Cariva, an innovative multi-brand pre-owned car retailer backed by A.A Al Moosa Enterprises, has officially launched its new showroom on Damascus Street, Dubai. The opening introduces a more streamlined, transparent and customer-centric approach to purchasing used vehicles.
Covering 30,000 square feet, the new experience centre showcases a wide assortment of over 100 vehicles across numerous makes and models, creating a single destination for shoppers looking for variety and quality. The launch comes at a time when the UAE’s used car sector is expanding rapidly, with buyers increasingly seeking reliable and digitally enhanced purchase journeys.
The UAE’s pre-owned car market, valued at US$20 billion in 2022, is forecast to reach US$48 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 11.5%. SUVs and saloons remain the top choices among both premium and mid-range buyers. However, interest in hybrid and electric cars is rising sharply as consumers respond to fuel costs and adopt more eco-friendly mobility options. Findings also show strong appetite for high-end used vehicles featuring advanced technology such as IoT, AI, autonomous driving capabilities and modern safety systems—clear indicators that consumers prioritise efficiency, innovation and elevated driving experiences.
Despite this strong momentum, the sector continues to face hurdles including supply shortages, elevated vehicle and insurance prices, inconsistent pricing and lack of standardisation across sellers. These challenges have contributed to a relatively low consumer satisfaction rate of 65%, significantly below the ideal industry benchmark of 85%. Among buyer demographics, Western expatriates (60%) and UAE nationals (43%) tend to replace their used vehicles within three years, whereas Subcontinental Asian buyers show the lowest frequency of replacement.
Buying a pre-owned car can be complex, as every vehicle comes with its own unique history and uncertain past usage. To provide transparency and peace of mind, Cariva takes a comprehensive, customer-focused approach to bridge these gaps:
- “Drive Now, Buy Later” services for flexible ownership
- Manufacturer-backed warranty – An industry first and only by a pre-owned car dealer
- Government-authorized inspections for complete transparency
- End-to-end support, including finance, insurance, and registration
Cariva’s consumer behavior insights also show that most consumers buy pre-owned cars every 4 to 5 years. Buyers who prioritize quality and prefer tried-and-tested vehicles tend to replace their cars more frequently, while the majority purchase vehicles that are 2–5 years old, prioritizing factors such as vehicle condition, dealer reputation, age of the car, test drives, and value for money. First-time buyers focus heavily on price, brand reputation, warranty, and service history. Additionally, auto loans are the most common financing method for 49% of consumers, while 60% are interested in trading their vehicles if the option were available.
“Car buyers today are looking for a seamless, transparent, and digitally-enabled experience they can trust,” said Harshvardhan Singh, Business Head at Cariva. “Cariva combines technology, transparency, and premium service to meet the diverse needs of UAE consumers, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking luxury vehicles. Our goal is to make pre-owned car ownership as simple and confident as possible.”
The UAE’s car-friendly infrastructure, high-income demographics, and diverse expatriate community create an ideal environment for Cariva’s approach. Rising interest in EVs and luxury vehicles, coupled with digital adoption and immersive purchase experiences, positions Cariva to lead the next generation of pre-owned car retailing.
Cariva’s Damascus Street showroom offers a curated selection of verified, single-owner vehicles at fair value, supported by comprehensive services that ensure trust and transparency throughout the buying journey. The launch underscores Cariva’s commitment to transforming the pre-owned car market and enhancing the consumer experience in the UAE.