Latest news with #BMWGroupMiddleEast
Muscat Daily
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
BMW GROUP MIDDLE EAST REPORTS STRONG DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2025
Dubai – BMW Group Middle East has reported an exceptional performance in the first half of 2025, achieving a 15.3% increase in BMW sales compared to the same period in 2024. This growth underscores the continued strength of the brand in the region, driven by unwavering customer demand, importer excellence, and strategic investments across key markets. The UAE remains the leading market in the Middle East, with strong contributions also coming from MINI, BMW M, and BMW Motorrad. The premium automotive brand witnessed remarkable momentum across its product portfolio particularly in high-performance models. While BMW 7 Series remains the flagship in the BMW premium segment, the BMW X7 experienced a strong 18.6% increase in the first six months of the year. BMW M models gained significant traction, growing by 31.6% in the same period – in addition, and notably, M High-Performance models experienced exceptional growth of 46%, underscoring the region's strong appetite for high-performance driving experiences. The BMW 5 Series also delivered a strong performance, recording a total 23.8% year-to-date increase as of June 2025 – solidifying its position as a key pillar in BMW's premium sedan portfolio. BMW Middle East achieved outstanding growth in corporate and special sales with an increase of 38.5% in the first half of the year compared to the same period from the previous year. The Corporate Sales Conference held in Oman in the 2nd quarter this year marked a significant milestone for the region, laying the groundwork and setting the foundation for continuous business growth. MINI continued its upward trajectory, with 20% growth over the same period in 2024. The MINI Countryman emerged as the top-selling model with a 40% share, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) variant saw a surge in sales, rising by 63% and accounting for 14% of overall MINI sales. BMW Motorrad experienced impressive retail sales, posting nearly 20% growth in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable increase reflects the brand's strong appeal, the growing enthusiasm for motorcycle riding in the region, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. The results are also a reflection of the BMW Group Middle East Retail Network development. The ongoing transformation to the new Corporate Identity ' introduces a customer-centric concept with an open, flexible environment designed to deliver personalized experiences across sales and service – all in one space surrounded by BMW and MINI products. This concept enables a seamless 'phygital' journey, leveraging the best aspects of both the physical and digital worlds to exceed each customer's individual needs. Customer Support remains a cornerstone of BMW's success in the region. BMW Group Middle East recorded a 7% increase in Customer Support Services in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Moreover, 76% of BMW customers with vehicles aged up to 10 years are serviced within the authorized service network, which is a true testament to sustained customer loyalty and trust. Through the ConnectedDrive platform, the BMW and MINI Proactive Care initiative, and the 'Relax. We Care' program, BMW Group Middle East has strengthened the customer ownership experience. Additionally, with various digital customer touchpoints, BMW remains an industry leader in providing a convenient service journey and an excellent execution of aftersales services in the region. Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, commented, 'Despite regional uncertainties, we have continued to deliver excellence to our valued BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad customers. I'm especially proud of the surge in M sales in general and M High-Performance in particular, which confirms the strong emotional connection our customers have with the brand and especially with models like the M5 and the new M5 Touring. I extend my sincere appreciation to our importer network and partners for their dedication and to our customers for their trust. Together, we look forward to building on this success in the second half of 2025.'
Al Bawaba
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Beyond the Finish Line: Ahmad Al Harthy's Journey of Pride and Passion at Le Mans
As the world turns its eyes to the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend on 14-15 June, Oman's very own Ahmad Al Harthy returns to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for a third time - this year behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 with Team WRT. With a Le Mans podium already under his belt and growing support from BMW Oman, BMW Middle East, and national partners, Ahmad continues to fly the Omani flag high on the global motorsport stage. BMW Group Middle East caught up with him ahead of this year's race to talk preparation, passion, and national pride.'Ahmad, you're returning to Le Mans for the third time. What does this race mean to you personally, and how does it feel to represent Oman on one of motorsport's biggest stages?'First of all, coming back here for the third time is very emotional. To be able to race and represent Oman, the GCC, and everyone from the Arab world is a very proud moment for me. Le Mans is something I've been following since childhood. To me, it's the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it's a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I'm looking forward to this third experience.'From your first Le Mans podium in 2023 to now racing in the ultra-competitive LMGT3 category with BMW, how have you evolved as a driver - technically, physically and mentally?'Absolutely. It couldn't have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I've had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I'm ready, physically, yes; mentally, it's the challenging part. Le Mans is a demanding circuit because the speeds are very high for extended periods. We are also racing alongside Hypercars and sharing the circuit with that level of speed always pushes your concentration to the limit. I believe that every year we come back, we are slightly stronger. We must take all the positives and learn from every single lap, every single turn.'Ahmad, what is the first thing you think of when you sit behind the wheel of your BMW M4 LMGT3, especially at Le Mans?'That's a tough question. The first thing is realizing how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don't experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it's the same in that is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the 'Road to Le Mans' in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025.'Endurance racing is a team sport, what has the chemistry been like with your WRT teammates, including Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde, heading into this year's race?'You mentioned a very important point: teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it's all about teamwork. It's not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It's not just about seeing each other in the race car; it's what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don't always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver.'You've had strong backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey. How important has that local support been in helping you compete at the highest level of endurance racing?'When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW's support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I'm proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I've been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride over a year and a half into the BMW family, I'm starting to speak the same language. It's exciting to share my experiences with customers and M Clubs members, as well as M enthusiasts, discussing not just racing but also car performance and the emotional connection we have with the cars. I believe it's important for them to truly enjoy their cars in a controlled environment, like a racetrack.'What message would you like to share with young Arab and Omani athletes watching your journey — especially those dreaming of competing internationally?'The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it's time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. To reach Le Mans, you must come through the ranks, and I hope my presence here creates a path for that.I want to motivate the younger generation to believe that they can be here and achieve their dreams. It takes time, and we need to understand that these things cannot be accomplished overnight. It's a tricky formula, but it's worth it.'You're inspiring a lot of people. We know it wasn't an easy journey for you to reach where you are now, and we appreciate that. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best of luck.'Thank you! I give it everything I have. I want to use this opportunity to thank my family for believing in me and supporting me. It takes a family to support your dreams and to go through all the ups and downs over the years. I also want to thank everyone who has supported me, including BMW Oman, BMW Middle East, all my sponsors, and government organizations. Even those who may not be with us now played a crucial role in planting the seeds for this journey. I'm grateful for all the support. With the hopes of a nation behind him and the experience of two Le Mans appearances already in his toolkit, Ahmad Al Harthy stands ready to write the next chapter in his remarkable racing journey. Whether you're watching from the grandstands or cheering from Oman, one thing is clear - Al Harthy is racing for much more than the finish line!
What's On
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
The Middle East's first all-women supercar rally takes place in May
Automotive history in the making… Gone are the days when cars were predominantly associated with men. Women are here to take over the wheels, and they are no longer attaching themselves to the 'small car syndrome' either. To nail the point in, the Arabian Gazelles are showing off and launching the Middle East's first all-women supercar rally. The rally takes place next month from Thursday, May 1 to 4 and will travel through the emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi before returning to Dubai. It is the first all-women supercar rally in the Middle East, adding a sprinkle of luxury and elegance to the roads of the UAE. While most of the focus will be on the stunning four-wheel steel works of art, the backdrop is just as stunning with remote desert views and scenic coastlines. A lineup of twenty trailblazing women from around the world will drive across the UAE to showcase not just power and precision but to celebrate freedom, connection, and shared momentum. It's a coming together of women with one goal: to showcase the growing interest of women in motorsports and to ensure that every woman with a passion for the field has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and succeed. Over the four days, the Arabian Gazelles will journey across the UAE, embracing all that the unique and varied landscapes have to offer. Each segment will blend the excitement of the open road with plenty of hospitality, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated experiences. Above: Arabian Gazelles instagram 'This rally is about more than cars – it's about claiming space, changing perceptions, and celebrating the strength of exceptional women who are shaping the future,' said Hanan Sobati (pictured above), Founder of Arabian Gazelles. 'We're not just behind the wheel, we're leading the change, one powerful mile at a time.' It begins with an exclusive BMW M Series track session organized by BMW Group Middle East at Dubai Autodrome (an FIA sanctioned motorsports circuit), followed by a drive along the tranquil coastlines of Fujairah. After a night's rest at the stunning Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, the all-women crew will make the ascent up the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, where yet another serene overnight retreat awaits. From here, they will head to Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Sarab where they will spend a night among the dunes and the stars before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration at Delano. What an experience! Speaking on the rally, Ghita Mejdi, co-organizer of the Arabian Gazelles Rally and Founder of the kliff project stated, 'This is a rally with a soul. Every detail was curated to honor the spirit of the women driving it – trailblazers, storytellers, and icons.' She added, 'They're not here to compete; they're here to connect, uplift, and inspire.' (Now, my only question is, can I be a side seat driver… please ?) Images: Supplied and Instagram
Mid East Info
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Arabian Gazelles Launch the Middle East's First All- Women Supercar Rally, Bringing Luxury and Elegance to the Roads of the UAE
The four-day tour will start in Dubai and travel through the emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, before returning to Dubai Each leg of the rally, from racetracks to remote deserts and scenic coastlines, represents a story of bold, intentional progress From May 1 to 4, 2025, the Arabian Gazelles will make regional automotive history by launching the Middle East's first all-women supercar rally, a powerful initiative that merges performance with purpose, redefining who leads in the world of luxury cars. Twenty trailblazing women from around the world will drive across the UAE, not simply to showcase power and precision, but to celebrate freedom, connection, and shared momentum. The initiative both reflects the growing interest of women in motorsports, and honours their resilience, calling for collective efforts to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Over four days, the Arabian Gazelles will journey across the UAE, embracing the sights, sounds and thrills its unique and varied landscape has to offer. Each segment of the rally blends the excitement of the open road with elevated hospitality, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated experiences. 'This rally is about more than cars – it's about claiming space, changing perceptions, and celebrating the strength of exceptional women who are shaping the future,' said Hanan Sobati, Founder of Arabian Gazelles. 'We're not just behind the wheel, we're leading the change, one powerful mile at a time.' The Arabian Gazelles Rally is more than a journey, it's a movement. In a space traditionally dominated by men, Arabian Gazelles is paving a new road where women don't just participate, they lead. The experience begins with an exclusive BMW M Series track session organized by BMW Group Middle East at Dubai Autodrome, followed by a drive along the tranquil coastlines of Fujairah and a stay at the stunning Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, Arabian Gazelles' preferred wellness and hospitality destination for this year's rally. The journey continues with an ascent of the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, a serene overnight retreat at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, and a refined coastal interlude at Anantara Santorini in Ghantoot. Participants will then spend a night among the dunes and the stars of Qasr Al Sarab, before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration at Delano, culminating in a memorable and fabulous closing dinner for the rally participants at the stunning Maison Revka, hosted by Chopard & Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. The United Arab Emirates, renowned for its visionary spirit and commitment to progress, offers the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking event. With participants from across the globe, the Arabian Gazelles Rally is both a tribute to the country's legacy and an invitation to experience its beauty through a uniquely female lens. Arabian Gazelles aims to grow this movement beyond borders, bringing more women to the region and taking those already here on unforgettable journeys across the world. Ghita Mejdi, co-organizer of the Arabian Gazelles Rally and Founder of the kliff project added: 'This is a rally with a soul. Every detail was curated to honor the spirit of the women driving it, trailblazers, storytellers, and icons. They're not here to compete; they're here to connect, uplift, and inspire.' Presented in partnership with Chopard, the Swiss luxury watch & jewellery Maison that is devoted to supporting women and deeply rooted within the spirit of racing and classic cars, along with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. Chopard's participation in this first edition of the Arabian Gazelle's Women's Supercar Rally reflects the historic relationship between Chopard and racing. The close ties between these two worlds are built on the many common denominators that naturally draw them together, including constant innovation, a tireless quest for performance and excellence, unfailing respect for traditions, the supreme importance of details – and of course a shared passion for mechanical engineering. Also presented in partnership with The Elite Cars, a subsidiary of Elite Group Holding with decades of automotive expertise in the region, and Tom Ford Beauty, the Arabian Gazelles Rally is where luxury meets leadership, community fuels creativity, and women take the wheel of a bold new era. Arabian Gazelles is the world's first all-women supercar collective, founded in Dubai and driven by a powerful mission: to redefine how women experience performance, luxury, and leadership behind the wheel. Since its inception, the group has brought together high-powered, independent women from across the globe each one united by a shared passion for cars, community, and change.
Trade Arabia
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
Arabian Gazelles launch all-women supercar rally
Arabian Gazelles have made regional automotive history by launching the Middle East's first all-women supercar rally. From May 1 to 4, twenty trailblazing women from around the world will drive across the UAE, not simply to showcase power and precision, but to celebrate freedom, connection, and shared momentum. The initiative both reflects the growing interest of women in motorsports, and honours their resilience, calling for collective efforts to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Each segment of the rally blends the excitement of the open road with elevated hospitality, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated experiences. 'This rally is about more than cars – it's about claiming space, changing perceptions, and celebrating the strength of exceptional women who are shaping the future,' said Hanan Sobati, Founder of Arabian Gazelles. 'We're not just behind the wheel, we're leading the change, one powerful mile at a time.' The experience begins with an exclusive BMW M Series track session organised by BMW Group Middle East at Dubai Autodrome, followed by a drive along the tranquil coastlines of Fujairah and a stay at the stunning Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, Arabian Gazelles' preferred wellness and hospitality destination for this year's rally. The journey continues with an ascent of the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, a serene overnight retreat at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, and a refined coastal interlude at Anantara Santorini in Ghantoot. Participants will then spend a night among the dunes and the stars of Qasr Al Sarab, before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration at Delano, culminating in a memorable and fabulous closing dinner for the rally participants at the stunning Maison Revka, hosted by Chopard & Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. With participants from across the globe, the Arabian Gazelles Rally is both a tribute to the UAE's legacy and an invitation to experience its beauty through a uniquely female lens. Arabian Gazelles aims to grow this movement beyond borders, bringing more women to the region and taking those already here on unforgettable journeys across the world.
