Avatr, the luxury electric vehicle brand backed by CATL, is making significant waves in the United Arab Emirates. Since launching deliveries in January 2025, Avatr has captured an impressive 8.25% market share in the UAE’s high-end New Energy Vehicle (NEV) segment. This bold expansion into the Middle East highlights Avatr’s ambitious global strategy, moving beyond its home turf in China.
Avatr’s Journey: From China to the UAE
Avatr isn’t new to the EV scene. Born from a collaboration between Changan, CATL, and Huawei, the brand kicked off sales in China back in 2022. While its cumulative domestic sales reached 110,375 units by April 2025, that figure, even with that solid growth, is a competitive push in China’s massive market. It is clear that Avatr is looking to expand beyond China to grow. This explains their aggressive overseas drive, with the UAE emerging as a crucial growth area.
UAE’s Growing Appetite for Chinese EVs
Avatr’s foray into the UAE began in January 2025 with its first showroom opening in Dubai. The brand quickly gained traction, delivering over 100 cars and processing over 260 units in the months that followed. Their local lineup features two striking models: the Avatr 11 fastback SUV and the elegant Avatr 12 coupe. These models have clearly resonated with the high-end market, contributing to that notable 8.25% market share.
The UAE has rapidly become a key player in the Chinese automotive export landscape, ranking as the second-largest importer of Chinese cars from January to February 2025, according to the China Passenger Car Association. This surge in demand creates a highly competitive environment for Chinese brands, and Avatr is certainly up for the challenge.
Avatr isn’t stopping there. To solidify its presence, the company plans to open a sprawling 1,200-square-meter service center in Dubai this June, ensuring robust after-sales support. Beyond the UAE, Avatr is actively forging partnerships, like the strategic cooperation agreement signed last year with Al Saqer Group. This move will see Changan Automobile introduce not only Avatr, but also Deepal and Changan Qiyuan brands to the wider Middle East region. There are also plans to establish a Middle East subsidiary and begin construction on a spare parts center this year.
The Bigger Picture: China’s EV Global Ambition
Avatr’s success in the UAE is a microcosm of a larger trend: Chinese EV manufacturers are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders for growth. With advanced battery technology and innovative designs, brands like Avatr are well-positioned to capture international markets.
As the EV landscape continues to evolve, Avatr’s strategic moves in the Middle East will be an interesting one to watch, potentially paving the way for other Chinese luxury EV brands to follow suit.
