Chinese Car Brands in the UAE: Servicing BYD, MG, Jetour and More

Chinese brands have quickly become mainstream on UAE roads. If you own one, or are thinking of buying, here's what to know about servicing, warranty and long-term care.

A fast-changing market

In November 2025, The National described the UAE car market as "undergoing a profound transformation". It said the most significant wave of new arrivals comes from China, including high-end, tech-focused electric brands. Among the brands it profiled:

• BYD, founded in 1995 as a battery maker and launched in the UAE through a partnership with Al Futtaim. Its Song Plus hybrid SUV uses BYD's Blade Battery.

• Zeekr, a premium EV brand within the Geely Holding Group, which made its regional debut with the 7X at an event in Dubai in September 2025.

• Exeed, Chery's premium sub-brand, which launched its electrified range in the UAE in April 2025, including battery-electric and range-extended models.

• Jaecoo, under the Omoda and Jaecoo (Chery Group) umbrella. The National reported its J5 SUV starting at Dh64,900.

• Lynk & Co, co-developed by Geely and Volvo, whose UAE entry began with a showroom in Sharjah in October 2025.

Other Chinese brands such as MG, Jetour, Geely, Haval and Chery are also widely sold. You can search for workshops that service them on Car Workshop Finder.

Servicing: dealer first, at least under warranty

Many Chinese brands offer long warranties, sometimes with conditions tied to servicing. Read yours carefully.

Khaleej Times reported that the UAE Ministry of Economy abolished compulsory dealer-servicing conditions in 2016. Owners can service at approved centres, and dealers shouldn't cancel the warranty for that reason alone. In practice, for very new brands:

• Dealers have the most up-to-date diagnostics and software, which matters for EVs and connected cars.

• Independent garages may not yet have tools or parts for the newest models. Ask before booking.

• Keep every invoice if you do use an independent garage.

Search by brand

Car Workshop Finder lets you search for workshops that work on popular Chinese brands: BYD, MG, Jetour, Geely, Haval and Chery.

Hybrids and EVs: what's different

• Fewer oil changes for battery EVs, but brakes, tyres, suspension, cabin filters, coolant (EVs use it for battery thermal management) and the 12V battery still need attention.

• Tyres wear differently. EVs are heavy and deliver instant torque. Check pressure and wear regularly. Under Article 82 of the Federal Traffic Law, driving on unfit tyres carries a Dh500 fine, four black points and a one-week impoundment, as reported by Khaleej Times. See tyre shops in Dubai.

• High-voltage safety. Only trained technicians should work on high-voltage systems. Ask whether the garage has EV-trained staff.

• Heat. Battery thermal management works hard in UAE summers. The National Centre of Meteorology recorded 51.8°C at Sweihan on 1 August 2025, as reported by Khaleej Times, Gulf News and The National. Park in shade where you can.

Recalls

Recalls in the UAE are coordinated with the Ministry of Economy and done free by the official dealers. Ask your dealer to check your VIN, especially on a used car.

Buying a used Chinese car

The National reported in 2023 that more used Chinese cars were being bought than before. Because models change quickly, check:

• that the warranty transfers to a second owner

• parts availability for that model

• a pre-purchase inspection. See our used car inspection guide and car inspection in Dubai

Find a workshop

Browse garages in Dubai and car servicing across the UAE.

Sources: The National (November 2025 and 2023); Khaleej Times (Ministry of Economy warranty decision; tyre fines); National Centre of Meteorology data as reported by Khaleej Times, Gulf News and The National.