Dubai unveils 22 million sq ft Auto Market to accelerate global trade vision
DP World to develop mega auto marketplace with 1,500 showrooms
DUBAI – Dubai has launched a landmark automotive development that aims to redefine the global vehicle trade landscape.
Spanning an impressive 22 million square feet, the Dubai Auto Market is set to become the world’s largest integrated automotive marketplace. Designed as a centralised global destination, the market will bring together investors, manufacturers, traders, companies, and automotive enthusiasts in one unified hub.
Featuring a blend of showrooms, logistics, assembly zones, hospitality, and event facilities, the development aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and cement its place among the world’s top economic cities. The marketplace also aims to accommodate up to 800,000 vehicles annually, enhancing Dubai’s role as a major gateway for automotive trade.
What will Dubai Auto Market feature?
The Dubai Auto Market will feature more than 1,500 showrooms, extensive warehouse zones, workshop clusters, and multi-storey parking facilities. The site will include a convention centre, hotel, auction house, and integrated retail and dining spaces, establishing it as an all-in-one destination. A significant focus will be placed on electric and hybrid vehicles, alongside conventional automotive trade. The inclusion of dedicated light industrial zones will support vehicle assembly, pre-delivery inspections, and value-added services.
Today, we launch the Dubai Auto Market project, the world’s largest automotive marketplace, spanning 22 million square feet.
— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) November 18, 2025
With over 1,500 showrooms, integrated facilities, and an annual capacity of up to 800,000 vehicles, the market will be a global hub that brings together… pic.twitter.com/Ovm7SHsgts
The facility is being developed by DP World, handpicked for its global logistics expertise and its network of 77 ports and 15 automotive transshipment hubs worldwide. DP World currently handles 10 percent of global automotive trade, providing an unmatched capability in facilitating vehicle movement across continents. Its Ro-Ro capabilities at Jebel Ali Port are expected to be central in boosting automotive throughput.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, witnessed the launch of the development. He also unveiled the project's visual identity in a ceremony held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The event was attended by senior government and industry officials, including Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Nasser Al Neyadi, CEO of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the Dubai Auto Market marks a key milestone in positioning Dubai as a global trade leader. He highlighted the role of the marketplace in enhancing regional automotive trade and supporting the city’s economic growth. Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, noted that the market is designed as a one-stop automotive ecosystem, integrating world-class infrastructure, services, and business support to redefine sector benchmarks.
How will it transform trade?
The new marketplace will strengthen Dubai’s connectivity to global markets through DP World’s extensive port network. The development will boost the trade flows of electric, hybrid, and conventional vehicles, linking exporting nations to high-demand markets across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Automotive sales and re-exports in the UAE are forecast to nearly double by 2030, and Dubai Auto Market will serve as a key facilitator of that growth.
The market will integrate customs inspection areas, employee accommodation, business services, and hospitality offerings, making it a comprehensive destination for trading, processing, and showcasing vehicles. Exhibition zones and event spaces are geared to support international automotive conferences, vehicle launches, and industry gatherings, further elevating Dubai’s role in the global automotive supply chain.
Dubai currently leads the Gulf region as the largest used car market and has firmly established itself as a major automotive trading centre. The Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) hosts more than 940 automotive and spare parts companies, including key international players such as Mitsubishi, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Volvo. The launch of Dubai Auto Market will build upon this foundation by offering enhanced facilities to attract investors and high-value trade partners.
DP World’s Economic Zones sector has signed an agreement with Dubai Municipality to oversee the establishment and management of the market. The cooperation aims to promote Dubai as an innovation-driven global trade hub. The partnership will harness DP World’s expertise in trade finance, asset development, and integrated logistics, providing an end-to-end ecosystem for the automotive industry.
Investors and industry professionals can explore opportunities, register their interest, and contribute feedback on DP World’s official platform for the Dubai Auto Market.