As the world pivots toward a greener and more sustainable future, the UAE has emerged as a regional trailblazer in advancing clean energy and sustainable mobility initiatives. Central to this transition is the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, fuelled by government vision, technological innovation and shifting consumer preferences.
Among the brands poised to significantly impact is Dongfeng, one of China's most established automotive giants, now represented in the UAE by MAHY Khoory Automotive. With the recent launch of the Dongfeng 007 EV, the company is signalling its commitment to helping the UAE achieve its ambitious Green Agenda and Net Zero 2050 goals.
In this exclusive conversation with Saj Jabbar, General Manager of MAHY Khoory Automotive, we explore how Dongfeng plans to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability journey, the opportunities shaping the EV sector, and why electric mobility is no longer a trend but the foundation for the future of transportation.
Q1: The UAE is making strong strides towards sustainable mobility. How do you see the evolution of the EV landscape here?
Mr. Saj: The evolution of the EV landscape in the UAE has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a major shift in mindset, both from consumers and from the private and public sectors. Government initiatives like the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Green Mobility programs have created an environment where EV adoption is not just encouraged but actively facilitated. Infrastructure, particularly charging networks, is expanding rapidly, and there’s a real sense of excitement among drivers looking for cleaner, smarter alternatives. The UAE has the advantage of being agile and visionary, which puts it ahead of many other regions in building a sustainable, electric future.
Q2: Dongfeng recently launched the 007 EV. How does this model fit into the UAE’s ambitions for a greener future?
Mr. Saj: The Dongfeng 007 EV is designed with the future in mind. It offers an impressive driving range, cutting-edge energy efficiency, and intelligent connectivity—all critical factors for environmentally conscious drivers in the UAE. Our decision to introduce the 007 here was very intentional; it aligns perfectly with the UAE's Green Agenda, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and practical solutions for reducing emissions. By providing a stylish, accessible, and high-performance EV, we’re giving UAE consumers a tangible way to participate in the country's green transformation. It’s about more than launching a new vehicle; it’s about contributing meaningfully to the nation's goals.
Q3: From an automotive industry perspective, what challenges do you foresee in the UAE’s transition to electric vehicles?
Mr. Saj: Every transition comes with its set of challenges and opportunities, and the EV shift is no different. One challenge is still education—helping customers understand EV technology, maintenance differences, and overall ownership experience. There’s also range anxiety, although that's diminishing as charging networks expand.
Q4: What role does Dongfeng plan to play in the UAE’s evolving green mobility landscape over the next five years?
Mr. Saj: Dongfeng is committed to playing a significant role in the UAE’s green mobility journey. Over the next five years, you will see Dongfeng expanding its portfolio of electric and hybrid models, investing in technology partnerships, and collaborating with stakeholders across sectors—from utilities to education—to promote the benefits of clean transport. We intend to be at the forefront of shaping consumer behaviour, supporting infrastructure growth, and providing reliable, high-quality EV solutions tailored to the UAE market. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a fundamental pillar of our brand’s vision for the future.
Q5: How is MAHY Khoory Automotive ensuring a smooth ownership experience for customers transitioning to EVs?
Mr. Saj: Customer experience has always been a top priority for MAHY Khoory Automotive, and with EVs, it’s even more critical. We are investing heavily in after-sales support, including specialized EV service training for our teams, expanded parts availability, and partnerships with key charging infrastructure providers. We're also launching educational initiatives to help customers better understand their vehicles—from optimizing battery life to using smart features. Our goal is to make the ownership journey seamless from purchase through long-term maintenance, ensuring that customers feel confident, supported, and excited about their switch to electric driving.
Q6: Finally, what message would you like to share with UAE business leaders about the future of electric mobility?
Mr. Saj: My message to UAE business leaders is clear: the transition to electric mobility is not just inevitable—it’s already underway, and it represents one of the most significant opportunities of our time. Investing in EVs is an investment in innovation, resilience and environmental leadership. Dongfeng and MAHY Khoory Automotive are ready to support businesses and individuals alike who want to be part of this transformation. I encourage every business leader to think about how their organisation can contribute to—and benefit from—the UAE’s sustainable future. Together, we can drive change, unlock new value and make a lasting positive impact.
As the UAE continues to cement its status as a global leader in sustainability and innovation, the role of forward-thinking companies like Dongfeng, under the stewardship of MAHY Khoory Automotive, becomes even more crucial. The launch of the Dongfeng 007 EV is more than a product debut; it is a statement of intent—a commitment to reshaping the automotive landscape with cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable solutions. With leaders like Saj Jabbar at the helm, Dongfeng is not only introducing cutting-edge electric vehicles but also championing a customer-centric, environmentally responsible approach that aligns perfectly with the UAE’s national vision. As the market evolves and expectations rise, brands that combine innovation with integrity will define the future of mobility.
For business leaders across the UAE, the message is clear: the time to embrace sustainable transformation is now, and with partners like Dongfeng, the journey toward a greener future is full of promise, potential, and power.
With this, we come to the end of this important and valuable interview. We thank Mr. Saj Jabbar for sharing his constructive thoughts on the topic of ‘How Dongfeng 007 EV is Powering the UAE’s Green Mobility Vision’. We wish him all the very best for all his future endeavours and hope he continues to illuminate the paths of the automotive industry.
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