Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK

Wayne Wei, president — GAC International, and Jasmmine Wong, chief executive — Jameel Motors, sign the joint venture agreement to distribute GAC vehicles in the UK.
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Updated 17 July 2025
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Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese automaker GAC to distribute the latter’s electric vehicles in the UK. In April, Jameel Motors announced it had won a distribution agreement for GAC in Poland through a competitive process involving both local and international companies.

This innovative joint venture will be one of the first of its kind in the UK with a Chinese automaker, a market with significant long-term potential and will be established after completion of relevant regulatory and antitrust approvals. With battery electric vehicle registrations up 25.8 percent year-on-year and accounting for 21.8 percent of new car sales, the UK is a strong and expanding hub for EV adoption.

The agreement expands Jameel Motors’ existing portfolio in the UK — where it already distributes the electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto — and will be its first passenger vehicle brand in the market. The partnership will bring new EVs to the UK, driving market growth and offering customers a broader range of choices.

Initially, two all-electric models from GAC AION will be available: the AION V, a C-segment SUV, and the AION UT, a B-segment hatchback. AION showcases GAC’s core strengths of award-winning quality and pioneering technology — ideally suited to meet the rising demand for quality electric vehicles among UK drivers. They will be available through select retail partners across the UK, with first customer deliveries expected at the end of Q1 2026. Additional models will follow to expand the AION lineup.

Jasmmine Wong, chief executive — Jameel Motors, said: “The joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK’s growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we’re committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.”

Wayne Wei, president — GAC International, added: “GAC’s entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalization strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.”

GAC is one of China’s major car manufacturers, ranking No. 181 in the Fortune Global 500 and having gained international recognition for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technological solutions, and commitment to sustainability. GAC’s business spans seven major sectors: R&D, complete vehicles, auto parts, energy and ecosystem, international operations, trade and mobility, as well as investment and finance.

As of today, GAC has a market presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and America, in a total of 84 countries and regions worldwide. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation, GAC has reached major milestones in its international expansion, with overseas sales of its self-branded vehicles surpassing 100,000 units for the first time in 2024, a 92.3 percent year-on-year increase.

Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility. 


PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc’s CISO500 program advances cyber leadership

Updated 15 February 2026
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PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc’s CISO500 program advances cyber leadership

The fifth edition of the CISO500 program ran from Feb. 8-12. Delivered in partnership between PwC Middle East and Sirar by stc, the program featured five intensive days of rich discussions and hands-on practical experiences, aimed at strengthening leadership capabilities in cybersecurity and keeping pace with rapid technological transformation.

The program is designed to develop the capabilities of executive cybersecurity leaders and enhance their strategic role in supporting organizations’ digital transformation. It equips participants to address contemporary challenges in the cyber landscape and expand their influence within decision-making ecosystems.

Yasser Al-Swailem, CEO of Sirar by stc, said that the program represents an important step toward strengthening the readiness of cyber leaders in the region. He noted that the CISO500 program is a fundamental pillar in the journey toward building a secure and trusted Saudi cyberspace aligned with national ambitions. He added that investing in national cybersecurity leadership is no longer optional but a strategic necessity for ensuring sustainable digital development. The program reflects a commitment to empowering national talent to lead the digital security landscape according to the highest global standards.

He further emphasized that such initiatives contribute to strengthening digital security ecosystems and enabling organizations to confidently and sustainably address future challenges.

Samer Omar, cybersecurity and digital trust leader at PwC Middle East, added: “CISO500 is a long-term investment in Saudi leadership. Over the past year, we’ve seen how bringing together senior Saudi cybersecurity professionals in a structured executive environment accelerates capability, builds confidence and deepens collaboration. As the program enters its second year, our focus remains on equipping Saudi CISOs with the strategic perspective and technical depth required to secure the Kingdom’s digital ambitions.”

The program addressed a range of advanced topics, including common cyber transformation pitfalls, mechanisms for securing enterprise digital transformation, and cybersecurity budgeting and financial governance. These topics enhanced leaders’ ability to translate cyber risks and security investments into financial indicators that support executive decision-making.

It also covered the latest technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, quantum computing, and the protection of critical and operational infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on the importance of security governance for AI technologies and strengthening enterprise-wide risk management perspectives associated with them.

The program adopted an interactive learning methodology combining strategic discussions, collaborative work, and creative practical exercises, contributing to a deeper understanding of concepts and enabling their translation into applicable organizational practices.

Abdullah Al-Asmari, global cybersecurity director at the Saudi Research and Media Group and one of the program participants, said that the experience added significant strategic and practical value: “The program provided a rich experience that strengthened the leadership perspective of cybersecurity, particularly in linking technical practices with strategic and financial dimensions within the organization. It also offered valuable space for exchanging expertise on emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing, and the challenges of securing critical infrastructure. This experience enhances cyber leaders’ ability to adopt a more influential role in supporting digital transformation and enabling decision-making based on a comprehensive understanding of risk and value.”

He added that the program facilitated the exchange of insights on emerging challenges and strengthened the ability to align cybersecurity with institutional objectives and executive decision requirements.

Participants said that the program constituted a valuable professional and knowledge-driven experience that enhanced the readiness of cyber leaders to keep pace with rapid digital transformation, reinforcing cybersecurity’s role as a strategic enabler that supports innovation while preserving business trust, reliability, and sustainability.