Dubai unveils mega 22m sq ft Auto Market with 1,500 showrooms to reshape global car trade

The project was unveiled under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, witnessing the launch.

Developed by DP World, the new market is designed to become the world’s most advanced automotive hub, aligned with Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its role as a global leader in trade, logistics and economic growth under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Global automotive trade

Sheikh Maktoum also launched the visual identity of the Dubai Auto Market, emphasising Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading commercial centres.

He said the new market is “a significant addition” that will advance Dubai’s role as a rapidly growing automotive trade hub, enabled by DP World’s global logistics network.

He explained that the facility is conceived as an all-in-one destination for investors and automotive enthusiasts, offering state-of-the-art showrooms, warehouses, light industrial clusters, major event spaces and advanced logistics capabilities that will attract new investments and support economic diversification under D33.

The market will feature 1,500 showrooms, dedicated workshop zones, warehouses, multi-storey parking, a convention centre, hotel, auction house and extensive F&B and retail areas.

Once fully operational, it will handle more than 800,000 vehicles annually.

DP World: ‘A milestone for global trade’

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said the development represents a major milestone in positioning Dubai as a global trade leader. He highlighted that the new market will leverage DP World’s global network, automotive supply chain expertise and world-class Ro-Ro capabilities at Jebel Ali Port.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said the Dubai Auto Market will serve as a one-stop destination for all automotive needs. He noted that DP World is working closely with stakeholders to design world-class infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the industry and lays the foundation for future growth.

Vehicle trade and services

The market will host specialised event zones, exhibition facilities and integrated services that support the trade of new and used electric, hybrid and traditional vehicles. It will connect exporting countries to key markets across Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The development will also incorporate advanced infrastructure with on-site customs checks, employee accommodation and entertainment facilities, creating a comprehensive environment for traders, investors and industry professionals.

With UAE passenger car sales and re-exports projected to nearly double by 2030, the Dubai Auto Market will play a central role in facilitating sector growth.

Leveraging DP World’s network of 77 ports and 15 automotive transshipment hubs—which handle 10 per cent of the world’s automotive trade—the expanded market aims to double its sales of AED6.8bn ($1.85bn).

Dubai already leads the Gulf region as its largest automotive trading hub and the biggest used car market. The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is home to more than 940 automotive and spare parts companies, including:

• Ford
• General Motors
• Honda
• Hyundai
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Volkswagen
• Volvo

Strategic partnerships

Dubai Municipality has signed a partnership agreement with DP World’s Economic Zones sector to establish and manage the Dubai Auto Market. The agreement strengthens cooperation between the entities to enhance Dubai’s global standing in automotive innovation and trade.

DP World’s Economic Zones sector will oversee end-to-end logistics solutions, including e-commerce, trade finance and asset development, drawing on its expertise in managing integrated economic and logistics hubs worldwide.