Manufacturing China’s ROX Motors to produce EVs in Abu Dhabi By Pramod Kumar May 22, 2025, 10:32 AM ROX Motors The ROX 01, a mid-size combustion-electric SUV, will be manufactured at W Motors’ new facility in Abu Dhabi Chinese luxury EV maker ROX Motor and Dubai-headquartered W Motors will manufacture electric vehicles in Abu Dhabi as Gulf countries step up efforts to attract automotive manufacturing. The ROX 01, a mid-size combustion-electric SUV, will be made at W Motors’ new facility in the capital city, the companies said in a joint statement. No financial details or timeline for rollout of the first EV was disclosed. The Chinese company has also signed a deal with UAE-based Enercap to support new high-performance battery development for its EV line-up. It already has a joint research and development programme with petrochemicals giant Borouge to explore use of polyolefin materials in its vehicles. These initiatives are in line with the UAE’s Operation 300Bn, Industry 4.0, and the Net Zero by 2050 agenda. In 2023 Abu Dhabi launched a centre for smart and autonomous vehicle industries, which aims to add up to AED120 billion ($33 billion) to the UAE economy. Dubai’s EV maker NWTN completed its full vehicle assembly facility in Abu Dhabi in 2022, which has an annual capacity of up to 10,000 units for assembling semi-knockdown (partly assembled) EVs. However, it pulled out of a deal to invest $500 million in Evergrande, a Chinese EV manufacturer last year. Masdar City starts testing autonomous vehicles Private sector vital to meet Gulf EV charging station demand Abu Dhabi plans lithium plant to support EV growth This month, a joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Company announced plans to roll out its first vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2026. Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle manufacturer, intends to roll the first vehicle off its production line in late 2026. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
