Opinion Transport Is the DB12 the supercar to lead Aston Martin’s recovery? The model could be a turning point in the fortunes of the iconic brand April 25, 2025
Manufacturing Volkswagen to export surplus stock from China to Middle East Volkswagen is to start exporting cars from China, aiming to sell in other Asian markets, South America and the Middle East, its China chief Ralf Brandstaetter has said. Brandstaetter also said that the carmaker was ready to tackle domestic competition in the country. Carmakers in China, including Volkswagen, are grappling with how to make use […] April 23, 2025
Transport 2026 launch on track for Lucid’s midsize electric SUVs EV maker Lucid is on track to launch its midsize electric SUV in 2026, as it looks to tap an increasingly competitive segment dominated by rival Tesla’s bestselling Model Y crossover. “There are a lot of crazy things going on in the world that can affect that [timeline]. But currently we are on track,” said Lucid […] April 16, 2025
Analysis Transport Tesla trumpets Saudi launch but China is waiting Tesla’s well-publicised launch event in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, last week attracted a large and boisterous crowd. But the competition is stiff, especially from the Chinese, now the world’s largest maker of EVs, and the charging infrastructure for electric-powered vehicles in the world’s second-largest oil producer is still lacking. Saudi Arabia wants 30 percent of […] April 14, 2025
Manufacturing PIF-owned Lucid raises new funds to repay debt US electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors, majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has raised $1.1 billion in new funding to repay existing debt. The EV maker has received $1.1 billion through convertible senior notes, debt which can be converted into shares, due in 2030, according to a company statement. Lucid will use $936 […] April 10, 2025
Transport Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia next month Tesla is due to launch in Saudi Arabia on April 10, with a special event at the Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh to show off its products, including its autonomous driving Cybercab and Optimus, its humanoid robot. Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company is currently facing slowing sales and rising competition from cheaper Chinese rivals in key […] March 26, 2025
Energy Oil’s share of energy demand dips below 30% for first time Oil’s share of the global energy mix has hit a historic low, dipping below 30 percent of demand for the first time as renewables and electric vehicles reshape markets, according to the International Energy Agency. The IEA’s Global Energy Review 2025 reveals that energy demand rose by 2.2 percent last year, outpacing the average yearly […] March 26, 2025
Manufacturing Hyundai to start building electric cars in Turkey next year Hyundai is the latest in a string of Asian car companies looking to build electric vehicles in Turkey, taking advantage of its proximity to the European Union and Russia. However, components made in Turkey will almost certainly be used less than they are in the manufacture of petrol cars, analysts have said. South Korea’s Hyundai […] March 11, 2025
EXCLUSIVE Aviation US startup Doroni to bring recreational flying cars to Gulf Doroni Aerospace, a US developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, last week secured an additional $150 million from a Saudi investor. The investment came only days after the company announced an initial $30 million deal with Kingdom Aero Industries (KAI). Florida-based Doroni was launched in 2017 and is working to manufacture US […] March 6, 2025
Retail Chinese car makers target UAE’s Ramadan bargain hunters Chinese car makers look set to win big over traditional manufacturers from the US, Japan and Europe among Ramadan bargain hunters in the UAE this year. For years, Japanese, American, and European carmakers have relied on Ramadan promotions, offering free insurance, extended warranties and zero percent financing, to increase sales. But buyers, squeezed by inflation, […] February 28, 2025
Manufacturing EV maker Lucid’s CEO quits as total losses hit $13bn Peter Rawlinson, the CEO of the Saudi Arabia-backed electric car maker Lucid Motors, has resigned after the Californian company’s total accumulated losses rose to almost $13 billion. Earlier this week, Lucid announced that its losses in 2024 were up almost 11 percent to $3.1 billion, from $2.8 billion the year before. Shares in Lucid, which […] February 26, 2025
Transport Saudi homegrown Ceer to produce first EVs in 2026 Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle manufacturer, plans to roll the first vehicle off its production line in late 2026, the company’s CEO Jim DeLuca said. It signed 11 deals worth SAR5.5 billion ($1.4 billion) at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Public Sector Forum in Riyadh, 80 percent of which involved Saudi businesses. This is […] February 13, 2025
Manufacturing First batch of Omani built EVs ready for distribution Omani electric vehicle manufacturer Mays Motors has started delivery of its first cars to local companies. The Mays Alive car is said to have a range of 610 kilometres on a single charge, which is longer than most EVs, and retails at OMR11,000 ($28,500) for companies and OMR12,000 ($31,000) for individuals. The car features AI […] February 10, 2025
Manufacturing Ceer strikes $145m deal with Sabelt for EV sports seats Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand, has struck a SAR543 million ($145 million) deal with Italy’s Sabelt to develop sports seats for its upcoming flagship E sedan and SUV models. The drivers will get the same seats as those in high-performance sports cars. Sabelt will create high-performance seats for Ceer, ensuring maximum protection, […] February 7, 2025
Analysis Mining Tight supply and strong demand pressure silver prices Gulf investors – and romantics – may have to keep a watchful eye on silver in the months ahead as tight supply and strong demand make their impact on prices. This will not only have consequences for those looking for jewellery, but also for industries ranging from solar photovoltaics (PV) to electric vehicles (EVs), and […] February 3, 2025
Manufacturing Qatari AI company invests in Scottish hydrogen lorry maker Qatari AI software supplier Excelledia Ventures has invested in a Scottish HGV manufacturer that is developing zero-emission hydrogen-electric trucks. Glasgow-based Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has developed an AI emissions reduction technology that optimises diesel, battery and hydrogen-powered trucks to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The hydrogen HGV that HVS is developing has a range of […] January 31, 2025
Opinion Trade Trade policy will be central to Trump’s second term Many of the US president’s fresh executive orders will have substantial ramifications, including in the Gulf January 28, 2025
Analysis Mining Lithium find exposes Algeria’s neglected mining sector The discovery of lithium in Algeria is a major economic opportunity – but underinvestment in the country’s mining industry means it could take a decade or more to bear fruit, experts say. In May 2024, Algeria discovered significant deposits of lithium and other essential climate technology minerals in the southern regions of Tamanrasset and In […] January 16, 2025
Mining Aramco-Ma’aden JV to mine lithium in Saudi Arabia Saudi Aramco and Ma’aden, two listed companies on the Saudi bourse, will launch a joint venture for minerals exploration and mining in the kingdom. The proposed venture will focus on energy transition minerals, which includes lithium extraction from high-concentration deposits and use of cost-effective direct lithium extraction technologies. “This proposed JV would enable us to accelerate […] January 16, 2025
Transport Masdar City starts testing autonomous vehicles Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City has officially started testing autonomous vehicles to promote sustainable urban transportation. The first vehicle undergoing testing is a shuttle-style electric vehicle equipped with advanced sensors, electronic components and upgraded software, which enables it to navigate obstacles, detect other vehicles, and drive independently. The trials begin a series of tests featuring vehicles […] January 16, 2025
Exclusive Transport Tesla to enter Saudi Arabia within months Elon Musk’s Tesla is set to launch in Saudi Arabia this quarter, marking its entry into one of the world’s largest oil-producing nations as it continues expanding across the Gulf, sources familiar with the plans told AGBI. The US electric vehicle maker will open sales through pop-up stores and establish a showroom and service centre, […] January 16, 2025
Analysis Transport Ineos and Porsche diverge on Middle East’s EV potential Ineos Automotive, the UK carmaker backed by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is considering launching its Fusilier electric vehicle in the Middle East after encountering difficulties with governments across Europe. However other industry players such as Porsche remain cautious about the rollout of EVs in the region, with infrastructure remaining a central problem. London-based Ineos spent […] January 12, 2025
