Huawei-Backed Aito Partners With UAE Dealer to Enter Middle East Market
By Cygnus | 06 Feb 2026
Summary
Seres Group’s premium EV brand Aito — co-developed with technology giant Huawei — has officially entered the Middle East through a strategic partnership with Performance Plus Motors.
The move marks a major step for China’s “smart luxury” auto exports, targeting the high-margin Gulf market with vehicles localized for extreme heat, Arabic-language AI systems, and advanced driver-assistance technology.
SHANGHAI / ABU DHABI, Feb 6 — Chinese automaker Seres is accelerating the global expansion of Aito, striking an exclusive distribution agreement with Performance Plus Motors to launch the brand in the United Arab Emirates.
Performance Plus Motors — a specialist arm of Abu Dhabi Motors — will oversee sales, delivery, and after-sales service, giving Aito immediate access to one of the region’s most established luxury retail networks.
The partnership allows Seres to bypass the heavy capital costs of building a standalone dealership footprint while tapping into a customer base already familiar with ultra-premium vehicles from leading European marques.
Localized for the Gulf’s “New Luxury” Market
Aito vehicles are built around Huawei’s full intelligent vehicle stack — turning the cars into connected, software-driven platforms as much as premium transport.
Core systems include:
- Huawei smart cockpit with AI voice control
- LiDAR-based driver-assistance technology
- Real-time navigation-linked highway automation
For Middle Eastern conditions, Aito has completed months of extreme-heat testing across the UAE.
Regional versions of the Aito M9 flagship, M7 family SUV, and M5 performance SUV feature:
- Arabic, English and Chinese voice interfaces
- Reinforced cooling for battery and electronics
- Desert-grade sand and dust filtration
- Localized navigation and connected services
Smart Luxury Showdown: Aito M9 vs Global Rivals
| Feature | Aito M9 (EREV Ultra) | Li Auto L9 (Ultra) | BMW X7 (xDrive40i) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo generator + dual motors | 1.5L turbo generator + dual motors | 3.0L inline-6 mild hybrid |
| Real-World Range | ~1,200 km combined | ~1,100 km combined | ~700 km fuel |
| 0–100 km/h | ~4.8 sec | ~5.3 sec | ~5.8 sec |
| Display Tech | Panoramic AR-HUD + triple screens | Dual OLED displays + roof screen | Curved digital cockpit |
| Smart Driving | Huawei LiDAR ADAS | Li AD Max (LiDAR) | Driver Assistance Pro |
| Expected UAE Pricing | Mid-AED 200k range | Mid-AED 200k range | AED 420k+ |
Strategy: Skipping the West, Targeting the Gulf
The UAE expansion comes as Chinese EV makers face rising trade barriers in Europe and the United States.
By contrast, the Gulf offers:
- High disposable income
- Rapid EV infrastructure development
- Neutral trade environment
- Strong appetite for premium technology
With government-backed sustainability programs and a luxury-oriented consumer base, the Middle East is fast becoming one of the most attractive growth markets for next-generation electric vehicles.
Why This Matters
- Huawei’s ecosystem goes global – Aito acts as a gateway for Huawei’s automotive software and connected-services platform across the Middle East
- Luxury disruption accelerates – Chinese smart EVs now challenge German premium brands on technology, comfort, and price
- Faster delivery models – Regional warehousing could slash waiting times typical of imported luxury SUVs
- Geopolitical strategy shift – Automakers increasingly target high-growth regions beyond Western tariff walls
FAQs
Q1: Which Aito models are launching in the UAE?
The Aito M9 flagship SUV, M7 family SUV, and M5 mid-size performance SUV.
Q2: When will sales begin?
Commercial launches and test drives are expected around March 2026.
Q3: Are these full EVs or hybrids?
They use EREV systems — electric drive with a petrol generator — enabling long range without charging anxiety.
Q4: Will Huawei’s driver-assist systems work locally?
Yes. The systems have been localized for UAE highways and traffic conditions.
