August 2024 has been an eventful month for the UAE’s automotive sector, with exciting updates and new developments. From infrastructure enhancements to the launch of high-performance vehicles, the country continues to make strides in both green mobility and automotive advancements. This month’s highlights include new metro link bus routes, cutting-edge recycling initiatives and the launch of highly anticipated car models. Let’s do the round-up of the UAE auto news from August 2024.
The UAE Auto News from August 2024
Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest news and upcoming events shaping the country’s automotive landscape.
New Metro Link Bus Routes Launched by RTA
One of the latest UAE auto news from August 2024 is the launch of new metro link bus routes in Dubai. Starting on 30th August 2024, the RTA launched four new metro link bus routes in Dubai:
- F39: From Etisalat Bus Station to Oud Al Muteena, every 30 minutes.
- F40: From Etisalat Bus Station to Mirdif, every 30 minutes.
- F58: From Al Khail Metro Station to Dubai Internet City, every 30 minutes.
- F59: From Dubai Internet City Metro Station to Dubai Knowledge Village, every 30 minutes.
15 Years on the Track: Dubai Metro’s Anniversary
Dubai Metro will celebrate its 15th anniversary on September 9, 2024, with the theme ‘15 Years on Track.’ The RTA has planned several initiatives for the Dubai Metro anniversary. For instance, Emirates Post will issue anniversary stamps and Al Jaber Gallery will offer Dubai Metro-themed souvenirs. Also, a new Nol Card featuring a unique LEGO design will be launched.
Moreover, Children born on September 9 between 2009 and 2023 will be celebrated at LEGOLAND Dubai. Parents need to register on the RTA website. From September 21 to 27, local and international artists will perform at metro stations as part of the 4th Dubai Metro Music Festival.
New Bridges on Al Khail Road in Dubai
Another exclusive UAE autos news from August 2024 is the opening of new bridges in Dubai. The RTA has opened two major bridges on Al Khail Road in Dubai. They are located at Zaa’beel and Al Quoz 1, heading towards Jebel Ali. The bridges are part of the Al Khail Road Development Project. This project is now 80% complete. It aims to reduce travel time by 30% and ease congestion. The Zaa’beel bridge is 700 metres long and can handle 4,800 vehicles per hour. The Al Quoz 1 bridge is 650 metres long and has a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour. Further improvements are ongoing at seven other sites.
20 New Air-Conditioned Rest Areas Completed for Bike Riders
The RTA has recently introduced 20 air-conditioned rest areas for delivery riders in Dubai, with plans for a total of 40 across key locations. This initiative aims to improve rider well-being and road safety by providing comfortable waiting areas. Facilities in these rest areas include vending machines, water dispensers and phone charging stations.
Abu Dhabi Welcomes World’s First Ferrari eSports Arena
Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World Yas Island has launched the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. The arena features 20 Gran Turismo simulators and three F1 simulators. It’s designed in Ferrari’s iconic black and red colours. The facility caters to all ages, with some simulators specifically for younger guests. Two simulators are designed for people of determination, promoting inclusivity.
The arena is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Gran Turismo simulators are included in the theme park ticket, while F1 simulators cost extra. This launch aligns with the UAE’s goal to boost its gaming and Esports scene.
Two New Recycling Plants Installed in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Mobility has installed two new recycling units in Al Ain and Al Dhafra, expanding its plastic bottle recycling initiative. This plastic bottle recycling initiative in Abu Dhabi allows individuals to deposit plastic bottles at bus stations and earn points redeemable for public bus fares. Points are tracked digitally through the Cycled Rewards app and converted into credit on a Hafilat Card.
Small bottles earn 1 point and large bottles earn 2 points, with 10 points equating to AED 1. The initiative, in collaboration with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and Cycled Technologies, promotes sustainability and responsible behaviour.
Dubai to Welcome 20,000 Attendees in 30th ITS World Congress
Dubai will host the 30th Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress from September 16 to 20, 2024, with over 20,000 participants expected. The event is organised by ERTICO—Intelligent Transport in Europe, in collaboration with ITS America and ITS Asia-Pacific. ITS also marks the first time the congress will be held outside Europe, North America, East Asia and Australia. ITS World Congress 2024 will feature over 200 sessions, focusing on smart mobility, sustainable transport and innovative technologies. Participants can register via the official website, with various accommodation options available in Dubai.
Nissan to Reveal All-New Patrol Soon
Nissan is set to globally unveil the all-new seventh-generation Patrol SUV in Abu Dhabi on September 3, 2024. To celebrate the Patrol’s 70-year legacy, Nissan has launched the ‘Feel Patrol’ video series. This six-part series highlights the cultural significance and evolution of Nissan Patrol, offering a sneak peek at what to expect from the new model. Al Masaood Automobiles is the distributor for Nissan in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and the Western Region.
Lamborghini Unveils New Temerario
Lamborghini has unveiled the new Temerario, a groundbreaking super sports car equipped with a 920 CV 4.0-litre hybrid powertrain. As the second model in Lamborghini’s High-Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) range, following the Revuelto, the Temerario offers unmatched performance and driving comfort.
Featuring a newly developed twin-turbo V8 engine capable of reaching 10,000 rpm. The car boasts a top speed of over 340 km/h (210+ mph) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.7 seconds. The Temerario was showcased at Monterey Car Week 2024 and is set to launch in the second half of 2025.
Cadillac Introduces the Opulent Velocity Concept
Cadillac has introduced the Opulent Velocity concept, a luxurious 2+2 two-door vehicle that combines high performance, electrification and autonomous driving. Developed by Cadillac’s Blackwing division, this concept features butterfly doors, advanced technology like level-4 autonomous driving and a ‘Ghost Car’ feature for driving guidance. The design is inspired by Cadillac’s V-Series race cars, with a low, hypercar-like profile, vertical lighting strips and a sophisticated Gilded Pearl exterior.
Electric and Hydrogen Buses to Hit Abu Dhabi Roads
Abu Dhabi will launch a fleet of electric and hydrogen-powered buses next month. This helps in enhancing its commitment to green mobility and environmental preservation. The new electric and hydrogen-powered buses in Abu Dhabi will join the existing public transport system, with charging stations already installed at bus stops. This initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s goal to make 20% of its transport system green by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
The Iconic Dodge Charger Is Electrified Now
Dodge has electrified its iconic Charger with a new EV model featuring the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which mimics the sound of a traditional engine. The high-performance Scat Pack model offers impressive acceleration, hitting 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Both the Scat Pack and the R/T version use the new STLA Large chassis and offer luxury upgrade options. Production of the two-door Charger EV will begin soon, with the four-door Daytona model following next year, while the gasoline-powered Charger will continue production in 2025.
Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi to Join Hands
Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi have formed a major alliance to advance electric vehicles (EVs) and software development. This collaboration aims to leverage each company’s unique technologies and expertise to address challenges in electrification and intelligence. The partners will work on shared technologies, including autonomous driving, connectivity and new battery solutions. Additionally, they plan to rebadge models and jointly develop innovations. This strategic move comes as Japanese automakers strengthen their position against emerging competitors in the EV market, particularly from China.
The First ZEEKR Showroom is in the UAE
Among the UAE car news from August 2024, one exciting event is the inauguration of the ZEEKR showroom in the UAE. ZEEKR is a premium electric vehicle brand by Geely Automotive Group. The brand has opened its first showroom, ZEEKR Space, in the UAE on Sheikh Zayed Road. The new showroom showcases ZEEKR’s two models: the high-end ZEEKR 001, with a range of 620 km and rapid acceleration and the compact SUV ZEEKR X, offering a 445 km range and quick performance.
First Looks from August 2024
Another exclusive addition to our UAE auto news from August 2024 is new car launches. Let’s take a quick look at what to expect from the latest car editions.
2025 GMC Terrain
GMC Arabia has just announced the new generation of the GMC Terrain, set to launch in 2025. This updated model will be available in three trims: Elevation, Denali and the 2026 AT4. It features a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 175 horsepower and 275.23 Nm of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 680 kg. The Elevation trim includes an 8-speed transmission and all-wheel drive, while the Denali and 2026 AT4 trims come with hill descent control and all-wheel drive.
BMW M5 Touring
Another latest auto news from the UAE is the launch of BMW M5 Touring. BMW has reintroduced the iconic M5 Touring for 2025. This new model, making a comeback after over a decade, offers both sports car excitement and family-friendly space. It features a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a fifth-generation electric motor, delivering a combined 727 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque. The M5 Touring accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, extendable to 305 km/h. It includes an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, M xDrive all-wheel drive and various driving modes like Hybrid, Electric and Dynamic.
Petrol Prices for September 2024
By the end of August 2024, petrol prices in the UAE witnessed a slight decrease. For September 2024, the per-litre prices are as follows:
- Special 95: AED 2.78
- Super 98: AED 2.90
- E-Plus: AED 2.71
- Diesel: AED 2.78
FAQs
When is the Dubai Metro’s 15th anniversary?
The Dubai Metro’s 15th anniversary is on September 9, 2024.
What are the new bridges recently opened on Al Khail Road in Dubai?
Two new bridges were opened: one at Zaa’beel and one at Al Quoz 1, both heading towards Jebel Ali.
How many new air-conditioned rest areas for bike riders have been completed in Dubai?
The RTA has completed 20 new air-conditioned rest areas for bike riders.
When will the 30th ITS World Congress take place in Dubai?
The 30th ITS World Congress will be held from September 16 to 20, 2024.
Where is the first ZEEKR showroom in the UAE located?
You can find the first ZEEKR showroom, ZEEKR Space on Sheikh Zayed Road.
With this, we end the highlights of the UAE auto news from August 2024. As August draws to a close, the UAE automotive sector continues to demonstrate its dynamic evolution, marked by both technological advancements and infrastructure developments. The integration of innovative transportation solutions, such as the expansion of metro link bus routes and the introduction of new eco-friendly vehicles, highlights the nation’s commitment to enhancing mobility and sustainability.
If you have missed the previous updates, here is the round-up for UAE car news from July 2024.
For those on the hunt for a new vehicle, there’s no shortage of options available in these new cars for sale in the UAE. Explore the latest arrivals from a variety of manufacturers and find the perfect ride to suit your needs.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s cars blog for the most up-to-date news, expert insights and exciting new car launches in the UAE.
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