Chinese automotive exports to the Middle East have surged dramatically, with annual vehicle exports reaching over one million units in 2024, a sixfold increase from approximately 150,000 units in 2019. This remarkable growth reflects the rising popularity of Chinese car brands in a market traditionally dominated by Western and Japanese manufacturers.
In Gulf countries where SUVs and pickup trucks have long been favored, previously unknown Chinese brands are now attracting increasing numbers of drivers. Jaafar al-Hayki from Bahrain drives a Chinese Changan SUV, impressed by its technological features and build quality. He notes that Chinese manufacturers focus extensively on entertainment functions and safety features while offering radar systems and sensors not found in comparable Japanese or Korean vehicles at similar price points.
Nasser al-Marri from Saudi Arabia recently replaced his American GMC Yukon with a Chinese Jetour SUV, choosing it because it offers high-end features comparable to German cars but at much more affordable prices. Despite some quality concerns, positive word-of-mouth and online reviews are driving adoption.
Recent research by Dubai-based CARMA revealed that 79 percent of Saudi respondents hold positive views of Chinese automobiles, compared to only 42 percent of American respondents, who have less exposure due to trade barriers. AlixPartners predicts Chinese brands’ Middle East market share will exceed one-third by 2030, up from 10 percent in 2024.
However, challenges remain. The biggest complaint from Chinese car owners is the lack of spare parts and maintenance services rather than durability issues. Some owners waited months for replacement parts or abandoned future Chinese car purchases due to expensive, hard-to-find components.
Chinese companies are responding by establishing maintenance infrastructure and announcing factory plans throughout the region. Egypt is positioned to become a manufacturing hub, with six major Chinese automotive companies potentially establishing local factories. If these plans materialize with sophisticated production processes and local workforce training, Chinese automotive expansion could generate profound economic impacts across the Middle East.
Source: BBC Chinese, September 27, 2025
https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c1dqzdgeg12o/simp