Automotive
Emarat unveils GCC’s first EV Service Center at ‘Al Buhaira’ station in Al Barsha
Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), a pioneer in the UAE’s oil and gas industry, has opened its 158th service station with the launch of “Al Buhaira” in Barsha South, expanding Emarat’s presence in New Dubai and introducing the region’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle Service Center.
The EV Service Center is being launched in collaboration with EVS – Electric Vehicle Services LLC under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aligns EVS’s expertise in EV maintenance and diagnostics with Emarat’s Lube Express network and service standards. As outlined in the MoU, the collaboration will establish co-branded “EVS Express Service Bays” within designated Lube Express facilities, with EVS managing daily operations and Emarat providing the in-station footprint, utilities and customer-flow integration; a pilot phase will run at Barsha South (Dubai), Nahrawan (Dubai) and Muwafjah (Sharjah).
Reflecting Emarat’s new brand identity, Al Buhaira station has been designed as a high-convenience destination offering motorists and nearby residents fuel, fresh food, car care and everyday retail in a single, easily accessible location. Situated on Al Barsha South Street, the station operates 24 hours to serve residents, schools, clinics, last-mile fleets and commuter traffic across New Dubai.
H.E. Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emarat, said:“Al Buhaira marks two milestones for Emarat: a flagship addition to our New Dubai network and the GCC’s first Electric Vehicle Service Center. By partnering with EVS and integrating EV quick-service within our Lube Express model, we are extending Emarat’s promise of safety, quality and convenience to every driver—regular or electric—while supporting the UAE’s clean-mobility agenda.”
Al Buhaira station offers Special 95, Super 98, E-Plus 91 and Gas Oil, along with a Freshplus convenience store, Bakeria & Café Arabica, on-site car wash facilities, Lube Express, and a dedicated fast food offering that will open soon.
Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, Chief Retail Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing at Emarat, said:
“Our vision has always been to evolve alongside our customers—anticipating their needs and redefining convenience in every journey. This site embodies that vision, blending fast access, reliable car care, and quality food and retail into one seamless experience. The new EV Service Center takes it a step further, offering future-ready diagnostics and quick service for EV owners, delivered with the same HSE excellence and efficiency our customers trust. We’re growing ever closer to our community, enhancing how they move, connect, and experience Emarat every day.”
Saeed Aljunaibi, Founder & CEO of EVS – Electric Vehicle Services LLC, said: “This collaboration with Emarat represents more than a milestone, it’s the beginning of a new era for EV ownership. EVS is building a global network that makes electric mobility effortless, combining expertise, technology, and accessibility in one ecosystem. Our goal is simple: to become the world’s most trusted name for everything related to electric vehicles, where drivers find complete solutions no one else has yet achieved.”
The station is now open to the public. Further EV quick-service rollouts under the Emarat–EVS collaboration will be announced as new locations come online.
Automotive
2026 XPENG G6 PRO PERFORMANCE / AWD PERFORMANCE FIRST DRIVE REVIEW: THE SENSIBLE SPEEDSTER
Car Review by Integrator Media.
A clean, quick, long-range electric SUV that does not shout for attention, but quietly makes a very strong case for itself as one of the most rational performance EV choices in the UAE.
The XPENG G6 Pro Performance, listed locally as the G6 AWD Performance in UAE market sources, is not the loudest electric SUV in the room. It does not have the luxury-cocoon feel of a Zeekr 7X, and it does not carry the cheeky performance-brand theatre of the smart #5 Brabus. What it does have is a very UAE-friendly combination of price, performance, range, charging speed, cabin space, and technology.
In the UAE, XPENG launched the G6 through Gulf Star Motors, with local coverage listing the G6 lineup in three variants: Standard Range RWD, Long Range RWD, and Performance AWD. The Performance AWD sits at the top of the G6 range, with DubiCars listing it at AED 189,900 for the 2026 model year.
That makes the G6 Performance interesting before it even moves. For less than many traditional premium SUVs, it brings dual-motor all-wheel drive, 470 hp, 660 Nm, an 87.5 kWh battery, a claimed 550 km range, and a 0 – 100 km/h time of around 4.0 – 4.1 seconds depending on source.
Quick Take
Shiny Bits
The value equation is strong. At AED 189,900, the G6 AWD Performance undercuts several premium EV rivals while still offering serious performance, a large battery, all-wheel drive, long claimed range, and a long equipment list.
The powertrain is properly quick without feeling silly. UAE launch coverage lists 470 hp, 660 Nm, an 87.5 kWh battery, 550 km WLTP range, and 20-minute DC charging from 10% to 80%.
The cabin tech is generous. UAE coverage and listings point to a large central touchscreen, digital cluster, Xopera audio, heated and ventilated seats, dual wireless charging, V2L, 360-degree cameras, XPilot 2.5 Level 2 ADAS, park assist, and a feature set that feels closer to a tech product than a conventional SUV.
Rough edges
The official XPENG UAE G6 pages were unavailable during research, returning server errors, so the UAE-specific details for this draft were cross-checked through local UAE automotive sources rather than the live official model page.
The G6’s minimalist interior means many functions are screen-led. External review impressions suggest the system is responsive and feature-rich, but screen-based controls will not appeal to everyone, especially buyers who prefer physical buttons for climate and drive settings.
It is fast and secure, but not necessarily emotional. Brown Car Guy’s review describes the updated G6 AWD Performance as composed, mature, and confidence-inspiring, but also notes that driver engagement could still be sharper.
The Rational Performance EV
The XPENG G6 is the kind of electric SUV that makes more sense the longer you look at it. At first glance, it is a sleek coupe-style crossover with a clean front end, flush details, and a rounded body shape that clearly prioritises aero efficiency. It is not trying to be rugged, and it is not trying to look like a luxury limo on stilts.
That honesty works in its favour. The G6 looks like a modern EV built around range, space, and tech rather than fake exhaust drama or off-road cosplay. In UAE traffic, where EVs now range from tiny city cars to six-figure luxury flagships, the XPENG lands in the useful middle: futuristic enough to feel new, but not so flashy that it becomes the whole conversation.
Its dimensions help too. DubiCars lists the G6 at 4,753 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,650 mm tall, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase and 571 litres of boot space.2 That gives it useful family-SUV proportions without pushing it into the bulkier, harder-to-park class.

Performance: Quick Without The Drama
The G6 AWD Performance has the numbers buyers want to see. UAE launch coverage lists 470 hp, 660 Nm, all-wheel drive, and 0 – 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the UAE listing page quotes 4.0 seconds. Either way, this is very quick for a five-seat electric SUV at this price point.
What makes the G6 more interesting is how it uses that performance. External review impressions of the updated AWD Performance praise the car’s maturity more than its shock value. Brown Car Guy describes it as composed, quick, and surprisingly mature, with steering that tightens convincingly in Sport mode and a secure, neutral feel rather than a tail-happy character.
That is exactly the right personality for UAE use. A fast EV here needs to be calm at highway speeds, confident during sudden gaps in traffic, and comfortable enough for long inter-emirate drives. The G6 seems to prioritise confidence over theatrics, which may not sound exciting on paper, but feels very smart in real life.
It is not a sports SUV in the traditional sense. It is more like a very well-sorted electric appliance that happens to be extremely quick. And in daily driving, that might be the better formula.
Range And Charging: The Main Event
The Performance AWD gets an 87.5 kWh battery in UAE launch coverage and is listed with 550 km WLTP range. DubiCars’ UAE listing also shows 550 km battery range for the AWD Performance. That gives it enough claimed range to cover normal commuting, weekend plans, and longer UAE routes without making charging the centre of every journey.
Charging is just as important. UAE launch coverage lists 20 minutes for DC charging from 10% to 80% and states that the G6 uses XPENG’s SEPA 2.0 platform with 800-volt architecture. This is one of the most important points about the car, because quick charging can make a mid-priced EV feel far more premium in actual ownership.
Home charging will still be the easiest setup for most buyers. But for apartment residents, office chargers, and longer routes, the G6’s charging capability gives it a major practical advantage. A long claimed range is reassuring; a fast top-up is what saves the day when plans change.
Cabin: Minimalist, Spacious, And Tech-First
The G6 cabin follows the modern EV playbook: clean dashboard, large central screen, digital cluster, lots of software, and fewer physical buttons than traditional buyers may expect. UAE launch coverage lists a 15-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch instrument cluster, Xopera 18-speaker audio, dual-zone climate control, powered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, V2L, and dual wireless phone charging.
The equipment list is impressive, especially at this price. DubiCars’ UAE listing also includes features such as a head-up display, 360-degree camera, panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, air purifier, ambient lighting, wireless charger, massaging seats, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a manufacturer warranty listed at 7 years or 160,000 km.
The cabin’s best trick is that it feels designed around actual use. The long wheelbase helps rear-seat space, the 571-litre boot is practical, and the high level of comfort kit suits the UAE climate well. Ventilated seats, rear AC vents, air purification, and remote-friendly EV tech are not just luxuries here. They are everyday quality-of-life features.
The caveat is usability. External review impressions praise the screen as responsive and feature-rich, but also note that screen-heavy controls will not work for everyone.3 In a UAE summer, quick climate access matters. A beautiful interface is only useful if it lets you do basic things quickly.
Technology And Safety: More Than Just A Big Screen
XPENG has built much of its brand around technology, and the G6 reflects that. UAE launch coverage lists XPilot 2.5 Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree cameras, park assist, seven airbags, V2L, dual wireless charging, and a premium audio setup.
The local listing adds blind-spot detection, lane-departure alert, ISOFIX, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist, traction control, stability control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, auto high beam, tyre-pressure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and self-steering parking.
Brown Car Guy’s review also points to a broader tech experience, including OTA support, an advanced voice assistant that can recognise which seat issued a command, intelligent parking, adaptive cruise, driver monitoring, and a digital rear-view mirror that helps compensate for the shallow rear window.
That makes the G6 feel less like a car with a screen and more like a software-defined SUV. The good news is that the technology appears useful rather than purely decorative. The only question is whether every buyer wants this much of the car routed through menus, voice commands, and digital settings.
Final First Impressions
The XPENG G6 Pro Performance / AWD Performance may be the most quietly convincing of this new wave of UAE electric SUVs. It does not rely on badge nostalgia or theatrical design. Instead, it delivers a strong set of numbers, a sensible price, a spacious cabin, fast charging, and proper everyday usability.
Its personality is mature rather than playful. That might sound like faint praise, but it is actually the G6’s biggest strength. A quick EV is easy to build. A quick EV that feels composed, comfortable, efficient, and usable every day is much harder.
For UAE buyers who want performance without showing off, range without overspending, and technology without stepping into luxury-brand pricing, the G6 Pro Performance / AWD Performance looks like a serious contender. It is not the emotional choice in this segment. It is the clever one.
FAQ
How much is the XPENG G6 Pro Performance / AWD Performance in the UAE?
DubiCars lists the 2026 XPENG G6 AWD Performance at AED 189,900 in the UAE.
What is the range of the XPENG G6 Pro Performance / AWD Performance?
UAE launch coverage and local listing data both show the Performance AWD with a claimed 550 km range.
How fast is the XPENG G6 Pro Performance / AWD Performance?
UAE launch coverage lists 0 – 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the UAE listing page quotes 4.0 seconds.
What battery does the XPENG G6 Pro Performance / AWD Performance use?
UAE launch coverage lists an 87.5 kWh battery for the Performance AWD variant.
How quickly can the XPENG G6 charge?
DubiCars’ UAE launch coverage lists 20 minutes for DC charging from 10% to 80% and states that the G6 uses an 800-volt architecture.
Is the XPENG G6 AWD Performance practical?
Yes. The UAE listing shows five seats, a 571-litre boot, a 2,890 mm wheelbase, and a strong equipment list including ventilated seats, rear AC vents, 360-degree cameras, dual wireless charging, and driver-assistance features.
What should UAE buyers check before buying?
Buyers should confirm the final UAE specification with the local dealer, test the screen-based controls, check home or workplace charging options, and compare warranty, service, and software-support terms directly with Gulf Star Motors before purchase.
Automotive
XPENG Reveals the Future of AI Mobility at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show
XPENG, a leading AI-driven mobility company, recently hosted an exclusive delegation of regional strategic partners on a comprehensive visit to China, culminating in the highly anticipated global reveal of its new flagship SUV, the XPENG GX, at the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition (Auto China 2026). The visit comes as the UAE solidifies its position as the largest electric vehicle market in the GCC, making XPENG’s presence in the region more strategically significant than ever.
This immersive programme offered an unprecedented look into XPENG’s “Physical AI” ecosystem. It comes at a time for the region where consumer interest in EVs in the UAE surged by 24% in early April alone, while Chinese brands now account for 67% of all EVs sold in the country. Across the broader GCC, EV penetration has doubled in just twelve months, making XPENG’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, tech-enabled mobility solutions to the Middle East more relevant than ever.
The programme commenced at XPENG’s global headquarters in Guangzhou, providing the delegation with a deep dive into the brand’s scale, innovation, and future-forward vision. The visit included XPENG’s flagship showrooms, which feature fully digital customer journeys and seamless, tech-enabled touchpoints designed to elevate the modern retail experience. This commitment to innovation extends deep into the company’s operations, with the strong integration of artificial intelligence across daily functions enhancing both back-end efficiency and front-end customer engagement.
A key highlight of the Guangzhou visit was the exploration of XPENG’s highly advanced smart manufacturing facility. The facility demonstrated significant levels of automation, showcasing optimised human involvement working in tandem with cutting-edge robotics and production systems to achieve remarkable operational efficiency and production scale.
The programme also provided an exclusive look into XPENG’s broader technological ambitions beyond traditional automotive manufacturing. The delegation was granted insight into the company’s advanced robotics programme, featuring the latest humanoid robot, “IRON,” which reflects rapid progress in AI and intelligent systems.
Furthermore, a preview of XPENG’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” flying car initiative showcased the next generation of mobility, with a strong focus on safety, engineering, and revolutionary innovation. This aligns directly with the region’s own ambitions – Dubai has unveiled its first commercial vertiport and is targeting 25% autonomous transportation by 2030, while the UAE’s aviation regulator is on track to certify air taxis by Q3 2026. The appetite for this technology is already evident, with XPENG AEROHT (now rebranded as ARIDGE) having secured 600 pre-orders for its Land Aircraft Carrier from the Middle East – the largest overseas bulk order in the flying car sector to date.
The programme concluded in Beijing for the Beijing Motor Show, where XPENG Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng led the global reveal of the new GX, capturing strong attention on a global stage. The GX stands out as a technological landmark, featuring a refined interior and XPENG’s latest Vision-Language-Action (VLA) 2.0 system. The delegation also received first-hand demonstrations of XPENG’s autonomous driving capabilities, with the system showcasing advanced navigation, rapid traffic response, and self-parking, delivering a seamless point-to-point experience fully integrated into real-world environments.
“Experiencing XPENG’s ‘Physical AI’ ecosystem firsthand in Guangzhou and Beijing clearly demonstrates why we are positioned at the forefront of global mobility,” said Tarek Bedran, Brand Manager UAE, XPENG. “From the highly automated manufacturing floors and the development of the IRON robot to the global reveal of the GX at the Beijing Auto Show, the level of innovation is remarkable. With EV adoption accelerating rapidly across the GCC, and cities like Dubai pioneering autonomous and aerial transport, we are excited to bring this seamless, tech-enabled experience to our communities in the UAE. We are offering our customers not just a vehicle, but a fully integrated, intelligent mobility solution.”
Broader exploration of the Beijing Motor Show, which featured multiple global OEMs and new product launches, provided clear competitive context. XPENG’s GX stood out strongly in design, technology, and overall value proposition.
The comprehensive China programme reinforced confidence in XPENG’s global positioning and highlighted exactly why leading strategic partners continue to place strong trust in the company’s long-term vision and innovation roadmap.
Automotive
MAJORITY OF AUTO DEALERS TURN TO DATA AND DIGITISATION TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL, SALES AND SERVICE OFFERINGS
A huge majority of automotive dealers in the Middle East are now focusing on adapting data and digitisation to reinforce operational, sales and service offering efficiencies and to stay ahead of an increasingly competitive automotive retail market.
According to Keyloop, a leading provider of automotive retail solutions, growing vehicle sales volume targets and rising customer expectations are putting pressure on traditional automotive retail models. For this reason, 94% of automotive dealers in the region are now turning to data and digitisation for solutions.
“Fragmented systems, manual processes and limited data visibility are affecting dealer performance in the region. As sales volumes, brand portfolios and customer touchpoints increase, dealers across the region are facing growing pressure to modernise internal operations to maintain efficiency and service standards,” said Monzer Tohme, Managing Director, MEA & APAC, Keyloop. “Despite dealer operations becoming more complex, many organisations are still relying on outdated systems that limit visibility and hinder decision‑making.”

Tohme added that these dealerships operate across multiple disconnected platforms spanning sales, finance and aftersales, with manual processes and data silos that hinder efficiency. These challenges have a measurable business impact, with industry data showing that dealers lose up to 37 percent of online leads due to missed or delayed follow‑up, while only 1 percent of consumers describe the car‑buying experience as ideal. Additionally, 45 percent of customers are willing to switch car brands due to poor aftersales service. As such, addressing operational inefficiencies has become a priority for maintaining performance and customer confidence in an increasingly competitive market.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia registered sales growth rates of 19.1 percent and 6.6 percent respectively in 2024, making them among the fastest growing automotive markets in the world. That year, the two markets also sold a combined 1.16 million new vehicles and are worth over USD 80 billion. This growth is supported by rising consumer demand and long‑term government investment in mobility and electrification.
“There is a growing consensus among dealers that improved use of data and digital tools is crucial for strengthening operational efficiency,” Tohme explained. “As such, there is a need for clearer, real‑time visibility across sales, finance and aftersales workflows, as well as more consistent use of customer and vehicle data to support faster decisions and reduce manual intervention.”
Keyloop has noted that many dealers across the region are reassessing how data flows through their businesses as volumes rise, brand portfolios expand and regulatory requirements become more demanding.
Furthermore, there are several wider industry dynamics that are contributing to the operational pressures facing automotive retailers. These include rapid entry of new brands and business models, accelerating penetration of electric vehicles, with the UAE leading the GCC at 6 percent, and increasing policy and regulatory expectations around data governance, reporting and customer transparency. These reinforce the need for more resilient and adaptable internal processes for dealers as the regional automotive landscape continues to evolve.
“What we’re seeing across the region is a clear shift in priorities, as dealers recognise that improving operational efficiency is no longer about incremental gains, but about building the foundations needed to operate at scale,” Tohme said. “In a rapidly evolving industry, the ability to access and act on reliable data across the entire vehicle ownership cycle has become central to the business performance of dealers.”
As the region experiences strong sales growth, rapid electrification and changing government policies, effective use of data and digitisation will play an increasingly important role in how dealers can meet the market’s needs, he concluded.
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