World car markets will be bombarded with new vehicles once again this year as manufacturers jockey for domination in a mobility sector that is evolving at an increasingly rapid rate.
Unsurprisingly, electric and hybrid options feature heavily among the latest arrivals, but traditional petrol power is still very much in the mix.
Here, we look at some of the more intriguing cars slated to arrive in the Middle East in 2025. Price estimates are included but bear in mind they are just that and there will be regional variations.
Kia EV5
Teaser images of the EV5 have been around for a while now and it was first launched in other global markets last year, but the car will be new to the Middle East in 2025.
As a mid-size SUV with family use in mind, it sits as a beefier version of the EV6 and, if reports of its capabilities prove accurate, will be a vehicle worthy of attention.
The car is already a feature on regional dealership websites, and it is expected to make its first physical appearance in showrooms early in 2025. Prices start at Dh160,000.
Volkswagen ID.2
Offering accessible electric motoring options continues to be a trend among manufacturers. Volkswagen’s latest foray into this sphere is the ID.2, a vehicle which will come in supermini and compact SUV variants.
The focus is on efficiency in an urban setting so both options are unlikely to be contenders in the off-road stakes, but, evidently, that remains to be seen – Volkswagen is a brand not unknown to surprise.
Exact specifications are still being decided upon for the ID.2, but expect a classy, compact affair with a few perks to lift it above the pack. Commentators are citing a base-level price of around $27,000.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
If you hear the words “new Ford Mustang” you’re probably going to imagine a car that looks very different to what this, the latest incarnation in the decades-old series, is.
Despite a moniker dripping with machismo, the Mach-E looks as much like a roomy, high-performance European fastback as it does a standard US muscle car. This is an all-electric affair that’s looking to barge its way into the flashy and sporty end of the market.
It remains to be seen how successful Ford has been here, but the early signs seem positive. Currently, a base model Mach-E starts at just north of $40,000.
McLaren W1
McLaren’s output over the past couple of years has been prolific for a manufacturer of such high-end models – notably, we’ve seen the Artura and the 750S – and its big offering next year is the W1.
This sounds like it could be impressive, despite the name being the same as a central London postcode. The car is powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine paired with an electric motor, which, in harmony, will produce 1,275hp and get the car up to the ton in well under three seconds.
Only 399 W1s will be produced, each with a starting price of about $2.1m.
Polestar 5
Polestar continues its ultra-straightforward naming policy by revealing the imminent release of the 5. The 3 and the 4 – a pair of SUVs – came our way this year but the new arrival sits in the sporty sedan sphere.
This car, another all-electric affair, will do battle with the likes of the Porsche Taycan and the Tesla Model S. The brand’s signature Scandinavian minimalism is all there, but the speed of the 5 distances it from its brethren: the dual-motor set-up will produce a combined output of 884hp, allowing drivers to hit 100 kph in less than three seconds.
Starting prices are currently around $100,000.
BYD Yangwang U8
The stats around BYD’s Yangwang U8 indicate that this is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. Its four-motor set-up delivers 1,100hp and 1,280Nm of torque, all of which gives it an impressive 0 to 100 kph time of less than three seconds.
Speed aside, there are some devious elements in this vehicle – each wheel can be controlled independently, allowing it to make tank-style turns, which takes control in both urban and rough environments little short of a game changer. Notably, with a range extender, BYD says this car will have a 1,000km range.
Expect to pay in the region of $160,000 for a base model.
Jeep Recon
This is another electric SUV, and one that pays homage to its more famous stablemate the Wrangler and, in particular, the plug-in hybrid version.
As such, the Recon, with its boxy, sturdy exterior, is recognisable as one of the Jeep breed right from the off and its all-terrain capabilities (it is, of course, four-wheel drive) are likely to be key to its appeal. The roof and doors will echo previous models and be removable.
Aside from this, details as yet are few and far between, with engine size, range, battery and price yet to be revealed by the brand. Estimates suggest a base-model price of around $60,000.
Zeekr 7X
The 7X is a premium five-seat crossover with several features going in its favour, not least its range. Zeekr is citing a figure of more than 600km on a single charge, rising to nearly 800km on the high-end models.
The 7X is also fast, with the zippiest versions boasting a sub-four-second 0 to 100 kph time. Like a lot of recent Chinese electric options, it also comes with a lot of tech in the shape of advanced driver-assistance systems. The vehicle has off-road capabilities as well.
Price-wise, the 7X is expected to be competitive, with estimates suggesting an entry-level model costing around $33,000.
Koenigsegg Gemera
A lot of supercar manufacturers talk about producing vehicles that can be used on a day-to-day basis, but this is often something those who’ve driven would question. Koenigsegg might just be bucking the trend with the Gemera though.
It’s a four-seater supercar which, while not having the space of an SUV or microbus, does look on the accessible side. That said, it’s still absurdly fast – the car’s combination of three-cylinder engines paired with a trio of electric motors produces 1,700hp, enough grunt to see the car go from 0-100kph in under two seconds.
It's not cheap and it won’t be commonplace, of course – only 300 are being made available and those who opt to invest can expect a price tag in the region of $1.7m.
The five pillars of Islam
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Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
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more from Janine di Giovanni
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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How to get exposure to gold
Although you can buy gold easily on the Dubai markets, the problem with buying physical bars, coins or jewellery is that you then have storage, security and insurance issues.
A far easier option is to invest in a low-cost exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in the precious metal instead, for example, ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) and iShares Physical Gold (SGLN) both track physical gold. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF invests directly in mining companies.
Alternatively, BlackRock Gold & General seeks to achieve long-term capital growth primarily through an actively managed portfolio of gold mining, commodity and precious-metal related shares. Its largest portfolio holdings include gold miners Newcrest Mining, Barrick Gold Corp, Agnico Eagle Mines and the NewMont Goldcorp.
Brave investors could take on the added risk of buying individual gold mining stocks, many of which have performed wonderfully well lately.
London-listed Centamin is up more than 70 per cent in just three months, although in a sign of its volatility, it is down 5 per cent on two years ago. Trans-Siberian Gold, listed on London's alternative investment market (AIM) for small stocks, has seen its share price almost quadruple from 34p to 124p over the same period, but do not assume this kind of runaway growth can continue for long
However, buying individual equities like these is highly risky, as their share prices can crash just as quickly, which isn't what what you want from a supposedly safe haven.
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Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
