The UAE's automotive scene, long dominated by established Japanese, German and US marques, is undergoing a profound transformation.

A flood of new entrants has arrived in the past few years, driven by a global shift towards electrification, premium positioning and the strategic expansion of ambitious manufacturers from Asia and beyond.

The most significant wave of arrivals comes from China, with several high-end, digitally native electric vehicle brands making their regional debut, often backed by colossal manufacturing powerhouses.

These are not the budget imports of old. Instead they are technologically sophisticated rivals to traditional luxury models. For UAE consumers, this translates into a richer, more competitive market.

Whether seeking cutting-edge autonomous technology, segment-leading electric range or simply a tough-as-nails off-roader, the choices are more plentiful than ever.

Here's a look at seven of the most significant car brands recently launched in the UAE, and what they bring to the region’s roads.

Zeekr

The Zeekr 7X brings Scandinavian design and 646hp electric performance to the premium SUV segment. Photo: Zeekr

Zeekr is a premium electric vehicle brand, part of the vast Geely Holding Group that also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus.

It was founded in 2021 to challenge the established luxury EV sector and uses Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture platform for its chassis and powertrain technology.

Despite its youth, Zeekr draws