GB Business Breakfast shines spotlight on GCC’s automotive, mobility sectors

Gulf Business hosted its second event as part of its ongoing Business Breakfast series on October 30 at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Close to 100 attendees gathered to gain insights from industry leaders on the advancements reshaping the automotive and mobility sectors.

The morning kicked off with Gareth van Zyl, group editor and Manish Chopra, publisher at Gulf Business, extending a warm welcome to the attendees, panellists and sponsors. “Today, we gather at a critical point in the evolution of mobility. With Dubai and the wider UAE as a backdrop – a hub known for pioneering digital integration and future-focused initiatives—there is no better place to discuss the impact of technology on transportation and mobility,” said van Zyl.

The event showcased the future of automotive dealerships, focusing on how traditional sales models are adapting to digital shifts, such as online platforms and direct-to-consumer initiatives.

“These evolving models are redefining how we engage with and purchase vehicles—a timely topic as the industry undergoes rapid transformation,” van Zyl added.

Business Breakfast panel one: E-Mobility in the region

The first panel discussion, themed The Future of E-Mobility in the Region,  featured Egor Fedorov, head of Brand at RIDDARA; Lucy Aziz, regional head of PR & Communication at OMODA & JAECOO; and Rahul Singh, MD of the Car Rental Division at A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises (Thrifty and Dollar).

They shared key insights on developments in the regional auto industry, including the emergence of new brands, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), and infrastructure challenges.

Aziz discussed OMODA & JAECOO’s recent launches and plans for the UAE market, highlighting the growing EV market and Dubai’s ambitious goals for EV adoption. Fedorov emphasised the demand for EVs, especially pickups, noting that their market strategy is tailored to meet both individual and commercial needs. Singh addressed EV adoption in the car rental market, citing infrastructure anxiety among tourists and potential leasing models to encourage usage. He also mentioned that government incentives similar to those in the US could boost EV demand in the region.

Aziz added that hybrids serve as a practical bridge until infrastructure is fully EV-ready, with the UAE’s strategic and regulated approach playing a significant role in green mobility’s growth. The panellists collectively emphasised the importance of range improvement and infrastructure expansion to address range anxiety, particularly for energy-intensive vehicles.

Keynote address: Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainability

Following the panel discussion, attendees learned more about Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering initiatives toward sustainable mobility from Selvin Govender, director of market management at Mercedes-Benz MEA, who delivered a keynote address.

Govender emphasised the extensive disruption within the automotive industry, from production to sales models. Against this backdrop, Mercedes-Benz is pursuing ambitious sustainability goals. He highlighted the brand’s Ambition 2039 plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2039, aiming to cut CO2 emissions per vehicle lifecycle by 50 per cent by 2030. Notably, Mercedes-Benz is already carbon-neutral across its global production facilities and aims for 70 per cent of its energy needs to be met by renewables by the decade’s end.

To underscore Mercedes’ sustainability commitment, Govender introduced the Vision EQXX concept car, designed to be the most aerodynamic car on the market and capable of travelling 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, tested successfully in challenging climates like the Gulf.

Business Breakfast panel two: The future of dealerships

Govender then joined Sebastian Fuchs, managing director of digital products and services at AutoData Middle East; Martin Victor Alva, founder of Carprices.ae; and Fedorov for an engaging discussion on The Future of Dealerships: Adapting to a Changing Market.

The panel discussion highlighted the industry’s shift toward a hybrid model, balancing digital platforms with in-person experiences to meet evolving customer expectations. While most car research starts online, especially in the Middle East, the region’s current infrastructure limits full online transactions, making dealerships essential for final sales and financing.

Panellists observed a shift in brand loyalty, with Middle Eastern consumers increasingly exploring new and often unfamiliar brands, including Chinese automakers. Trust and transparency remain central, with many buyers seeking verification of accident history and mileage accuracy. Digital tools, like AI, are helping to facilitate this process, albeit gradually.

Participants noted that dealerships are evolving from mere transactional spaces to immersive experience centers, featuring amenities like cafes and daycare to enhance customer engagement. Additionally, premium brands, such as Mercedes-Maybach, are catering to personalization demands, offering both online customization options and in-person consultations to enrich the luxury buying experience.

Embracing change in the auto sector

The discussions throughout the morning underscored a pivotal moment for the automotive and mobility sectors in the Middle East. As digital and physical interactions converge, the emphasis on premium, personalised services and sustainability will play a crucial role in building trust and loyalty among consumers. The collaboration between traditional dealerships and innovative digital platforms will be vital in navigating the complexities of the evolving market landscape.

The panel discussion culminated with a Q&A session and networking session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the experts. The breakfast meeting concluded with van Zyl thanking the participants and informing attendees of the upcoming Business Breakfast focused on the fintech industry in November.