In a market defined by the intersection of brute-force off-roading capability and no-holds-barred luxury, a new contender has arrived that dramatically raises the bar for value and performance.
The Jetour G700, the Chinese brand’s new flagship SUV, made its global debut at a glittering gala event in Dubai this week, underscoring the Middle East's central importance to the manufacturer's ambitious global plans.
The event, featuring presentations from representatives within the company producing the vehicle and those in the supply chain, not to mention local VIPs and Olympian Mo Farah, underlined the importance of the launch.
Held under the theme Beyond the Horizon, the showcase took place at the Bab Al Shams Arena in the Dubai desert, a spectacular setting to unveil a vehicle engineered for extreme environments.
The G700 can best be described as a direct, bold statement.
It signals Jetour's aggressive shift from the mainstream SUV segment into the premium, high-capability space, challenging established European and Japanese rivals on technology and sheer power.
The G700 is, the manufacturer says, the physical embodiment of its Travel+ philosophy, blending luxury, adventure, and advanced electrification.
The most compelling aspect of the G700 is its powertrain. Jetour has dispensed with conventional thinking, opting for a high-performance plug-in electric vehicle setup that the manufacturer markets toward the demands of the Gulf.
Jetour combines a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors to generate a claimed combined system output of approximately 904 horsepower and a robust 1135 Nm of torque.
It has a 0 to 100kph sprint in an estimated 4.6 seconds, positioning this large family SUV firmly into performance car territory.
Critically for the long, open roads of the Emirates, this performance is presented alongside efficiency figures.
Jetour advertises a 34.13 kWh battery (capable of rapid charging) paired with a sizeable 100-litre fuel tank, giving the vehicle a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,000 km.
For day-to-day city commuting, the manufacturer cites a pure electric range of up to 110km, ensuring substantial fuel savings for routine trips according to Jetour’s published specifications.
What makes the G700 particularly relevant to the UAE is Jetour’s stated commitment to genuine off-road capability.
The G700 adopts a bold, boxy design that evokes rugged durability.
It is built on the brand’s new GAIA architecture and is enhanced with sophisticated technology.
It has around 230mm of ground clearance, which is competitive for navigating challenging desert terrain.
The manufacturer says some variants achieve a water-wading depth of up to 900mm, a figure that places it in the range of dedicated expedition vehicles.
For tackling the steep slopes and complex contours of the desert dunes, Jetour lists features on higher trims, including front and rear electronic locking differentials, the tank turn function (allowing the large SUV to pivot in tight spaces), and a transparent chassis view which uses cameras to give the driver a virtual, under-vehicle perspective over obstacles.
Jetour has clearly signalled that the G700 is engineered not just for premium city comfort but for adventures in the desert and mountain wadis.
Inside the cabin, the G700 shifts focus entirely to digital luxury and executive comfort. This is where the vehicle truly differentiates itself from traditional off-road rivals.
The dashboard is dominated by a panoramic digital display cluster, featuring an ultra-wide 35.4-inch digital instrument panel seamlessly integrated with a large central 15.6-inch touchscreen for infotainment and controls.
Higher trims offer electrically adjustable seats with ventilation, heating, and massage functions. The G700 offers flexible seating layouts, including six-seater (2+2+2) captain's chair configurations for enhanced passenger comfort.
The top-spec Flagship model is offered with an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system with Dolby Atmos, creating an immersive audio environment that surpasses competitors at this price point and above. Features such as tri-zone climate control with air filtration and an integrated fragrance system underscore the vehicle’s luxury intent, ensuring the cabin remains an absolute sanctuary regardless of the conditions outside.
This focus on passenger well-being is the G700's secret weapon.
The spacious six-seater layout, with second-row 'airline-style' seats that offer up to 145-degree recline, is specifically designed to reduce fatigue on the long desert journeys common across the GCC.
The thickly padded seats, combined with a quiet cabin, offer a ride quality that reviewers and attendees at the launch praised for its composed smoothness, suggesting the body-on-frame structure delivers on-road refinement despite its off-road prowess.
The inclusion of a small, integrated refrigerator in the Luxury trim is a practical touch that desert drivers will undoubtedly appreciate.
The atmosphere at the Bab Al Shams launch event was charged with excitement.
The litany of delegates, industry insiders, and media representatives from across the globe demonstrated the sheer scale of Jetour's ambition.
There was significant interest shown in the vehicle’s technology, particularly the blend of power and range.
Many in the local automotive community viewed the G700 not just as a competitor, but as a genuine game-changer, with Vice President of Jetour International, Ke Chuandeng, noting that the Dubai launch was intended as a "very good benchmark for all of our markets worldwide”, underscoring the strategic importance of the UAE's customer base.
Haroon Hayat, Group CFO of Elite Group Holding, Jetour’s exclusive partner in the region, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to elevating the automotive experience in the region.
“The launch of the Jetour G700 marks a defining moment for our brand,” he said.
“This premium off-road SUV embodies innovation, sustainability, and performance values that align with our vision for the future of mobility.
“We are proud to introduce a vehicle that not only meets the demands of adventure enthusiasts but also reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional value and driving experiences.”
Elite Group Holding is set to dominate the dunes as the headline sponsor and automotive partner of the Liwa International Festival 2026, one of the nation’s most iconic desert festivals.
At the event, Jetour will showcase the G700, T2 iDM 4WD and T2 Luxury Plus.
The G700 is being presented as a disruptive force within the global SUV market.
By offering genuine off-road technology options on higher trims and cutting-edge digital luxury at a price that significantly undercuts most established European competitors, the G700 is setting a new benchmark for what an off-road flagship could be in the UAE.
Its arrival is poised to change the dynamics of the executive SUV market and, bearing in mind the popularity of the brand’s T1 and T2 models, this is a vehicle that will likely be a common sight on UAE roads within months.
The G700 is now available in the UAE exclusively through authorised Jetour outlets, with the car on display in the Jetour G700 GAIA Showroom in Al Quoz and the Jetour Showroom at Airport Road in Abu Dhabi.
In addition, new Jetour showrooms in Al Ain and Ajman are set to launch soon.
This page was produced by The National in partnership with Jetour.
England v South Africa schedule:
- First Test: At Lord's, England won by 219 runs
- Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
- Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (All UAE kick-off times)
Borussia Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt (11.30pm)
Saturday
Union Berlin v Bayer Leverkusen (6.30pm)
FA Augsburg v SC Freiburg (6.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Werder Bremen (6.30pm)
SC Paderborn v Hertha Berlin (6.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Wolfsburg (6.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Borussia Monchengladbach (9.30pm)
Sunday
Cologne v Bayern Munich (6.30pm)
Mainz v FC Schalke (9pm)
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
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Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Brief scores:
Day 1
Toss: South Africa, field first
Pakistan (1st innings) 177: Sarfraz 56, Masood 44; Olivier 4-48
South Africa (1st innings) 123-2: Markram 78; Masood 1-4
The%20specs
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