The Chinese luxury electric vehicle brand Avatr, backed by CATL-the global leader in EV battery manufacturing-has achieved remarkable success in the United Arab Emirates since beginning deliveries in January 2025. The brand has captured an 8.25% market share in the high-end new energy vehicle (NEV) segment, amid growing competition among ambitious Chinese automakers striving to establish a foothold in the region.
A Strong Start in the UAE
Avatr, founded through a partnership between Changan, CATL, and Huawei, officially launched sales in the UAE with the opening of its first showroom in Dubai in January 2025. Since then, the showroom has seen high customer interest, receiving over 260 orders and delivering more than 100 vehicles within the first few months. The brand’s UAE lineup primarily includes the Avatr 11, a fastback-style SUV, and the Avatr 12, a sleek coupe with sporty design cues.
It is worth noting that the UAE became the second-largest importer of Chinese vehicles during January and February 2025, according to the China Passenger Car Association. This rapid growth reflects the rising demand for Chinese electric vehicles across the region, where many brands compete aggressively, with Avatr emerging as one of the leading contenders.
Avatr: A Rising Success Story in the EV Market
Established in 2022 as a joint venture between Changan, battery specialist CATL, and tech giant Huawei, Avatr aims to enter the luxury electric vehicle market by offering smart cars that combine high performance with cutting-edge technology. Although its domestic sales in China reached approximately 110,375 units by April 2025-a modest figure relative to China’s vast market-the brand is aggressively expanding internationally, especially in the Middle East.
Avatr’s success in the UAE is a key part of this ambitious strategy, targeting the region’s growing appetite for luxury electric vehicles, alongside providing premium after-sales services that meet customers’ high expectations.
Future Expansion and Strengthening Presence
Avatr plans to deepen its UAE market presence by opening a comprehensive 1,200-square-meter service center in Dubai by June 2025. This move underscores the company’s commitment to delivering a full customer experience, including high-quality maintenance and technical support. The brand also intends to expand its service network to other parts of the UAE, boosting customer confidence and enhancing product appeal.
Beyond the UAE, Avatr is focusing on strengthening its footprint across other Middle Eastern countries. Last year, it signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Al Saqr Group, a leading regional company. Additionally, Changan Automobile-the key partner in Avatr-plans to launch the Avatr, Deepal, and Changan Qiyuan brands across Middle Eastern markets, alongside establishing a dedicated regional branch and starting the setup of a spare parts center within the year.
Competition in the Middle East Luxury EV Market
The Middle East is witnessing intense competition among Chinese brands in the new energy vehicle sector, each striving to offer vehicles that blend luxury, performance, and smart technologies to meet the evolving demands of consumers. Avatr has distinguished itself by quickly carving out a strong position, leveraging CATL’s robust battery technology and Huawei’s advanced AI and connectivity solutions.
This success enhances Avatr’s prospects for future growth, especially as regional governments invest in EV infrastructure and promote clean energy usage, opening vast opportunities for brands delivering innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
The Chinese brand Avatr, supported by battery giant CATL, has made a significant breakthrough in the UAE luxury electric vehicle market by capturing over 8% market share shortly after commencing deliveries. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of its international expansion strategy, which combines advanced technology, quality manufacturing, and a strong focus on customer service.
With ambitious plans to open new service centers and broaden its activities across the Middle East, Avatr is well-positioned to strengthen its status as one of the leading Chinese electric vehicle brands globally, capitalizing on the growing demand for clean and premium vehicles in the region.
Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses.
