RELY R8 Pickup Launches in UAE: GCC Debut from AED 59,900

The RELY R8 mid-size pickup truck has officially launched in the UAE, marking the brand's GCC debut with an aggressive starting price of just AED 59,900. This new commercial vehicle, introduced by Al Ghurair Mobility under the Chery Commercial Vehicle umbrella, promises to shake up the region's pickup segment with rugged capability and exceptional value.

Here's the thing: the UAE pickup market has long been dominated by established Japanese brands. The arrival of the RELY R8 brings a fresh, budget-friendly alternative designed specifically for the demands of Gulf businesses and terrain. This isn't just another import—it's a strategic entry backed by a 5-year/200,000 km warranty and tailored for local conditions.

Why the RELY R8 Launch Matters

The 2026 RELY R8 represents a significant move by Chery's commercial vehicle division to capture a slice of the lucrative GCC utility market. Distributed exclusively by Al Ghurair Mobility, the R8 is built on a body-on-frame chassis, ensuring the toughness required for construction sites, desert tracks, and heavy daily workloads.

But that's not all. Its pricing strategy is its most powerful weapon. Starting nearly 50% lower than a base Toyota Hilux 4WD, the R8 directly targets cost-conscious fleet operators, SMEs, contractors, and private owners who need reliable transport without the premium price tag. This launch event, held at Warehouse Four in Al Quoz on February 10, signals RELY's serious commitment to the region.

2026 RELY R8 Pricing and GCC Availability

The RELY R8 is available in five distinct trim levels, with both petrol and diesel powerplants. All prices listed are excluding VAT.

• Petrol Standard 2.4L 2WD MT: AED 59,900
• Petrol Comfort 2.4L 4WD MT: AED 69,900
• Diesel Standard 2.3T 2WD MT: AED 63,900
• Diesel Comfort 2.3T 4WD MT: AED 72,900
• Diesel Limited 2.3T 4WD AT: AED 89,900

The first batch of vehicles is now available at the RELY showroom in Dubai. The launch marks the model's first appearance in the GCC, with plans for a wider regional rollout likely following the UAE debut. Available colors include Metallic Silver, White, Black, Green, and Orange.

RELY R8 Specifications and Performance

Under the hood, the R8 offers two engine choices suited to different needs and budgets. The petrol variant uses a proven 2.4-litre naturally aspirated Mitsubishi unit, while the diesel option features a modern 2.3-litre turbocharged Dongfeng engine.

Key Specifications:

• Dimensions: 5,370 mm (L) x 1,960 mm (W) x 1,880 mm (H)
• Wheelbase: 3,230 mm
• Cargo Bed: 1,530 x 1,620 x 515 mm
• Max Payload: 1,000 kg
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres

Petrol Engine (2.4L):

• Power: 158 hp
• Torque: 230 Nm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD

Diesel Engine (2.3L Turbo):

• Power: 161 hp
• Torque: 420 Nm (a crucial figure for towing and load-carrying)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic (top trim only)
• Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD

The suspension setup—double wishbone at the front and leaf springs at the rear—is classic pickup fare, designed for durability and load-bearing. Four-wheel disc brakes are a welcome standard feature.

Trim Levels and Feature Breakdown

The RELY R8's trim structure is straightforward: Standard, Comfort, and Limited. Equipment scales logically with the price.

The Standard trim focuses on the essentials: cloth seats, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, dual airbags, and a basic audio system with four speakers. It's a workhorse specification.

Move up to the Comfort trim, and you gain 4WD capability alongside expected comfort upgrades.

The range-topping Diesel Limited trim is where the R8 gets modern. It's expected to include a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless charger, a 360-degree camera, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This makes it a viable option for executives who need a comfortable, tech-laden daily driver that can still handle a worksite on weekends.

Target Audience and GCC Market Fit

RELY and Al Ghurair Mobility have clearly designed the R8 for the heart of the UAE's commercial sector. The target audience includes fleet companies, logistics operators, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), contractors, and private owners who prioritize durability, low running costs, and real-world performance.

The combination of a 1-tonne payload, robust chassis, and simple mechanicals is tailor-made for the region's demanding climates and varied road conditions—from city traffic to desert paths. The generous 5-year/200,000 km warranty and 10,000 km/6-month service intervals at authorized centers are calculated to reassure first-time RELY buyers.

Executive Vision and Brand Partnership

The launch underscores a strategic partnership. Oscar Rivoli, CEO Motors Al Ghurair Mobility, stated the focus is on “developing a diversified, future-ready portfolio that aligns with the evolving demands of modern businesses.”

She Cairong, President of Chery Commercial Vehicle International, added that the partnership represents “an important step in expanding our commercial vehicle presence and supporting the evolving needs of the UAE commercial landscape.” This indicates long-term plans beyond the R8.

How the RELY R8 Compares to the Toyota Hilux

The elephant in the room is the Toyota Hilux, the region's benchmark pickup. The RELY R8's most compelling argument is price. A 4WD diesel R8 Comfort starts at AED 72,900, while a 4WD Hilux double cab starts around AED 115,000. That's a massive saving.

Physically, the R8 is also longer than the Hilux, potentially offering more cabin or cargo space. Of course, the Hilux boasts legendary resale value and proven long-term reliability—attributes the new RELY brand will need time to establish. For budget-driven buyers, however, the value proposition is undeniable.

What's Next for RELY in the GCC

With the R8 now in UAE showrooms, the immediate focus will be on generating test drives and securing fleet orders. Al Ghurair Mobility's established network will be crucial for sales and after-sales support.

The GCC debut suggests that if the UAE launch is successful, we can expect a rapid rollout to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. The RELY brand, founded in 2019, has been on an aggressive overseas push since 2025. The R8 (sold as the R08 Pro in China) is just the beginning.

Potential buyers should visit the Dubai showroom to inspect the unique UAE-specific front styling and experience the cabin firsthand. With its competitive pricing, strong warranty, and commercial-focused design, the 2026 RELY R8 is poised to become a serious player in the GCC's pickup truck arena.