Home Interviews Interview with Mr. Saj Jabbar, General Manager, MAHY Khoory Automotive, The Growth of Chinese Car Brands in the UAE and the Region

Interview with Mr. Saj Jabbar, General Manager, MAHY Khoory Automotive, The Growth of Chinese Car Brands in the UAE and the Region

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Saj Jabbar is a distinguished figure in the UAE automotive industry, serving as the General Manager of M.A.H.Y. Khoory’s Automotive Division. With over a decade of experience, he has consistently demonstrated deep market expertise, strategic acumen, and a commitment to excellence, making him instrumental in driving the company’s ongoing success.

Leadership and Strategic Vision:

Saj’s leadership is characterized by his ability to inspire and guide teams toward achieving ambitious goals. His comprehensive knowledge of the automotive sector, coupled with his strategic foresight, allows him to focus on both immediate results and long-term growth. Since taking on the role at M.A.H.Y. Khoory in October 2022, Saj has spearheaded initiatives aimed at strengthening the division’s market presence and operational efficiency.

His dedication to optimizing sales and enhancing customer satisfaction remains a cornerstone of his approach. Saj sets clear objectives and empowers his team to execute them effectively, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. His leadership ensures that M.A.H.Y. Khoory stays competitive in the evolving UAE automotive market, with future successes anticipated under his direction.

Deep Industry Knowledge and Sales Expertise:

Saj’s extensive background in the UAE automotive market is a key driver of his achievements. His thorough understanding of market trends, consumer preferences, and emerging opportunities enables him to address challenges and seize growth prospects. This expertise is especially evident in his sales management strategies, where he consistently delivers outstanding results.

Before joining M.A.H.Y. Khoory, Saj held prominent positions, including Area Manager for Fleet Sales at Hyundai UAE and Fleet Sales Manager for Nissan at Arabian Automobiles Co. LLC. In these roles, he was instrumental in driving significant sales increases, hitting profit targets, and expanding market share. His direct involvement in sales and fleet management has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the entire sales cycle, from market analysis to customer engagement and post-sales support.

Commitment to Excellence:

Central to Saj’s professional philosophy is an unwavering commitment to excellence. This is reflected in all aspects of his work, from strategic planning to daily operations. His focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction extends beyond meeting business targets to fostering strong, long-term relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues.

1. What do you think is driving the growing popularity of Chinese car brands in the UAE?
ANS: The rise of Chinese car brands in the UAE can be credited to their unique combination of quality, design and affordability. These manufacturers have made significant strides in research and development, introducing advanced safety features, cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions that appeal to today’s consumers. What sets Chinese brands apart is their ability to offer premium features—once only available in high-end cars—at much more competitive prices. This makes them an attractive option not just for individual buyers, but also for businesses that rely on fleet vehicles. Their ability to adapt quickly to trends and deliver stylish, feature-packed cars has helped them capture the attention of a wide range of buyers.

2. How is MAHY Khoory Automotive helping to boost the presence of Chinese brands in the UAE market?
ANS: MAHY Khoory Automotive plays a crucial role in helping Chinese brands establish themselves here. Our strategic partnerships, like the one with Dongfeng and the One by One Rental, help drive their growth in the UAE. But we don’t just distribute cars—we focus on creating a solid foundation for these brands, with quality showrooms, excellent after-sales service and tailored strategies that speak to the unique needs of UAE consumers. By understanding the local market, we help build trust and ensure these brands meet expectations, paving the way for long-term success.

3. How do Chinese car brands compare with established global brands in terms of technology and innovation?
ANS: Chinese car brands have caught up quickly and, in some areas, even surpassed global competitors. Brands like Dongfeng are incorporating the latest electric vehicle technology, smart driving systems and AI features into their cars. What’s impressive is how fast Chinese manufacturers have embraced trends like electric mobility and in-car connectivity, which aligns well with the UAE’s sustainability goals. So, while affordability was once their main selling point, Chinese brands are now proving they can lead the way in innovation as well.

4. What trends in the UAE’s automotive market are driving the demand for Chinese cars?
ANS: Sustainability is a huge factor. Chinese car makers are leading in hybrid and electric vehicle technology, which aligns perfectly with the UAE’s growing focus on green mobility. Additionally, younger, more tech-savvy consumers are looking for cars with advanced connectivity and entertainment systems. Chinese brands have tapped into this demand, offering vehicles that combine affordability with the latest tech. Consumer perceptions are also shifting. People are more open to exploring Chinese brands now that they offer reliability, stylish designs, and modern features at a competitive price.

5. How is this growth affecting the broader UAE automotive market?
ANS: The rise of Chinese brands is shaking things up in the UAE automotive industry. It’s driving competition, encouraging innovation and providing consumers with more choices. This shift is pushing traditional brands to rethink their strategies, which benefits the consumer with more affordable, high-quality options. Chinese electric vehicles support the UAE’s vision for a greener future, contributing to the country’s sustainability goals. As a result, the automotive market is becoming more diverse and accessible to a wider range of people.

6. How does MAHY Khoory Automotive help build trust in Chinese car brands, especially given past concerns about quality?
ANS:  At MAHY Khoory Automotive, we partner with Chinese brands that meet rigorous global standards. Brands like Dongfeng have invested heavily in R&D, ensuring their vehicles are of the highest quality. We also focus on building trust through transparency, exceptional customer service and after-sales support. Our vehicles undergo thorough testing to meet regional standards and we back every purchase with strong warranties, easy access to spare parts and expert servicing. These efforts give customers peace of mind and show our commitment to delivering long-term reliability.

7. What strategies have helped MAHY Khoory Automotive capture the growing demand for Chinese vehicles?
ANS: Our success comes from a comprehensive approach that blends strong partnerships, consumer education and excellent service. By working closely with forward-thinking manufacturers, we introduce high-quality vehicles to the market while challenging old perceptions through consumer awareness campaigns. We place a major focus on after-sales service, with reliable warranties and parts availability. We also cater to the needs of fleet operators, rental companies and individual buyers. Our competitive pricing ensures we can attract customers without sacrificing advanced features or performance, allowing us to capture significant market share in this growing sector.

8. What do you think the rise of Chinese car brands means for the future of the UAE automotive market?
ANS: The rise of Chinese brands is a game-changer. Their competitive pricing, combined with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly options, is pushing the entire market to innovate more rapidly. For consumers, it means more choices—affordable, reliable and high-tech vehicles that meet their needs. This shift also helps accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, which supports the UAE’s sustainability goals. As Chinese brands continue to grow, we’ll see a wider variety of affordable, quality and eco-friendly options, which will only make the automotive market more dynamic and consumer focused.

9. What message would you like to send to industry stakeholders about the rise of Chinese brands in the UAE?
ANS: The rise of Chinese automotive brands is not just a trend—it’s a fundamental shift in the global market. These brands are proving that they can combine affordability, technology, and sustainability in a way that appeals to today’s consumers. For industry stakeholders, this presents an exciting opportunity to embrace change and collaborate with these innovative manufacturers. At MAHY Khoory Automotive, we are proud to be part of this transformation, and we are committed to leading the way in this exciting new era of the automotive industry.

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