ROX opens Abu Dhabi AI manufacturing center, starts local vehicle production

ROX has begun producing vehicles in Abu Dhabi after completing a 10,000-square-meter AI manufacturing center in KEZAD, a move tied to the emirate’s push to build advanced industry and localize supply chains. The facility is set to start with 20,000 vehicles a year in 2027 and scale to 300,000 by 2030.

Why it matters: - ROX’s launch adds another manufacturing anchor to Abu Dhabi’s industrial base and supports the emirate’s effort to attract advanced industries. - The facility is designed to localize supply chains, technology and design in the UAE. - The plant is expected to serve the domestic market and support exports to regional and global markets. - The project aligns with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, “Operation 300Bn.”

What happened: - ROX completed its Advanced AI Manufacturing Centre in Abu Dhabi and started local vehicle production on Sept. 3, 2026. - The first three ROX ADAMAS vehicles with the “Made in the Emirates” mark rolled off the line. - The company later said the new 10,000-square-meter facility in KEZAD is expected to reach an initial production capacity of 20,000 vehicles in 2027. - ROX plans to expand output to 300,000 vehicles a year by 2030.

The details: - The facility sits inside Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, or KEZAD Group. - The plant supports local sub-assembly of more than 80 vehicle component types. - The site also handles complete vehicle assembly, calibration, rain testing, road testing and final inspection before delivery. - ROX said every vehicle produced at the facility will carry the “Made in the Emirates” mark. - The company said the mark will support domestic sales and exports to regional and international markets. - The facility is backed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology under “Make it in the Emirates.” - ROX’s Abu Dhabi expansion builds on its partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, or ADIO. - ADIO said ROX’s move deepens local industrial capability, strengthens supply chains and supports exports. - ROX also opened an AI LAB and Design Studio in Abu Dhabi. - The AI LAB will support development of the ROX AGENT AI platform. - The Design Studio will bring together designers from the UAE, China and other markets. - ROX plans to unveil its first UAE-designed vehicle in Abu Dhabi in March 2027. - The “Abu Dhabi Edition” will be developed through ROX’s global design network and will draw on Emirati cultural influences. - ROX said the first project from the Design Studio is the “ROX ADAMAS – Abu Dhabi Edition,” created with the Design Commission – Abu Dhabi and Al Khaznah Leathers. - The design is inspired by Khoos, the traditional Emirati craft of weaving palm fronds. - ROX also launched the second season of GRAND TOUR. - Two UAE-manufactured ADAMAS vehicles will travel across Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania, before reaching Casablanca, Morocco. - The vehicles will carry the “Made in the Emirates” mark during the trip. - ROX said the journey is meant to showcase the performance of UAE-made vehicles in diverse markets and operating conditions.

Between the lines: - ROX is positioning Abu Dhabi as more than an assembly location by tying manufacturing, design, AI development and branding into one base. - The company’s public rollout blends industrial policy with market signaling, using local production and an international road tour to reinforce credibility. - Abu Dhabi is trying to compete for high-value manufacturing by offering infrastructure, connectivity, partners and access to global markets.

What's next: - ROX plans to scale production over the next several years as the KEZAD facility expands output. - The company expects the Abu Dhabi Edition to debut in March 2027. - ROX said Abu Dhabi will remain the base for its broader international growth strategy. - More information is available in ROX’s announcement.