World car markets will be bombarded with new vehicles once again this year as manufacturers jockey for domination in a mobility sector that is evolving at an increasingly rapid rate.
Unsurprisingly, electric and hybrid options feature heavily among the latest arrivals, but traditional petrol power is still very much in the mix.
Here, we look at some of the more intriguing cars slated to arrive in the Middle East in 2025. Price estimates are included but bear in mind they are just that and there will be regional variations.
Kia EV5
Teaser images of the EV5 have been around for a while now and it was first launched in other global markets last year, but the car will be new to the Middle East in 2025.
As a mid-size SUV with family use in mind, it sits as a beefier version of the EV6 and, if reports of its capabilities prove accurate, will be a vehicle worthy of attention.
The car is already a feature on regional dealership websites, and it is expected to make its first physical appearance in showrooms early in 2025. Prices start at Dh160,000.
Volkswagen ID.2
Offering accessible electric motoring options continues to be a trend among manufacturers. Volkswagen’s latest foray into this sphere is the ID.2, a vehicle which will come in supermini and compact SUV variants.
The focus is on efficiency in an urban setting so both options are unlikely to be contenders in the off-road stakes, but, evidently, that remains to be seen – Volkswagen is a brand not unknown to surprise.
Exact specifications are still being decided upon for the ID.2, but expect a classy, compact affair with a few perks to lift it above the pack. Commentators are citing a base-level price of around $27,000.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
If you hear the words “new Ford Mustang” you’re probably going to imagine a car that looks very different to what this, the latest incarnation in the decades-old series, is.
Despite a moniker dripping with machismo, the Mach-E looks as much like a roomy, high-performance European fastback as it does a standard US muscle car. This is an all-electric affair that’s looking to barge its way into the flashy and sporty end of the market.
It remains to be seen how successful Ford has been here, but the early signs seem positive. Currently, a base model Mach-E starts at just north of $40,000.
McLaren W1
McLaren’s output over the past couple of years has been prolific for a manufacturer of such high-end models – notably, we’ve seen the Artura and the 750S – and its big offering next year is the W1.
This sounds like it could be impressive, despite the name being the same as a central London postcode. The car is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, which, in harmony, will produce 1,275hp and get the car up to the ton in well under three seconds.
Only 399 W1s will be produced, each with a starting price of about $2.1m.
Polestar 5
Polestar continues its ultra-straightforward naming policy by revealing the imminent release of the 5. The 3 and the 4 – a pair of SUVs – came our way this year but the new arrival sits in the sporty sedan sphere.
This car, another all-electric affair, will do battle with the likes of the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S. The brand’s signature Scandinavian minimalism is all there, but the speed of the 5 distances it from its brethren: the dual-motor set-up will produce a combined output of 884hp, allowing drivers to hit 100 kph in less than three seconds.
Starting prices are currently around $100,000.
BYD Yangwang U8
The stats around BYD’s Yangwang U8 indicate that this is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. Its four-motor set-up delivers 1,100hp and 1,280Nm of torque, all of which gives it an impressive 0 to 100 kph time of less than three seconds.
Speed aside, there are some devious elements in this vehicle – each wheel can be controlled independently, allowing it to make tank-style turns, which takes control in both urban and rough environments little short of a game changer. Notably, with a range extender, BYD says this car will have a 1,000km range.
Expect to pay in the region of $160,000 for a base model.
Jeep Recon
This is another electric SUV, and one that pays homage to its more famous stablemate the Wrangler and, in particular, the plug-in hybrid version.
As such, the Recon, with its boxy, sturdy exterior, is recognisable as one of the Jeep breed right from the off and its all-terrain capabilities (it is, of course, four-wheel drive) are likely to be key to its appeal. The roof and doors will echo previous models and be removable.
Aside from this, details as yet are few and far between, with engine size, range, battery and price yet to be revealed by the brand. Estimates suggest a base-model price of around $60,000.
Zeekr 7X
The 7X is a premium five-seat crossover with several features going in its favour, not least its range. Zeekr is citing a figure of more than 600km on a single charge, rising to nearly 800km on the high-end models.
The 7X is also fast, with the zippiest versions boasting a sub-four-second 0 to 100 kph time. Like a lot of recent Chinese electric options, it also comes with a lot of tech in the shape of advanced driver-assistance systems. The vehicle has off-road capabilities as well.
Price-wise, the 7X is expected to be competitive, with estimates suggesting an entry-level model costing around $33,000.
Koenigsegg Gemera
A lot of supercar manufacturers talk about producing vehicles that can be used on a day-to-day basis, but this is often something those who’ve driven would question. Koenigsegg might just be bucking the trend with the Gemera though.
It’s a four-seater supercar which, while not having the space of an SUV or microbus, does look on the accessible side. That said, it’s still absurdly fast – the car’s combination of three-cylinder engines paired with a trio of electric motors produces 1,700hp, enough grunt to see the car go from 0-100kph in under two seconds.
It's not cheap and it won’t be commonplace, of course – only 300 are being made available and those who opt to invest can expect a price tag in the region of $1.7m.
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Match info
Athletic Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 1 (Ramos 73' pen)
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Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams
Rating: 3/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
T10 Cricket League
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
December 14- 17
6pm, Opening ceremony, followed by:
Bengal Tigers v Kerala Kings
Maratha Arabians v Pakhtoons
Tickets available online at q-tickets.com/t10
Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The five pillars of Islam
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Directed by: Pete Doctor
Rating: 4 stars
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE
There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.
It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.
What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.
When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.
It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.
This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.
It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.
MATCH INFO
Champions League last 16, first leg
Tottenham v RB Leipzig, Wednesday, midnight (UAE)
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
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Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
Company%20Profile
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TCL INFO
Teams:
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
Timeline October 25: Around 120 players to be entered into a draft, to be held in Dubai; December 21: Matches start; December 24: Finals
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
Amiens v Bordeaux (10pm)
Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
Metz v Dijon (10pm)
Nantes v Guingamp (10pm)
Rennes v Lille (10pm)
Sunday
Nice v Strasbourg (5pm)
Troyes v Lyon (7pm)
Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (11pm)
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
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Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
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What is a portfolio stress test?
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What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
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How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
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A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
The biog
Born: near Sialkot, Pakistan, 1981
Profession: Driver
Family: wife, son (11), daughter (8)
Favourite drink: chai karak
Favourite place in Dubai: The neighbourhood of Khawaneej. “When I see the old houses over there, near the date palms, I can be reminded of my old times. If I don’t go down I cannot recall my old times.”
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Stars:Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Rating: 3/5
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The squad traveling to Brazil:
Faisal Al Ketbi, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Khalfan Humaid Balhol, Khalifa Saeed Al Suwaidi, Mubarak Basharhil, Obaid Salem Al Nuaimi, Saeed Juma Al Mazrouei, Saoud Abdulla Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Zayed Saif Al Mansoori, Saaid Haj Hamdou, Hamad Saeed Al Nuaimi. Coaches Roberto Lima and Alex Paz.
The specs: 2018 Infiniti QX80
Price: base / as tested: Dh335,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 400hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.1L / 100km
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Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
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