The consulting firm 'Focal Point' has published its latest research on 'New Car Prices in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (the most popular vehicle segment in the market)'. The company, which began its operations in the region in 2011 from its Dubai office, confirmed the stable price trends in the automotive sector. Saudi Arabia stands out for having the lowest prices for new cars compared to other regional markets. The Focal Point study, which covers 68 models from 17 brands, provides a comprehensive picture of regional price levels based on data collected in November 2025 from official brand websites and other reliable online platforms. According to the price index in the report (the GCC average is 100), the UAE market was the most expensive for popular new cars with an index of 105.41, followed by Qatar (104.42) and Kuwait (103.25). Oman came in at 99.02, Bahrain at 96.84, while Saudi Arabia's cost index was the lowest in the Gulf at 91.05. The study revealed that the UAE market remains the most expensive for new cars in the region, despite the growing number of mainstream brands that adhere to stable pricing strategies. For instance, data showed a narrowing price gap between the UAE market and the regional average for brands like Mitsubishi and Nissan, known for offering lower-priced options, indicating a convergence in pricing structures. The report highlighted the emergence of the Saudi market as the most affordable for new cars across all vehicle categories, with prices for models like the Toyota RAV4, MG 5, and Changan Uni-V being significantly lower than in neighboring countries, reflecting the competitiveness of the retail sector. Regarding sedans, the UAE market remains the most expensive, while the Saudi market maintained its position as the most affordable. In the multi-purpose or SUV category, the Qatari market surpassed its Emirati counterpart, recording the highest average price for SUVs in 2025, due to an increase in the prices of popular models like the Toyota Fortuner and Kia Sportage in Qatar. The study found that price levels for small commercial vehicles (pickups) in Bahrain and the UAE closely align with the regional average, while Kuwait is the most expensive in this category.
