The UAE’s used car market continued its growth in H1 2025, driven by rising demand, Chinese brand momentum, and increased EV adoption. According to the H1 2025 Used Car Market Report by AutoData Middle East in collaboration with DubiCars, the UAE is becoming a regional hub for both premium and export-ready vehicles. As both a consumer destination and export platform, the UAE now plays a pivotal role in shaping automotive trends across the Middle East and beyond.
AI Quick Summary
The UAE’s used car market saw substantial growth in H1 2025, fueled by increasing demand, a significant surge in Chinese brands, and rising EV adoption, solidifying its role as a regional automotive hub. Chinese manufacturers recorded impressive increases in new registrations, online demand, and residual value, while the luxury car segment also experienced a boom driven by wealth migration.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
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DubiCars data and marketplace insights form a core part of this year’s report, highlighting real-time buyer behavior, vehicle preferences, and shifting inventory dynamics. With a 42% increase in platform demand year-over-year, DubiCars’ position as the UAE’s number 1 car marketplace continues to strengthen, giving unique visibility into evolving trends.
Market Growth & Chinese Brands Surge
New car registrations reached 157,000 units in the UAE during H1 2025, an 11% increase compared to H1 2024. Toyota remained in the top spot with modest growth of 0.7%, but it was Chinese manufacturers that recorded standout performance. Here are some statistics:
- Jetour surged 163.9% to become the fourth most registered brand.
- Geely rose by 39.1%.
- EV sales also showed momentum, rising by 18.6% to comprise 7% of total sales.
Much of this growth was driven by redirected inventory following the 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese car imports. Chinese OEMs turned their focus to the Middle East, and the UAE in particular. More than 70% of consumers in the UAE and KSA now say they trust Chinese automotive brands. In terms of models, the Toyota Hilux led with a 50.3% year-on-year increase, while the Jetour T2 posted a massive 212.2% gain.
Increasing Online Demand — DubiCars’ Data
DubiCars recorded a 42% increase in demand during H1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This surge reflects the UAE’s dual role as both a premium car consumption market and a vital re-export hub. Buyers heavily favored SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Toyota Prado, Mercedes G63 AMG, and Land Rover Defender.
On the export side, the focus remained on durable, high-volume Toyota models like the Hilux, Hiace, Fortuner, and Land Cruiser Pick-Up. These vehicles are particularly popular in markets across Africa and Asia. The data affirms that DubiCars not only mirrors local buyer interests but also serves international buyers and traders looking for reliable, region-tested inventory.
Chinese Listings & Residual Value Gains
Chinese brands gained significant traction on DubiCars during H1 2025. Local demand for Chinese models rose steadily, eventually outpacing demand for cars from other countries by nearly 30% in June. Dealerships responded by increasing listings of Chinese cars by 25% since January, showing strong alignment between buyer demand and inventory expansion.
Residual value trends support this rise. Chinese EVs on DubiCars now outperform non-Chinese EVs in three-year value retention. Chinese SUVs, meanwhile, are narrowing the gap with established Japanese and American models. They retain higher value through the first two years of ownership, confirming growing buyer confidence in long-term performance and brand durability.
Popular Chinese Cars:
Fuel Type Trends
Hybrid models saw the fastest growth in model variety on DubiCars in H1 2025, with a 22% increase in unique listings. EV models also rose by 10%, indicating a gradual but steady increase in electrified inventory. Meanwhile, Dubai’s charging infrastructure continues to expand, with over 1,100 public chargers now active and more ultra-fast units planned.
Diesel vehicle listings rose 9%, largely fueled by continued demand for vans and people-movers amid record tourism inflows. Petrol vehicle listings grew just 2%, a sign that dealers are rationalizing portfolios and shifting investment toward hybrid drivetrains. DubiCars’ listing data reflects how these shifts are playing out in real time on the marketplace. Here are detailed guides on EV vs Petrol cars and EV vs Hybrid.
Premium & Luxury Car Trends
The UAE’s premium and luxury car segment is experiencing unprecedented momentum, underscored by wealth migration and rising regional affluence. According to the H1 2025 Used Car Market Report, nearly 10,000 millionaires are expected to relocate to the UAE in 2025 — a figure that continues to push demand for high-end vehicles into record territory.
Craig Stevens, CEO of DubiCars, said, “With nearly 10,000 millionaires expected to relocate to the UAE in 2025, Dubai in particular has become the epicenter of premium and ultra-luxury car sales. We are seeing demand in the AED 600,000 to AED 1 million+ segments grow at record levels, largely driven by established European brands, while Chinese brands are rising fast in the lower price brackets.
Cars priced between AED 600,000 and AED 1 million+ have shown the strongest growth, with established European marques dominating this segment. The most sought-after models on DubiCars include the Mercedes-AMG G63, Land Rover Defender, Lexus LX 600, and Range Rover variants. This shift marks a new premium era for the UAE’s automotive landscape. Here’s an in-depth look at the ‘New Luxury Era’ in Dubai.
“This unique mix of millionaire migration, tax-friendly regulation, and a thriving export market positions the UAE as one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for premium and luxury cars, and DubiCars is proud to lead the digital transformation of this market,” said Craig Stevens, CEO of DubiCars
Get The Full Used Car Market Report
DubiCars, with partners like AutoData, is committed to providing crucial market insights that help car buyers and industry professionals make informed decisions. As electrification, digitalization, and consumer confidence grow, DubiCars remains at the forefront, ensuring its users have access to the latest trends and data in the region’s automotive market.
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The UAE’s used car market continued its growth in H1 2025, driven by rising demand, Chinese brand momentum, and increased EV adoption. According to the H1 2025 Used Car Market Report by AutoData Middle East in collaboration with DubiCars, the
