Dubai unveils plans for world’s largest auto market

Dubai has unveiled plans for the world’s largest and most advanced automotive marketplace.

The new Dubai Auto Market will span 22 million square feet, designed to handle more than 800,000 vehicles annually.

It will feature over 1,500 showrooms, clustered workshop zones, warehouses and multi-storey car parking facilities, along with a convention centre, hotel, an auction house, besides F&B and retail areas.

The project is being developed by DP World, which was chosen for its extensive logistics expertise and its global network that ensures exceptional access and connectivity.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, witnessed the launch of the project on Tuesday.

"Its state-of-the-art facilities are designed to accommodate expansive showrooms and warehouses, host major international conferences and events and foster a cluster of light industries for vehicle assembly and trade," said Sheikh Maktoum.

"The market is set to attract new investment, further driving economic growth and advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the emirate's economy by 2033 and establish Dubai among the world's top three urban economies," he added.

Extensive range of services

By facilitating the trade of new and used electric, hybrid and conventional vehicles, Dubai Auto Market will connect key exporting countries to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, reinforcing Dubai's position in the global automotive industry.

The new market will provide a comprehensive destination for investors and traders by integrating advanced infrastructure with key on-site facilities, including customs checks, employee accommodation, and entertainment.

With UAE passenger car sales and re-exports projected to nearly double by 2030, Dubai Auto Market will be a key actor to facilitate that growth.

Leveraging DP World's extensive global network of 77 ports and 15 automotive transshipment hubs, which currently handle 10 per cent of the world's automotive trade, the expanded auto market is poised to double its sales of AED 6.8 billion.

Dubai's status as the Gulf region's leading automotive trading hub and the largest used car market is well-established.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is central to this success and has attracted more than 940 automotive and spare parts companies, including major industry players.

Partnership agreement

Dubai Municipality has signed a partnership agreement with DP World's Economic Zones sector to establish and manage the Dubai Auto Market.

The partnership will draw upon DP World's extensive expertise in developing and operating integrated economic zones, as well as industrial and logistics hubs.

Leveraging its global expertise and management of integrated economic zones, DP World's Economic Zones sector will deliver end-to-end logistics solutions encompassing e-commerce, trade finance and asset development.