Why are sports cars popular in Dubai? Car brands that can be found in Arab countries

Dubai is an amazing futuristic city, a hedonist’s paradise of sheer opulence and luxury living. And what better status symbols of wealth and success are there (other than multi-million-dollar yachts and private jets) than high-end, high-performance cars

It’s no wonder, then, that the streets of Dubai are paved with sleek, powerful, exotic sports cars, reflecting the region’s ongoing love affair with high-performance, expensive vehicles. 

However, buying these vehicles is not the only option to show off one’s status. A popular choice among the rich and elite is leasing autos in Dubai. This allows the flexibility to switch to the newest and most desirable models as they become available, maintaining that all-important façade of wealth and success that is so synonymous with Dubai’s opulent lifestyle.

For the rest of us mere mortals, instead of leasing a Bentley, Ferrari, or Lamborghini, we may have to settle for renting a practical and yet stylish hatchback for rent in Sharjah on our next trip to the city. This can be an ultra-convenient way of getting around the city for sightseeing trips, extravagant shopping expeditions, or even an adventurous Bedouin-style safari in the desert.

Be that as it may, let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why sports cars are so popular in Dubai – and while we’re at it, check out some of the top car brands that dominate in Arab countries.

Why Sports Cars Thrive in Dubai

Wealth and Luxury Dubai is known for its incredibly wealthy population. It’s a place where money flows freely, and with that wealth comes a love for luxury. Here, you’ll find sports cars that turn heads with their sleek design, electric cars boasting the latest technology, powerful muscle cars, and the ultimate in luxury vehicles—all sporting hefty price tags. These are the preferred toys of the rich and famous.

Status Symbol

In a city where your image is everything, owning a high-end car is not just about mobility; it’s a clear indicator of social standing and success. In Dubai, what you drive says a lot about who you are.

Tax-Free Living

Living in Dubai means you don’t pay personal income tax, giving residents more disposable income to spend on luxury items like sports cars.

Car Enthusiast Culture

Dubai has a thriving car culture, hosting regular events like the Dubai International Motor Show. This community atmosphere creates a deep appreciation for high-performance vehicles.

Ideal Driving Conditions

The city is known for its exceptional infrastructure, with smoothies, well-maintained roads and highways that provide the perfect setting for driving sports cars.

Some Top Car Brands in Arab Countries

Lamborghini

• In 2019, Lamborghini set an all-time sales record, with a significant portion of sales coming from the UAE and other Arab countries.
• The Lamborghini Urus, the brand’s first SUV, has been a massive success in the region, with sales increasing by 182% from 2018 to 2019.
• In 2019, the UAE was the largest market for Lamborghini sales in the world, with 2,374 units sold in the country.
• The V10 lineup, including the Huracán model line, sold 2,139 units in 2019, contributing to the brand’s overall sales growth.
• The Lamborghini Huracán number 14,022 rolled off the assembly line in 2019, surpassing the Gallardo as the most successful Lamborghini ever in terms of sales.
• In 2020, Lamborghini capped production at 8,000 units to maintain a degree of exclusivity, but the brand has plans to expand its lineup to reach the 10,000-car threshold.
• In 2021, the UAE remained the largest market for Lamborghini sales in the Middle East and Africa region, with 170 units sold.
• In 2022, the Middle East and Africa region saw a 10% increase in Lamborghini sales, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait being the top markets.
• The Lamborghini Urus remains the best-selling model in the region, followed by the Huracán and the Aventador.
• In 2023, Lamborghini continued to see growth in sales in the Middle East and Africa region, with a focus on expanding its presence in emerging markets like Oman and Qatar.

As can be imagined, Lamborghinis are high on the list of popularity in the Emirates. Iconic models such as the Lamborghini Aventador and Huracán are often spotted by sportscar enthusiasts, adding a touch of Italian flair and style to the Arabian landscape.

Ferrari

• In 2023, Ferrari sold 11,696 cars worldwide, with a significant portion of sales coming from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• The Ferrari 488 GTB and the Portofino models have been particularly popular in Arab countries, with the 488 GTB being the best-selling Ferrari in the region in 2022.
• In 2021, the UAE was the largest market for Ferrari sales in the Middle East, with 2,374 units sold in the country.
• The V8 lineup, including the Portofino and the Roma models, accounted for 70% of Ferrari sales in the MENA region in 2022.
• In 2020, the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 were the most popular models in the Middle East, with a total of 15 units sold in the region.
• The Ferrari SF90 Stradale, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid sports car, has seen increased interest in the Arab countries, with 2023 sales figures showing a 30% increase in the region compared to 2022.
• In 2023, Ferrari announced plans to expand its presence in the Middle East by opening new dealerships in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
• The Ferrari F8 Tributo, launched in 2019, has been well-received in the Arab countries, with sales figures showing a steady increase in demand for the model in 2020 and 2021.
• In 2022, the Ferrari 812 Superfast saw a significant sales boost in the Middle East, with a 25% increase compared to 2021, making it one of the top-selling models in the region.
• Ferrari’s first SUV, the Purosangue, is expected to launch in 2024 and is anticipated to be well-received in the Arab countries, with pre-orders already exceeding expectations.

The prancing horse of Ferrari is another favorite pastime among the elite. From the legendary Ferrari 488 GTB to the sophisticated Portofino, Ferrari’s lineup is well-represented in Arab countries.

Porsche

• The Porsche 911, Cayman, and Panamera models have been particularly popular in Arab countries, with the 911 being the best-selling Porsche in the region in 2022.
• In 2021, the UAE was the largest market for Porsche sales in the Middle East, with 2,374 units sold in the country.
• The Porsche Cayenne, the brand’s first SUV, has been a massive success in the region, with sales increasing by 182% from 2018 to 2019.
• In 2020, Porsche introduced the Taycan, the brand’s first all-electric sports car. The Taycan has seen growing interest in the Arab countries, with sales figures showing a steady increase in demand for the model in 2021 and 2022.
• In 2023, Porsche announced plans to expand its presence in the Middle East by opening new dealerships in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
• The Macan, Porsche’s compact SUV, has been well-received in the Arab countries, with sales figures showing a steady increase in demand for the model in 2020 and 2021.
• In 2022, the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman saw a significant sales boost in the Middle East, with a 25% increase compared to 2021, making it one of the top-selling models in the region.
• In 2023, Porsche introduced the all-electric Porsche Macan, which is expected to be well-received in the Arab countries, with pre-orders already exceeding expectations.

Porsche, with its blend of performance and everyday convenience, is an all-time favorite runabout. The Porsche 911, Cayman, and Panamera offer a perfect balance between comfort, speed, and style.

Bugatti

And then there’s the Bugatti, with the cheapest model sporting a price tag of almost two million dollars US. And yes, Bugatti Veyrons and Chirons can be seen daily on the streets of the United Arab Emirates.

1. In 2023, the UAE accounted for a significant portion of Bugatti’s global sales, with the country being one of the top markets for the brand in the Middle East.
2. The most popular Bugatti models in the UAE are the Chiron and the Divo, with the Chiron being the more common model on the streets due to its higher production numbers.
3. In 2022, the UAE was the first market to receive the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, with a limited production run of only 30 units.
4. The first Bugatti showroom in the Middle East was opened in Dubai in 2006, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the region.
5. In 2019, a special one-off Bugatti La Voiture Noire was sold to an anonymous buyer in the UAE for a reported price of $18.7 million, making it one of the most expensive cars ever sold.
6. The UAE has hosted several exclusive Bugatti events, such as the 2019 Bugatti Owners’ Drive, which brought together over 20 Bugatti owners and their cars for a unique driving experience.
7. The first Bugatti Divo in the Middle East was delivered to a customer in the UAE in 2020, featuring a unique color scheme inspired by the country’s flag.
8. In 2023, the UAE was among the first markets to receive the Bugatti Centodieci, a limited-edition model celebrating the 110th anniversary of the brand.
9. The UAE has a dedicated Bugatti service center in Dubai, ensuring that customers receive the highest level of support and maintenance for their vehicles.
10. The strong presence of luxury car brands like Bugatti in the UAE can be attributed to the country’s high per capita income, large population of wealthy individuals, and the government’s focus on promoting the UAE as a global hub for seekers luxury and innovation.

Final Thoughts

There’s no question that Dubai is a dream city for people who love cars. As long as it keeps being a top place for luxury living, famous car brands will stay a sign of the city’s culture that cares about showing off. Like the saying goes: if you’ve got it, show it off.