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AutoData Middle East Publishes H1 2025 Used Car Market Report for UAE and KSA

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Chinese brands strengthen position, EV adoption gathers pace, and extended resale timelines reflect shifting trends in the regional automotive market

AutoData Middle East, a leading provider of automotive data solutions, has released its H1 2025 Used Car Market Report, offering comprehensive insights into market trends across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA). This fourth edition highlights a defining six months for the region’s automotive landscape, driven by the growing prominence of Chinese manufacturers, a rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales, and changing patterns of consumer behaviour in the used car market.

Chinese Momentum and SUV Growth

Chinese carmakers are steadily consolidating their position in the UAE, with Jetour seeing a remarkable +163.9% surge to rank among the top four brands, while its T2 model registered an extraordinary 212.2% rise. Geely (+39.1%) and MG (+21.5%) also achieved notable gains. In KSA, Jetour recorded a 52.2% increase and Haval climbed 37.3%, both capitalising on their SUV-focused line-ups.

Confidence in Chinese brands continues to rise, with over 70% of buyers in the UAE and KSA now expressing trust in purchasing them. This sentiment is mirrored in Vehicle Report inquiries, which recorded a 60% quarter-on-quarter spike in searches for Chinese models. Demand was particularly strong for 2022 models priced at around AED 70,000, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese brands in reshaping buyer preferences across the region.

EV Adoption Accelerates
Electric vehicle adoption continued to build pace across the region. Sales in the UAE rose 18.6% in H1 2025, lifting EVs to account for a 7% share of new registrations within a total market of approximately 157,000 new vehicles in the first half of 2025, marking an 11% year-on-year increase.  In Saudi Arabia, EV sales climbed 33.5% to reach around 3% market share, driven by Lucid and Lexus, and reinforced by Saudi Vision 2030’s electrification agenda.
Consumer Trends: Shifting Trust and Brand Perceptions
The report delves into distinct consumer behaviour in the two markets.  In the UAE, consumers take a value-and-image-driven approach, favouring vehicles priced between AED 10,000–60,000, and showing strong interest in older, more established models (2015-2020) that have a history of proven performance. In KSA, however, affordability remains the priority, with most demand centred on SAR 10,000-40,000 and a clear preference for newer used cars (2021-2023).

Market Pressure from Global Shifts

The UAE market is under increased pressure due to an influx of used Chinese vehicles, a consequence of trade shifts with the U.S., driving higher supply and a noticeable increase in average selling times for used cars.
Average days to sell online rose to 42.15 in the UAE and 30.06 in KSA by July, up from just 14.06 and 13.35 days respectively in April, when Ramadan and Eid promotions enabled faster transactions. As a result, dealers are relying on discounts and financing offers to stay competitive, with SUVs and luxury models holding firm while sedans and volume cars face increasing price pressure.
“Our H1 2025 report clearly shows that the Middle East’s used car market is more dynamic and complex than ever. The rise of Chinese brands and EVs, coupled with evolving consumer preferences, means that sellers and buyers must be more strategic. Data-driven insights are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for navigating this fast-paced market,” said Sebastian Fuchs, Managing Director of AutoData Middle East.
AutoData Middle East continues to lead the region in data transparency, with Vehicle Report now supporting over 42,000 users and partnering with more than 40 major entities. Daily usage has tripled, and 84% of buyers report no post-purchase issues, underscoring the platform’s role in building confidence and shaping smarter, safer car-buying decisions.
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Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and digital marketing expert known for his insightful reporting across business, real estate, travel and lifestyle sectors. His recent work includes high-profile Dubai coverage, such as record-breaking events by AYS Developers. With a career spanning multiple outlets. Sam delivers sharp, engaging content that bridges UK and UAE markets. His writing reflects a deep understanding of emerging trends, making him a trusted voice in regional and international business journalism. Should you need any edits please contact editor@dubaiweek.ae

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