Abu Dhabi has marked a milestone in speed as China’s BYD set a new world speed record with its YANGWANG U9 Xtreme electric hypercar, surpassing 500kph on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road (E11) in Al Dhafra Region.
The record-breaking run, which took place on November 1, 2026, saw professional racing driver Marc Basseng reach a speed of 503.17 kilometres per hour on a specially secured section of the highway, one of the UAE's principal transport arteries.
The location provided a suitable setting for the high-speed run, supported by Abu Dhabi’s road infrastructure and the coordination required to prepare and secure the route.
Providing the conditions
The initiative brought together Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and other relevant government authorities. Working across investment facilitation, destination development, transport infrastructure and operational planning, the entities helped provide the conditions required for the record-breaking attempt.
Mohamed Ali Al Kamali, Chief of Trade and Industry at ADIO, said: “BYD chose Abu Dhabi to make automotive history, and we are proud to have played a part in making it possible. This achievement brings together the ambition of a global industry leader with the infrastructure, capabilities and coordinated support that Abu Dhabi can offer.
A new chapter
“From ROX Motor and Freelander to BYD, we are seeing a new chapter in Abu Dhabi's engagement with leading Chinese automotive companies. These relationships go beyond individual milestones. They create opportunities to connect global industry leaders with Abu Dhabi's strategic location, international markets and long-term investment potential. Our ambition is to make Abu Dhabi a place where global automotive companies can achieve breakthroughs and pursue their next stage of growth.”
Eng Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector at the integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) said: “Enabling a world-record speed run on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road required precise technical planning, effective traffic management, and close coordination with the relevant authorities and key stakeholders. The successful operation demonstrated the capabilities of Abu Dhabi's transport infrastructure and our ability to support specialised international initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.”—TradeArabia News Service
