Breaking: Li Auto Enters UAE and Saudi Arabia — L-Series EREVs Confirmed

Li Auto has officially signed dealer agreements to enter the UAE and Saudi Arabia markets, marking the Chinese automaker's first major push into the Middle East. The move brings the brand's popular L-Series extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) to GCC customers, with Al Fahim Motors handling UAE distribution and Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors managing the Saudi Arabia market.

The announcement, confirmed on April 25, 2026, signals a significant expansion for Li Auto beyond its home market. The company aims to target family buyers across the region with its spacious SUV lineup — precisely the kind of vehicle that resonates with GCC driving habits.

Models coming to the region include the L6, L7, L8, and the flagship L9 (updated L9 Livis variant), all powered by Li Auto's proprietary EREV technology. Unlike full battery-electric vehicles, EREVs combine a large battery pack with a petrol generator that kicks in to extend range — a compelling proposition for the GCC where charging infrastructure is still developing.

Why EREV Tech Matters for the GCC

Here's the thing about EREVs in the Middle East: they solve the two biggest barriers to EV adoption in the region — range anxiety and charging availability. The L9 Livis flagship offers a 72.7 kWh battery with 420 km of CLTC-rated electric range, backed by a 65-litre fuel tank that pushes total combined range to approximately 1,500 km.

That's a full Abu Dhabi-to-Dubai round trip dozens of times over, or a seamless drive from Jeddah to Riyadh without breaking a sweat.

Wu Zuomin, Head of Li Auto's International Business, put it plainly: "The L-series family's positioning and extended-range technology meet the needs of Middle Eastern customers." It's a rare case where a Chinese automaker's product strategy aligns almost perfectly with regional demands.

Li Auto L9 Livis: The Flagship

The standout model heading to GCC showrooms is the 2026 Li Auto L9 Livis, which started pre-sales in China at 559,800 yuan (approximately $82,000 USD) back in February 2026. Deliveries in China began May 15, 2026, meaning GCC customers won't have to wait long for the latest iteration.

Tech specs are impressive. The L9 Livis packs dual 5nm M100 smart driving chips delivering 2,560 TOPS of computing power, supported by four LiDAR sensors. That puts it squarely in the conversation with premium autonomous-driving competitors from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo.

And the best part? The EREV powertrain means you get the day-to-day benefits of electric driving — instant torque, silent cabin, lower running costs — without the "where do I charge?" anxiety that plagues full EVs in the region.

Dealer Partners Confirmed

Li Auto has chosen well-established partners for its GCC launch. Al Fahim Motors will represent the brand in the UAE, while Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors takes the lead in Saudi Arabia. Both are experienced dealership groups with existing infrastructure for sales, service, and parts distribution.

Ma Donghui, Li Auto's Co-founder and President, emphasized that the company is prioritizing long-term success over short-term sales numbers. He highlighted that the company is building out systems for sales, service, and logistics before aggressively targeting volume. This measured approach should reassure potential buyers concerned about parts availability and after-sales support for a new brand in the region.

Li Auto's Growing Global Footprint

This isn't Li Auto's first international rodeo. The company has already expanded into Uzbekistan, Egypt, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan. The GCC entry, however, is its most significant move yet, targeting two of the region's largest and most affluent auto markets.

The company's domestic performance gives confidence. Li Auto delivered 95,142 vehicles in Q1 2026 alone, with 41,053 units shipped in March — an 11.9% year-over-year increase. That scale matters when entering new markets, as it demonstrates production capability and supply chain maturity.

Looking further ahead, Ma Donghui confirmed plans for Europe as well, with a presence at the Paris Motor Show 2026 already in the works.

What We Still Don't Know

No specific GCC pricing or launch dates have been announced yet. The current announcement focuses on market entry and dealer partnerships. Expect pricing announcements closer to launch — likely positioned to compete with premium three-row SUVs from Toyota (Land Cruiser), Lexus (TX/LX), and BMW (X7).

Given the L9 Livis's China price of around $82,000 USD, a GCC-equivalent figure in the AED 300,000–350,000 range for the UAE and SAR 310,000–360,000 for Saudi Arabia seems plausible once import duties, homologation, and regional specifications are factored in.

The Bottom Line

Li Auto's entry into the UAE and Saudi Arabia is genuinely exciting for the region. The L-Series EREVs offer a rare sweet spot: zero-emission electric driving for daily commutes paired with petrol-backed range for the long hauls that define GCC road trips. With strong dealer partners and a product lineup tailored to family buyers, Li Auto looks poised to make a serious impression.

We'll bring you confirmed pricing and showroom dates as soon as they're announced.