Chinese automobile manufacturer ROX has completed its Advanced AI Manufacturing Centre in Abu Dhabi and commenced local vehicle production, with the first three ROX Adamas vehicles carrying the “Made in the Emirates” mark rolling off the production line. The milestone marks a new stage in the company’s localisation and expansion in Abu Dhabi.
The new facility builds on the partnership between ROX and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), supporting its plans to localise its operations across supply chains, technology and design, while contributing to the development of an integrated automotive manufacturing ecosystem.
The facility covers 10,000 sq m within the industrial ecosystem of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – Kezad Group, supporting efforts to localise high-value industries and develop national manufacturing capabilities.
The facility enables the local sub-assembly of more than 80 types of vehicle components, alongside complete vehicle assembly.
The development is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology under the umbrella of “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and supports the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, “Operation 300Bn”, which seeks to strengthen the country’s position as a leading global destination for the industries of the future.
The new facility is expected to provide an initial production capacity of 20,000 vehicles in 2027, with plans to increase this to 300,000 vehicles annually by 2030, serving the needs of the domestic market while supporting exports to regional and international markets.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The UAE has strengthened its leading position on the global manufacturing map by building a competitive industrial ecosystem based on innovation and advanced technology, while reinforcing its position as an attractive destination for high-value investments and future industries.”
Al Nowais said the ministry, in collaboration with its partners, continues to develop a flexible, growth-enabling industrial environment that supports global companies in localising their operations, transferring knowledge and technology, and developing integrated supply chains.
"This contributes to enhancing In-Country Value, increasing the competitiveness of products manufactured in the UAE, and creating high-quality opportunities for Emirati talent,” he noted.
“The start of production of ROX Adamas vehicles in Abu Dhabi reflects the objectives of national initiatives such as Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates, and demonstrates the UAE’s ability to attract and localise advanced industries, spanning production and assembly, design, research and development, and artificial intelligence applications.”
Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Chief Trade and Industry Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “ROX’s progress in Abu Dhabi is a clear example of how industrial investments can translate into local production, deeper industrial capability and global growth. By anchoring more of its manufacturing and value chain in the emirate."
"ROX is contributing to an automotive ecosystem designed to support localisation, strengthen supply chains and enable exports. Abu Dhabi gives manufacturers the infrastructure, connectivity and partners to establish, scale and compete globally from a single base," he added.
