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Against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030" target of 30% new energy vehicle (NEV) penetration and the UAE’s plan to boost NEV sales share to 50% by 2030, the Middle East has emerged as a blue ocean market for Chinese NEV makers. As a leading Chinese luxury NEV brand, Zeekr has leveraged its robust industrial chain, technological expertise, and deep regional customization strategies to transition from "going global" to "integrating locally" in this dynamic region.
Policy incentives across the Middle East have provided Zeekr with a prime market entry window. Aligning with regional development blueprints, Zeekr has swiftly introduced premium NEV models tailored to local needs. In late 2025, its flagship Zeekr 9X debuted in China to overwhelming demand, racking up 10,000 orders in just 13 minutes with an average transaction price exceeding ¥530,000. It has even earned the moniker "Cullinan of Hangzhou Bay" among Middle Eastern consumers.
At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January, Zeekr’s 9-series dual flagships—the Zeekr 9X and 009 Glory Collection Edition—made their global debut, captivating audiences worldwide. The Zeekr booth was packed throughout the show, with social media platforms abroad buzzing with posts about "offering premiums to secure a Zeekr 9X," marking a paradigm shift in Chinese automakers’ pricing power in the global premium market.
The Middle East’s extreme high-temperature desert environment poses rigorous challenges to the three-electric (battery, motor, electronic control) systems of NEVs. Rather than merely exporting vehicles, Zeekr has implemented targeted technical optimizations for the region: enhanced thermal management systems to withstand scorching heat, Arabic-language infotainment interfaces, and voice assistants trained to recognize local dialects, ensuring technology serves local users authentically.
Zeekr’s formidable product prowess was proven in real-world competition. In January 2026, at the hill climb challenge during the UAE’s LIWA International Festival of Arts, the Zeekr 7X claimed first place in the NEV category with a time of 7.343 seconds, becoming the world’s first pure electric SUV to conquer the "Hill of Terror"—Moreeb Dune. Faced with one of the world’s tallest and steepest sand dunes (nearly 50° incline), the overseas-spec Zeekr 7X retained its original three-electric system, with only cosmetic modifications. It summited effortlessly with 475kW of maximum power and dTCS (Distributed Traction Control System), earning praise from spectators as "the best car this season."
Zeekr’s confidence in going global stems from China’s complete NEV industrial chain. From batteries, motors, and electronic controls to full vehicle manufacturing, Zeekr builds on Geely Group’s nearly 30 years of automotive heritage and has forged strategic partnerships with global tech leaders including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Waymo, driving breakthroughs in smart cabins and advanced autonomous driving. By the end of 2025, Zeekr had established a presence in over 50 countries and regions worldwide, operating more than 640 stores, marking steady progress in its global expansion.
On the distribution and service front, Zeekr has deployed a dedicated operations team for the Middle East, simultaneously rolling out a supercharging network and after-sales system. Going forward, with the full launch of official sales channels, Middle Eastern consumers will enjoy more convenient and reliable direct-to-customer brand services.
From desert peaks to bustling cities, from dignitaries’ chariots to family vehicles, Zeekr is setting a new benchmark for "Made in China" in the Middle East with its precise "global standards + regional customization" strategy.
