Legend Motors has expanded its product portfolio in the UAE with the launch of two new Kaiyi SUV models, the Kaiyi X7 AWD and the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, as the Chinese automotive brand strengthens its presence in one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing vehicle markets.

The latest launches underline Kaiyi’s strategy to grow its footprint across the Middle East by offering both conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and new-energy models that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Speaking during the launch event in Dubai, Cannon Wang, Group Vice President, Leadership and Strategy at Legend Holding Group, said the UAE remains a strategic market for the company’s regional ambitions.

“Dubai represents a global benchmark for automotive excellence, where innovation and customer expectations come together. It is a natural gateway for Kaiyi’s regional expansion, and we see strong long-term potential in the UAE market as we introduce products that combine technology, value and performance,” Wang said.

The newly introduced Kaiyi X7 AWD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 256 horsepower and 390Nm of torque. The SUV is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.9 seconds.

Alongside it, the company unveiled the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The vehicle offers an all-electric driving range of up to 150 kilometres under the CLTC testing cycle and features EV, Hybrid and Power Assist driving modes.

The launches come as Chinese automotive manufacturers continue to expand their presence across the Gulf region, driven by increasing demand for technologically advanced SUVs and electrified vehicles.

The UAE automotive market records annual new vehicle sales of around 300,000 units, with SUVs accounting for nearly half of total sales. The growing preference for fuel-efficient and technology-focused vehicles has encouraged several global and Chinese manufacturers to broaden their product offerings in the country.

Tony Wu, Deputy General Manager of Kaiyi International, said the company remains committed to supporting the UAE’s transition toward cleaner mobility while continuing to serve customers seeking petrol-powered vehicles.

“Aligned with Dubai’s Vision 2030, we see a clear direction towards accelerating the adoption of new energy vehicles. While our petrol-powered E5 and X3 models continue to perform strongly among retail and fleet customers, we are equally committed to supporting the region’s shift towards cleaner, future-ready mobility solutions,” Wu said.

Harsh Chaturvedi, General Manager of Kaiyi UAE, said the company’s focus is on making advanced automotive technology accessible to a wider customer base.

“True innovation lies in making cutting-edge technology accessible, practical and aligned with the everyday expectations of our customers. It’s not just about specifications but delivering a refined sense of control, comfort and modern luxury,” he said.

Through its UAE operations under Legend Motors, the automotive division of Dubai-based Legend Holdings, the company is also investing in after-sales services, spare parts availability and customer support as it seeks to strengthen its presence across the UAE and the wider GCC market.

The launch of both petrol-powered and plug-in hybrid variants reflects Kaiyi’s broader strategy of offering multiple powertrain options as demand for electrified mobility continues to grow across the Middle East.

Sharjah City Municipality has announced that paid public parking hours across the emirate will be extended until midnight from July 1, 2026, in a move aimed at addressing rising demand for parking spaces.

The new timings will apply to all paid parking areas in Sharjah, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, including zones marked with yellow signboards. These will now operate in line with blue-zone areas, which already remain chargeable until 12am.

The municipality said parking will remain free on Fridays and official public holidays, except in designated areas where charges apply throughout the week, including holidays. In total, the revised system covers around 124,000 paid parking spaces across the emirate.

Under the new rules, parking fees will be applicable from 8am to midnight, although operating mechanisms may vary in certain smart parking zones, particularly in tourist-heavy locations.

Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department at Sharjah City Municipality, said the decision follows a detailed study of parking usage patterns, occupancy levels and demand across different parts of the emirate. He added that the review also included benchmarking against other systems and feedback from residents and visitors.

He said growing commercial, economic and tourism activity had increased pressure on parking availability, particularly in the evening hours, making extended operation necessary to improve turnover and reduce congestion.

According to the municipality, the change is also intended to address difficulties faced by residents, subscription holders and visitors—especially those visiting restaurants and cafes—who often struggle to find parking after 10pm.

Officials said the extended hours are expected to improve space availability, reduce illegal or informal parking, and enhance traffic flow in busy commercial and residential districts. The move is also aimed at supporting Sharjah’s broader appeal as a place to live and visit.

The municipality clarified that there will be no increase in seasonal parking subscription fees. Existing subscribers will effectively receive two additional hours of daily coverage, with the current 14-hour free window increasing to 16 hours.

Motorists have been urged to comply with the updated timings and use official payment channels, including SMS services and the Sharjah Digital app. The municipality also encouraged residents to make use of seasonal parking permits available through its online services.

Abu Dhabi has launched a $2 billion Global Water Platform aimed at strengthening water and food security in developing countries and expanding access to clean and safe water worldwide.

Developed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the initiative will support high-impact water projects while championing innovative technologies and sustainable solutions for water resource management.

Goal to reach 10 million beneficiaries

The platform plans to mobilise $2 billion (Dh7.34 billion) in funding from local and international financing institutions. Its first phase will allocate $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) over five years, from 2026 to 2030, to reach around 10 million beneficiaries globally.

The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation while promoting inclusive and resilient development.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, called on local and international partners to collaborate through joint financing, strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange to accelerate solutions that enhance water security and empower developing nations.

Fatima Ateeq Al Mazrouei, Support Services Department Director at ADFD, said the initiative will also finance innovative programmes, support scientific research and youth-led initiatives, and organise awareness campaigns focused on water-related challenges.

Why it matters to investors

• Defensive, long-term asset class: Water infrastructure and security projects offer stable, long-duration returns backed by essential demand and government support.
• $2bn capital mobilisation opportunity: Abu Dhabi’s platform signals a sizeable pipeline of bankable projects, co-financing opportunities and public-private partnerships across developing markets.
• Climate-resilient growth sector: Rising water scarcity, population growth and climate pressure are driving sustained global investment into water, sanitation and food security solutions.
• Policy-aligned investment: The platform aligns with UN SDG 6, increasing eligibility for development finance, blended capital structures and ESG-focused funds.
• Innovation upside: Focus on pioneering technologies and scalable solutions opens opportunities for investors in water tech, infrastructure, data, desalination and resource management.
• Strong sovereign backing: Led by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the initiative benefits from institutional credibility, risk mitigation and long-term policy commitment.