Cars to be built in Abu Dhabi, creating 7,000 jobs

Dubai: Abu Dhabi has launched one of its most ambitious projects to date – develop into a full-scale hub for the global automotive industry.

The project will not confine itself to assembling cars and other vehicles in the UAE, but the whole ecosystem for ‘end-to-end’ needs of the automotive industry. That would mean possibilities in automotive-facing support industries and R&D too.

To be led by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the target is to generate Dh100 billion to the UAE GDP and create 7,000 highly skilled jobs in the next 20 years.

Car companies such South Korea’s Genesis and Chinese EV maker ROX Motors have confirmed manufacturing agreements with W Motors in Abu Dhabi. This will go towards ‘establishing the emirate as a production hub for regional and international markets’.

Also, AIH Group, the automotive assembly provider, is ‘now embedded in the local manufacturing landscape’ as technical lead for high-volume vehicle production.

The world’s automotive industry is going through one of its generational transitions, with EVs and autonomous driving possibilities. Abu Dhabi has been leading the way, putting in place the networks and capacities for self-driving ventures.

Now, it is taking a next – exponentially massive – step.

“Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a nexus for global automotive innovation,” said Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Industry and Trade Officer at ADIO.

“Our industrial ecosystem combines advanced infrastructure, future-focused regulation, and access to high-growth markets—making it an ideal platform for companies looking to localize, scale, and lead.

“As we shape the future of mobility from the UAE, ADIO remains committed to enabling high-impact manufacturing investments that strengthen supply chains, create skilled jobs, and deliver long-term economic value.”  

There will be R&D and engineering centres, as well as ‘participation from Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and premium OEMs’.

This will ensure the ‘entire value chain - from design and manufacturing to aftersales - generates sustained economic impact and long-term industrial competitiveness’ for Abu Dhabi.

In addition to manufacturing, the Abu Dhabi automotive sector will have ‘product launches, motorsport and industry events, luxury car restoration and premium vehicle auctions’.

The automotive project will also align with leading universities for the manpower to take the project forward. ADIO has ‘created’ the region’s first Automotive AI Curriculum, which is focused on product design. It combines AI, training and ‘international placements, further embedding local talent in the global mobility value chain’.