The Emirates News Agency reported that the shipment departed Xiaomo International Logistics Port at 2 p.m. on August 4 and arrived at Khorfakkan, establishing it as the largest single vehicle export from the Chinese port to date. This delivery simultaneously broke the previous record for a single finished vehicle shipment at Khorfakkan Port. Khorfakkan’s strategic position as a deep-water port bypassing the Strait of Hormuz enables a reduction in transit time by three to five days for Chinese automotive exports to the Middle East, according to port operators.
Chinese port authorities highlighted the achievement as a milestone in the expanding trade relationship between China and the UAE. The record underscores the increasing preference for Chinese electric vehicles in the Gulf region, where demand for sustainable transportation solutions continues to rise. Data from Ember shows that China’s EV exports reached a record value of $9.2 billion in May 2026, a 49 percent increase from the previous year.
A report by Rest of World identified the UAE as one of China’s fastest-growing EV export markets, with approximately 192,000 vehicles imported in the prior year. This latest consignment of BYD models contributes to the broader trend of strong growth in the sector. The UAE electric vehicle market is projected to expand from USD 2.9 billion in 2025 to USD 4.7 billion in 2026, according to a MarkNtel Advisors assessment.
Gulftainer, the operator of Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal, launched the Khor Fakkan China Express service in April 2026 to connect key Chinese ports directly with the UAE facility on a biweekly basis, the company said. The new liner service is designed to optimize delivery timelines and support rising cargo volumes between the two regions. This development has positioned Khorfakkan as a premier consolidation gateway for China-Gulf trade.
The terminal features an annual capacity of 5 million TEUs, six berths, and an 1,880-meter quay, Gulftainer specifications indicate. Its infrastructure, including the ability to handle up to 1,800 trucks simultaneously in adjacent yards, supports efficient discharge and onward distribution of large vehicle shipments. Officials noted that daily truck movements have increased substantially in recent years to accommodate growing throughput.
Customs data compiled by Bloomberg placed Chinese EV exports at 893,852 units in the first four months of 2026, reflecting sustained momentum in overseas sales. The Middle East has seen particularly robust demand, with growth rates exceeding 60 percent in some periods, an IEA report found. Industry observers expect continued expansion in such record-setting shipments as bilateral trade agreements and market access improve.
