The Gulf's Supercar Culture: Why Luxury Vehicles Outshine Real Estate
In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, particularly among the youth and new millionaires, luxury supercars are preferred over real estate investments. Discover the cultural and economic factors driving this trend.
Luxury CarsGulfReal EstateSupercarsGccReal EstateJul 17, 2025
According to Horizon Grand View Research, a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% is expected in the Middle East & Africa luxury car market from 2025 to 2030. This rapid growth is fueled by several factors, including cultural prestige, tax-free wealth, and expansive road infrastructure.
Why Cars Over Real Estate?
In many parts of the world, real estate signifies wealth and stability. But in the GCC, especially among the youth and new millionaires, supercars are often preferred over property investments. Several factors explain this cultural inclination:
Cultural Prestige and Social Media Influence
Social media has amplified car culture. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are flooded with videos of supercar meetups in Dubai or impromptu races in the deserts outside Riyadh. For many Gulf nationals, a luxury car is a more immediate, shareable display of success than a property. The UAE's influencers, such as Rashed Belhasa (Money Kicks), are known globally for showcasing their exotic car collections, which include limited edition Ferraris and Lamborghinis. This trend has inspired a new generation to view supercars as social capital.
Tax-Free Luxury
Unlike countries with hefty import duties or luxury taxes, GCC nations, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, offer tax-free environments, making luxury cars more accessible to the wealthy.
Road Infrastructure
The GCC boasts some of the world’s best roads and highways, designed to accommodate high-speed driving. The UAE’s Sheikh Zayed Road, Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd Road, and Qatar’s Lusail Expressway are all conducive to luxury car performance.
Car as a Cultural Artifact
Historically, Arabs have a deep connection with automobiles, seen as an extension of the nomadic Bedouin heritage where horses and camels were symbols of pride and wealth.
Regional Examples of Extravagance
Dubai, UAE
Dubai is arguably the supercar capital of the world. The city hosts the Dubai International Motor Show, showcasing the latest from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. The Dubai Police famously owns a fleet of supercars, including the Bugatti Veyron, Aston Martin One-77, and Lamborghini Aventador, not merely for speed enforcement but to bolster the city’s image of luxury.
Saudi Arabia
With Saudi Arabia opening up under Vision 2030, there has been a sharp rise in luxury car imports. In 2023, Al Ghassan Motors reported a noticeable spike in demand for Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, driven by both traditional elites and newly empowered entrepreneurs. Riyadh hosts the International Luxury Motor Show, a dedicated event for elite automotive brands.
Qatar
Qatar, with its high per capita income, boasts one of the most supercar-dense populations. Doha’s Pearl-Qatar island frequently hosts supercar gatherings, and Qatar has announced infrastructure tailored to luxury and performance vehicles in preparation for the 2030 Asian Games.
The Auction and Collector Scene
Luxury car auctions are also flourishing in the GCC. For instance, RM Sotheby’s regularly features Gulf collectors in its global events, with some rare models fetching prices in millions. Additionally, bespoke car customisation houses like Mansory and Brabus have established a solid customer base in the region, offering gold-plated trims, diamond-studded interiors, and unique body kits.
Governmental Support for Automotive Enthusiasm
Saudi Arabia is keen on transforming its auto enthusiasm into a formalised industry. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah and the upcoming Formula 1 track in Qiddiya underline the government’s recognition of motor culture as part of its economic diversification efforts. Similarly, the UAE's efforts with Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit and annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix draw global attention.
Environmental Challenges and Electric Supercars
While the Gulf’s car culture thrives, there’s an emerging consciousness about environmental impacts. Manufacturers like Tesla, Porsche (Taycan), and Lucid Motors are now tapping into the region’s elite market, offering electric supercars. In 2024, Lucid Motors began deliveries in Saudi Arabia, where it also plans to establish a manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City, aimed at producing up to 150,000 vehicles per year.
The Future of GCC’s Car Culture
EV Adaptation
As sustainability takes center stage globally, the Gulf’s supercar scene is expected to evolve to include more electric hypercars.
Motorsport Tourism
Events like Formula E in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and new motorsport tracks are positioning the GCC as a motorsport tourism destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gulf country has the most supercars?
The UAE, especially Dubai, leads in supercar density, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Are luxury cars cheaper in the GCC?
Yes, due to zero income tax and lower import duties compared to Western countries.
What are the most popular brands in the Gulf?
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes AMG are among the most coveted.
Is the region adapting to electric luxury cars?
Yes. EV adoption is rising, especially with brands like Lucid, Tesla, and Porsche entering the market.
What are the main events that promote car culture in the GCC?
Events like the Dubai International Motor Show, Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and Formula 1 races in Abu Dhabi and Diriyah are key promoters of car culture in the GCC.
Related News Articles
Bengaluru's Luxury Housing Market Sees Significant Growth in H1 2024
Bengaluru's housing sales register 4% growth in H1 2024, with luxury homes priced at ₹1 crore and above witnessing 76% annual growth.
Sustainable Office Spaces Take Center Stage in India: 65% of Grade A Offices Now Green-Certified
India's office market is shifting towards sustainability, with over 65% of Grade A office space in top cities now green-certified.
India's Real Estate Market Poised for Explosive Growth, Set to Reach $10 Trillion by 2047
The Indian real estate market is expected to play a crucial role in the country's economic growth, with a projected value of $10 trillion by 2047.
Budget Day Market Highlights: Nifty Ends Close to 23,500, FMCG Stocks Outperform
In a volatile trading session on Budget day, the Nifty managed to close near 23,500. FMCG stocks took the lead, with ONGC, Sun Pharma, LIC Housing Finance, Aster DM, Nuvama Wealth Management, Karnataka Bank, and Pfizer performing notably.
BMC's Sweetener Policy Triggers a Diabetes Crisis for Mumbai Real Estate
The recent policy by BMC to offer sweeteners to real estate developers has inadvertently led to a 'diabetes' crisis in Mumbai's real estate market. Builders are now facing significant challenges, and the market is struggling to adapt.
Blackstone’s Strategic Move: Acquiring Major Stake in Pune-Based Real Estate Giant
Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd., a leading real estate company in India, is set to undergo a significant transformation with Blackstone's acquisition of up to a 66% stake. Established in 1991, Kolte-Patil has been a prominent player in the Indian real estate