DP World, Cars24 Launch AED55m Auto Facility in Dubai

National Industries Park (NIP), the industrial hub of DP World in Dubai, will soon host one of the largest automotive refurbishment centres in the region. The project is being developed through a AED55 million ($15 million) partnership with Cars24, the global online vehicle platform. This major initiative aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as the leading automotive hub in the Middle East.

The new centre will cover an area of 220,000 square feet and create more than 200 jobs in its first phase. It will be capable of handling over 100,000 vehicles every year. The facility’s location in NIP offers direct access to DP World’s ports, logistics corridors, and economic zones, enabling smooth connectivity for regional and international automotive operations.

Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with operations expected to start by August 2026. The project aligns with Dubai’s strategy to expand its industrial and logistics sectors, providing world-class infrastructure to attract global automotive companies and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

The upcoming facility will cater to a wide range of brands, including electric vehicle manufacturers and Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It will provide multiple services, including refurbishment, pre-delivery inspection, after-sales support, and export-ready vehicle preparation. Its multi-brand handling capability makes it one of the most advanced centres of its kind in the GCC.

Built as a solar-powered facility, the centre will play a vital role in reducing the environmental impact of new vehicle production. By refurbishing and extending the life of vehicles, especially EVs, the project supports Dubai’s sustainability goals. Each vehicle processed at the facility will undergo over 140 internal quality checkpoints, receive Dubai RTA approval, and meet the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) 5-Star certification standards for safety and quality.

Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer of Parks & Zones at DP World GCC, said that Cars24’s new facility would further anchor Dubai’s role as the region’s automotive hub. He highlighted that the Middle East and Africa’s used car market generated more than $100 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 4.9% annual rate between 2025 and 2030. According to Al Hashmi, the partnership will connect global manufacturers and regional distributors, strengthen supply chains, and unlock new opportunities for automotive businesses.

Founded in 2015, Cars24 is a unicorn startup valued at over $3 billion. It operates one of the world’s leading digital platforms for buying and selling used vehicles. The new facility at NIP represents a major expansion of Cars24’s footprint in the region. It will offer customers access to one of the largest multi-brand refurbishment and servicing hubs in the GCC.

Abhinav Gupta, CEO of Cars24 Arabia, said that the new centre would set a benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and reliability in the automotive sector. He noted that its strategic location inside NIP provides excellent access to trade routes and logistics facilities managed by DP World. This will help automotive companies expand faster into the GCC and international markets while maintaining high operational standards.

The Cars24 facility will join DP World’s expanding automotive cluster spread across NIP and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). This cluster already hosts major automotive manufacturers, distributors, and EV technology firms. The addition of Cars24’s refurbishment centre strengthens the ecosystem and enhances Dubai’s reputation as a global automotive destination.

This development also aligns with Dubai’s wider automotive strategy, which includes creating the world’s largest car market—announced in 2024 through a partnership between DP World and Dubai Municipality. Together, these initiatives aim to position Dubai as the main gateway for automotive trade, innovation, and logistics in the Middle East and Africa.

By combining DP World’s logistics infrastructure with Cars24’s digital expertise, the new facility will provide an advanced model for sustainable automotive operations. It will not only generate employment but also contribute to Dubai’s green economy by promoting vehicle reuse, recycling, and clean energy practices. The project demonstrates how innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand in building the future of mobility.