Smart #5 and Hyundai Accent

Recently I have been lucky enough to have a quick layover in Dubai. This was a good opportunity to quickly scan the car landscape of the city. Note a small number of cars also come from neighbouring Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at 829m high. Nissan Patrol and Mercedes GLCNissan Patrol and Range RoverMercedes G ClassNissan Patrol and Land Rover Defender

As early as the airport parking lot, it’s evident that the Nissan Patrol is the best-seller so far in 2026, with lots of them integrating the city landscape (I would expect the Toyota Hilux, #2 YTD, is more popular at the outskirts. Also at the airport is an unusually high number of Mercedes G-Class. The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and 300 are also well represented as are the Range Rover lineup and Land Rover Defender.

GMC YukonJeep Wrangler and Ford TerritoryChevrolet SilveradoDodge Challenger and GAC GS3 EmzoomFord BroncoFord Expedition

Also impressive is the amount of large American cars. Enormous GMC Yukon are common, and i spotted large pickups such as the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra (2 door). The Ford Expedition was also present (see above), as well as the Jeep Wrangler and quite a few Ford Bronco.

Taxis are mostly Toyota Innova (at the airport) and Camry (in the city). Uber cars are more luxurious like Lexus ES and Tesla Model Y for example.

Bestune T77Chery Tiggo 7 + Hyundai AccentJAC JS4Jetour Zhongeng F700GAC GS3 EmzoomGeely Coolray + Toyota Yaris Sedan and Nissan KicksMG 3 and BYD Seal UJetour T2AvatR 12

As you would know following our monthly UAE updates, the Chinese have infiltrated the market quite significantly, with BYD, MG, Jetour (lots of T2 as expected) and Chery very well represented. I also saw a few GAC, JAC and Bestune models as well as one Skyworth. Surprising me was the AvatR 12 spotted at the airport.

Kia SonetToyota Raize

As early as the airport parking lot, it’s evident that the Nissan Patrol is the best-seller so far in 2026, with lots of them integrating the car landscape. Also at the airport is an unusually high number of Mercedes G-Class.