Nissan Reports 10% Growth in the Middle East

Abu Dhabi : Growing demand for compact crossovers and SUVs accounts for over 55 per cent of total sales in the region.

• Nissan Patrol, Pathfinder, Magnite and KICKS have become quite popular in the Middle East.
• The brand plans to add new models to its portfolio to boost its position in the region.

Nissan has reported a 10 per cent surge in sales in the Middle East for the fiscal year 2024, compared to the previous year. The company’s operations across 18 countries, including Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the Levant region, and CIS countries, saw strong growth. 

This success was driven mainly by higher demand for SUVs and crossovers, which made up more than 55 per cent of the brand’s sales in the region.

Nissan Patrol, Pathfinder Play Pivotal Role

SUV sales rose by 17 per cent compared to last year. The boost was largely driven by the launch of the all-new Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi, which saw a 21 per cent jump in sales. As FY24 came to an end, Nissan expanded its SUV lineup by introducing the Magnite in Saudi Arabia. This small SUV offers a good value choice for city driving.

Saudi Arabia remains Nissan’s biggest market in the Middle East, accounting for more than 35 per cent of sales in FY24. The country is a key part of Nissan's plans for the region. The SUV models performed well, with the Pathfinder sales rising by 27 per cent and KICKS increasing by 10 per cent. 

The market continues to be very important for Nissan’s growth, especially in the SUV segment, which has seen strong demand in recent years.

Thierry Sabbagh, president of Nissan Middle East, emphasised FY24 as a key turning point. He gave credit to this success to the company's long-term value, solid partnerships, competitive product offers, and operational agility. 

He also emphasised on the company's remarkable performance in Saudi Arabia and the growth potential in the SUV market, both of which were made possible by a strong FY25 product pipeline.

Growth in the UAE and other Gulf countries

Apart from Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries played a big part in boosting sales across the region. Overall, sales increased by 16 per cent in these markets, with Qatar leading the way with a 32 per cent rise. The UAE also saw a 16 per cent surge, while Bahrain witnessed an 11 per cent growth. 

The Patrol model performed very well in these countries, with sales up by 80 per cent in Qatar and more than 30 per cent in the UAE and Bahrain. The X-TRAIL also showed solid double-digit growth in several crucial markets. This includes a 32 per cent growth in the UAE and a 25 per cent surge in Kuwait.

Strengthening the Portfolio 

Nissan’s portfolio proved its strength across the region through promising sales figures. The Pathfinder saw a huge jump, with a 96 per cent increase compared to last year, mainly because of high demand in the UAE. The KICKS also grew well, increasing by 28 per cent regionally. The UAE and Bahrain led these gains with particularly good results.

This strong momentum was helped by the launch of new KICKS in February 2025. It features upgraded equipment and a fresh new styling. The updated design and upgrades make it very popular among young drivers in cities who love technology.

In addition to popular models, Nissan has introduced some fascinating new models in the region. Throughout the year, the company will keep improving its product strategy to capitalise on these successes. By introducing new models and variations throughout the region, they hope to broaden their product line.

The Japanese car maker’s SUV lineup was boosted with the introduction of the KICKS and Magnite. It remains dedicated to meeting the increasing demand for SUVs and small crossovers.  Nissan aims to maintain its steady growth in the Middle East market by prioritising innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.