Li Auto has officially entered the UAE market with its flagship L9 extended-range electric SUV, giving the Chinese new-energy vehicle maker its first official sales presence in the Gulf.
The company held its UAE launch event in Dubai on September 3, introducing two versions of the new L9 — Ultra and Livis. Prices start at AED 319,900 for the Ultra and AED 359,900 for the Livis, according to independent reporting on the launch.
Al Fahim Motors, part of Abu Dhabi-based Al Fahim Group, is Li Auto’s exclusive distributor and representative in the UAE. The partnership was formally established in April, when the two companies signed an agreement to bring Li Auto’s premium extended-range electric vehicle models to the country.
UAE becomes Li Auto’s first Gulf market
The UAE launch is significant for Li Auto’s international expansion because it represents the company’s first official vehicle sales operation in the Gulf region.
Li Auto has been expanding outside China, with operations extending into markets across Central Asia, the Caucasus and North Africa. The UAE gives the automaker a foothold in the Gulf’s premium automotive market and creates a local base from which it can develop its regional presence.
For Al Fahim Motors, the agreement adds another premium automotive brand to its UAE portfolio. Al Fahim’s automotive division already operates a network of showrooms, service centres and other automotive facilities across the country.
L9 combines electric driving with range-extender technology
Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Li L9 uses an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system.
The vehicle’s wheels are driven electrically, while a petrol engine acts as a range extender. This approach is designed to provide electric driving for everyday use while reducing reliance on public charging infrastructure during longer journeys.
The UAE-specification L9 offers a claimed 420-kilometre CLTC battery-only range and a combined range of up to 1,650 kilometres with a full battery and fuel tank. These figures are based on the manufacturer’s stated testing methodology and should not be treated as equivalent to real-world driving range.
Li Auto originally launched the updated L9 in China in May 2026. The company lists the model in Ultra and Livis versions, with the China-market models priced at RMB 459,800 and RMB 509,800 respectively.
Built for UAE conditions
Li Auto says the UAE version has been calibrated for local driving conditions, including high summer temperatures and dusty environments.
The company has also adapted charging performance and cabin thermal management for the market. Local charging protocols and mapping data are supported as part of the UAE specification.
The vehicle’s digital features are also being localised. The L9 will offer an Arabic-language user interface, while English voice interaction is currently supported. Arabic voice support is expected to be introduced by the end of 2026, according to reporting on the UAE launch.
That localisation could be particularly important for a technology-focused vehicle competing in a market where premium buyers increasingly expect connected services, advanced driver assistance and integrated digital features.
Two versions will be offered
The UAE launch lineup consists of the L9 Ultra and L9 Livis.
Both versions use Li Auto’s third-generation EREV technology. The vehicle also features steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering, while its intelligent cockpit is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8797 platform.
The higher-specification Livis adds an 800-volt active suspension system and electromechanical brake-by-wire technology.
Li Auto describes the L9 as a flagship family SUV, combining a spacious cabin with advanced driver-assistance technology and connected in-car features. The company has positioned family-oriented mobility as a central part of its product strategy.
Retail and service network planned in UAE
The launch is also being accompanied by plans to build an official local sales and after-sales network.
Li Auto and Al Fahim Motors plan to establish more than two official retail and service centres in the UAE. The first retail location is scheduled to open in downtown Dubai in September.
Customers buying through authorised channels are expected to receive official warranty coverage, certified repair services, genuine parts, technical support and ongoing over-the-air software updates.
For UAE buyers, the development means the L9 will enter the market with an established distributor rather than relying solely on parallel or grey-market imports.
A new competitor in the UAE’s premium SUV market
Li Auto’s arrival adds another Chinese automotive name to an increasingly competitive UAE market for electric and electrified vehicles.
The company’s approach is somewhat different from manufacturers focused exclusively on battery-electric vehicles. Its EREV system is intended to combine electric propulsion with the flexibility of a conventional fuel supply for longer trips.
That positioning may appeal to UAE customers who want an electrified driving experience but remain concerned about charging availability on long-distance journeys.
The next stage will be the development of Li Auto’s local retail and service infrastructure. With Al Fahim Motors handling distribution and the first Dubai retail location expected this month, the UAE will provide an early test of the brand’s ability to establish itself among premium SUV buyers in the Gulf.
What happened with Li Auto in the UAE?
Li Auto officially launched its L9 SUV in the UAE in September 2026, marking the Chinese automaker’s first official vehicle sales in the Gulf.
Who distributes Li Auto in the UAE?
Al Fahim Motors, a member of Al Fahim Group, is Li Auto’s exclusive distributor and representative in the UAE.
How much does the Li L9 cost in the UAE?
The L9 Ultra starts at AED 319,900, while the higher-specification L9 Livis starts at AED 359,900.
Is the Li L9 fully electric?
The L9 is an extended-range electric vehicle. It uses electric propulsion but has a petrol-powered range extender for longer journeys.
What is the Li L9’s claimed electric range?
The UAE version has a claimed 420 km CLTC battery-only range, with a combined claimed range of up to 1,650 km when the battery and fuel tank are fully charged and filled.
Is the Li L9 adapted for UAE conditions?
Yes. Li Auto says the UAE model has been calibrated for local road conditions, extreme heat and dusty environments, with changes to charging performance and cabin thermal management.
Where will Li Auto open its first UAE retail centre?
The first official retail centre is planned for downtown Dubai, with an opening scheduled for September 2026.
Will the Li L9 support Arabic?
The vehicle will offer an Arabic-language user interface. Arabic voice interaction is planned for introduction by the end of 2026, while English voice interaction is currently supported.
