaboration between two leading technology innovators, Jameel Motors Egypt is stepping into the future of customer engagement by bringing the power of AI to the showroom floor and beyond. Developed by Metadome.ai, the newly launched virtual assistant provides customers with round-the-clock, real-time support across all digital touchpoints. Whether learning about car models, comparing features, booking test drives, or tracking vehicle delivery, the assistant acts as a knowledgeable and responsive digital partner throughout the pre-sales experience.
More than just a sales tool, the assistant also supports post-sales services. Customers can authenticate themselves, book maintenance appointments, access previous service records, receive live maintenance updates, activate warranties, locate service centers, and request spare parts and accessories. It also delivers automated maintenance reminders and other services that’s helping streamline after-sales support while keeping customers fully informed and connected.
“At Metadome.ai, we’re driven by one simple idea—technology should feel intuitive, human, and helpful. That’s exactly what we aimed for with this product. By combining Jameel Motors deep automotive expertise with our conversational AI capabilities and tech backbone, we’ve created an experience that feels less like a bot—and more like a knowledgeable, always-available assistant,” said Shorya Mahajan, Co-founder and COO of Metadome.ai
The assistant is already live at select Jameel Motors digital touchpoints, with early feedback indicating stronger online engagement, faster response cycles, and increased customer satisfaction.
Tarek Abdullatif, Regional Director Jameel Motors Egypt, stated: “We’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can transform industries. This assistant is more than a chatbot it’s a smart, responsive designed to meet the needs of today’s connected customer.”
He added, “In the coming months, the virtual assistant solution will roll out across Jameel Motors entire network, in Egypt as part of the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric service.
Automotive
INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ACCELERATES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 1,000TH VEHICLE DELIVERED AND MAJOR REGIONAL EXPANSION

INEOS Automotive has hit a major milestone in the Middle East, delivering its 1,000th Grenadier 4X4 – just over two years after launching in the region. The rugged British-designed off-roader has quickly gained traction with adventurers, professionals, and off-road enthusiasts alike.
REGIONAL INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION

Building on its fast-growing global footprint, INEOS Automotive is making a bold move and expanding operations across the Middle East and Africa. Leading this next chapter is the newly appointed Head of Region, Dan Balmer – a highly accomplished executive with a CV that spans top roles at BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Rolls-Royce.
Balmer will be based in INEOS Automotive’s brand-new regional headquarters in the Arenco Tower in Dubai’s Media City, where a growing team – including relocated staff from the UK – will drive sales, marketing, aftersales, and the dealer network.
With a strong existing footprint across six countries and seven dealer sites, the company is now gearing up to expand further across the GCC and break into new Middle Eastern and African markets. “The 1,000th Grenadier delivery signifies that drivers across the region are embracing what we’ve built,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “We’re backing that enthusiasm with serious investment: a new regional HQ, a growing team, and an exciting leader in Dan Balmer, who’s ready to take things to the next level.”

INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT AT THE HELM
Newly appointed regional chief, Dan Balmer, brings deep global expertise and local insight to the role. Having previously led teams in major markets for some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, he’s now focused on growing INEOS Automotive’s presence and partnerships throughout the region.
“Hitting this milestone delivery is just the beginning,” said Balmer. “The Middle East and Africa offer huge potential, and I’m thrilled to lead our efforts here – from expanding into new markets to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
Balmer started his automotive career as an apprentice design technician, and progressed through the ranks at BMW and Rolls-Royce. His first regional leadership appointment was as General Manager Asia Pacific for Rolls-Royce from 2012. Joining Aston Martin in 2014, Balmer led several regional offices, latterly as President of UK, Middle East & Africa. And at Lotus from 2021, he saw success as President and CEO of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and most recently held the position of President and CEO of Lotus Cars Europe.
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