The automobile industry is one of the largest industries in the world by revenue. It is also one of the earliest industries to be established in the world, beginning as early as 1898. However, in China, the first automotive roots were only established in the 1950s.
Despite this, only the wealthy were able to own a car for the first three decades and the general population still relied on bicycles and horse-drawn carriages until the late 80s and even through the 90s. However, the Chinese auto industry saw immense growth in the 90s and through the first decade of this century.
In 2008, China was named the largest producer of automobiles in the world. Since then, Chinese car manufacturers have been on a rapid expansion spree and are currently found in almost all corners of the world. In the UAE too, Chinese car manufacturers are slowly but surely finding acceptance and admiration.
In general, Chinese cars are less expensive when compared to their immediate competitors. Initially, buyers were skeptical of the quality. However, the quality issues no longer exist and Chinese cars are now made to a high standard. Here is a list of the Top 10 Chinese car manufacturers in the UAE and the products they sell:
10. GAC Motor
GAC Motor is a Chinese car manufacturer established in 2008. However, it was in 2013 that it first ventured into foreign markets. It is owned by the GAC Group and its name is basically an acronym for Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. The GAC Group owns several other brands including Trumpchi, Aion, Hycan, Changfeng Motor, and Gonow.
GAC has also partnered with several well-known car manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, Hino, BYD, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Peugeot, Fiat, etc. In the UAE, GAC has partnered with Gargash Motors & General Trading, giving Gargash exclusive distribution rights to GAC cars in the UAE.
Sedans sold by GAC in the UAE:
MPVs sold by GAC in the UAE:
SUVs sold by GAC in the UAE:
- GS3 EMZoom
- EMK00
- EMK00 Hybrid
- EMPow
- GS8
Recently, GAC launched the GAC M8 MPV in the UAE — here are all the details.
Find used GAC cars for sale in the UAE and new GAC cars for sale in the UAE.
9. Geely
Geely is one of the largest car manufacturers in China. The entire name is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd and is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The Geely Group has several automotive brands under its umbrella. This includes Volvo, Smart Automobile, Lynk & Co, Lotus cars, Polestar, Maple, etc.
In the UAE, Geely has partnered with Union Motors and the brand currently sells only three models in the country.
Sedans sold by Geely in the UAE:
- Preface
- Emgrand
SUVs sold by Geely in the UAE:
EVs sold by Geely in the UAE
Here is our detailed review of the Geely Preface
Find used Geely cars for sale in the UAE and new Geely cars for sale in the UAE.
8. BAIC Motor
Headquartered in Beijing, BAIC is one of the well-known Chinese car manufacturers. BAIC Motor is quickly gaining popularity across several countries in the middle east. It was founded in 2010 as a sub-brand of the BAIC Group. BAIC is a state-owned brand and is currently the sixth-largest car maker in China.
In the UAE, BAIC has partnered with the Marwan Alshaali Group, giving them exclusive rights for retailing BAIC cars. Some of the BAIC SUVs are much-loved in the UAE and this especially applies to the BAIC BJ80.
SUVs sold by BAIC in the UAE:
- BJ80
- BJ60
- BJ40 C
- BJ40 SE
- F40
- X7
- X55 II
- X35
- U5 Plus
Find new BAIC cars for sale in the UAE and used BAIC cars for sale in the UAE.
7. Haval
Haval was formed in 2013 and is known for its SUVs. So far, Haval has only manufactured SUVs and nothing else and going by its future plans, Haval intends to remain an SUV-only brand.
Haval is owned by Great Wall Motors and is currently present in several countries in different corners of the world including the likes of Australia, Argentina, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the USA, Iraq, Iran, etc.
In the UAE, Haval established its first dealership back in 2016 partnering with the Al Naboodah Group.
SUVs sold by Haval in the UAE:
- Jolion Pro
- Dargo
- H6
- H6 GT
- H6 Hybrid
- H9
Find used Haval cars for sale in the UAE and new Haval cars for sale in the UAE.
6. Changan
Changan is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing. It is claimed that the brand was established in 1862. However, the first automobile was only produced almost a hundred years later, in 1959. Like many other Chinese car manufacturers, Changan has dedicated itself to the manufacturing of electric vehicles for the future.
Changan retails quite a few vehicles in the UAE and most of them are SUVs.
Sedans sold by Changan in the UAE:
SUVs sold by Changan in the UAE:
Read our detailed review of the Changan UNI-K in this linked article.
Find new Changan cars for sale in the UAE and used Changan cars for sale in the UAE.
5. Jetour
Jetour is one of the several sub-brands under Chery Automobile Co Ltd. It is the ninth-largest car manufacturer in China and Chery was formed in 1997. Jetour on the other hand was created in recent years. Jetour is a brand dedicated to crossovers and SUVs. Notably, the name Jetour was derived from the two words ‘Jet’ and ‘Tour.’
In the UAE, Jetour has partnered with The Elite Cars for exclusive distribution rights. As aforementioned, Jetour is an SUV-only brand and currently retails several SUVs in the UAE.
SUVs sold by Jetour in the UAE:
- T2 — read our detailed review of the Jetour T2 in this linked article.
- Dashing — here is a Dashing review of the SUV.
- X70 FL
- X70 Plus
- X90 Plus
Find used Jetour cars for sale in the UAE and new Jetour cars for sale in the UAE.
4. Exeed
Exeed is a premium Chinese car brand focusing on luxury, innovation, and advanced technology. They are another brand that is part of the Chery Automotive group. It offers a range of high-performance SUVs, featuring cutting-edge smart features, fuel efficiency, and elegant styling.
Exeed entered the UAE market in 2023 through a partnership with Al Ghurair Motors. It launched flagship showrooms, offering models like the TXL, RX, VX, and LX. The brand plans further expansion, including introducing hybrid and electric vehicles to align with the UAE’s sustainability goals.
SUVs sold by Exeed in the UAE
- LX
- TXL
- VX
- RX — read the Exeed RX review in this linked article.
Find used Exeed cars for sale in the UAE and new Exeed cars for sale in the UAE.
3. Hongqi
Often referred to as the Chinese Rolls-Royce, Hongqi is known for producing some of the most luxurious cars in the world. In Chinese, Hongqi means Red flag and this is no coincidence. It was originally designed and produced only for high-ranking officials in the Chinese government.
In fact, the president of China, Xi Jinping is chauffeured around in a Hongqi L5.
Hongqi actually went out of production in 1981 but was revived about a decade later. In the UAE, Hongqi is exclusively distributed by ALTAWKILAT. Hongqi even launched a members club in the UAE for its patrons.
Sedans sold by Hongqi in the UAE:
SUVs sold by Hongqi in the UAE:
EVs sold by Hongqi in the UAE:
Find used Hongqi cars in the UAE and new Hongqi cars in the UAE.
2. Chery
Chery is a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer known for its focus on innovation, affordability, and sustainability. Established in 1997, the company has become a global player with strong expertise in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies.
Chery entered the UAE market through a strategic partnership with AW Rostamani Group. Chery has introduced several models blending advanced technology and premium features tailored for UAE customers.
SUVs sold by Chery in the UAE
- Tiggo 4 Pro
- Tiggo 7 Pro Max
- Tiggo 8 Pro Max
- Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid
Find used Chery cars for sale in the UAE and new Chery cars for sale in the UAE.
1. BYD
An acronym for ‘Build Your Dreams,’ BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD Company based in China. BYD solely focuses on electric mobility and with the added emphasis on e-mobility in the UAE, fits in perfectly. It is without a doubt that we can say, BYD makes the best-looking cars compared to all other Chinese brands.
Alongside manufacturing electric cars, BYD also makes modern buses and trucks. In 2022, BYD announced that it had become the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles in the world, beating even Tesla. BYD ended up selling more than a million EVs in 2022.
Sedans sold by BYD in UAE
SUVs sold by BYD in UAE
Find used BYD cars for sale in the UAE and new BYD cars for sale in the UAE.
Honorary Mentions
1. XPeng
XPeng Motors is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer specialising in smart, high-tech EVs. Founded in 2014, it focuses on autonomous driving, advanced connectivity, and energy efficiency. XPeng’s flagship models, like the P7 and G9, are designed to compete globally, particularly in the premium EV market.
XPeng has partnered with Ali & Sons Holding LLC, a prominent UAE-based distributor. This collaboration has enabled XPeng to launch its G6 and G9 electric vehicles in the UAE, marking its official entry into the region.
SUVs sold by XPeng in the UAE
- G6
- G9
MPVs sold by XPeng in the UAE
- X9
Find used XPeng cars for sale in the UAE and new XPeng cars for sale in the UAE.
2. MG
MG (Morris Garages) is a historic British automobile brand that is now owned by China’s SAIC Motor Corporation. Known for its blend of European design and advanced technology, MG offers a diverse lineup, including compact sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles, designed to cater to global markets with affordability and quality.
MG has established a robust presence in the UAE through Inter Emirates Motors (IEM), its authorized distributor. The brand offers a range of models, including EVs like the MG4 and MG ZS EV, alongside gasoline-powered SUVs and sedans. MG prioritizes competitive pricing, cutting-edge features, and eco-friendly options, appealing to the UAE’s diverse consumer base.
Sedans sold by MG in the UAE
SUVs sold by MG in the UAE
Pick-ups sold by MG in the UAE
EVs sold by MG in the UAE
- MG ZS EV
- MG 4 EV
Find used MG cars for sale in the UAE and new MG cars for sale in the UAE.
FAQs
MG, Chery, and Geely are among the most popular Chinese car brands in the UAE, known for affordability and advanced features.
Toyota leads as the best car brand in the UAE due to its reliability, resale value, and suitability for desert and urban driving.
Chinese car brands hold an estimated 8–12% of the UAE automotive market, with steady growth due to their competitive pricing and tech features.
The Toyota Land Cruiser consistently ranks as the most sold car in the UAE, favored for its off-road capabilities and durability.
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- The Rise of Chinese Cars & Car Brands
- Chinese Cars That Turn 10 Years Old In 2024
