Abu Dhabi:Abu Dhabi marked a major moment in global automotive history as Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD set a new world speed record with its YANGWANG U9 Xtreme electric hypercar, surpassing 500kph on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road (E11) in Al Dhafra Region.
According to Abu Dhabi Media Office, the record-breaking run took place on 1 November 2026, with professional racing driver Marc Basseng reaching a speed of 503.17 kilometres per hour on a specially secured section of the highway. This location was chosen for its suitability for high-speed runs, supported by Abu Dhabi’s road infrastructure and the necessary coordination to secure the route.
The initiative was a collaborative effort involving the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), and other relevant government authorities. These entities worked across investment facilitation, destination development, transport infrastructure, and operational planning to provide the conditions required for the record-breaking attempt.
Mohamed Ali Al Kamali, Chief of Trade and Industry at ADIO, expressed pride in the role Abu Dhabi played in this achievement, highlighting the strategic relationships being built with leading Chinese automotive companies. His Excellency Eng Hamad Adel Al Afeefi from the Integrated Transport Centre emphasized the technical planning and coordination required for the successful operation, showcasing Abu Dhabi's transport infrastructure capabilities.
This milestone further cements Abu Dhabi's engagement with international automotive manufacturers, particularly those from China, and underscores the emirate's strategic advantages for hosting ambitious technology demonstrations and fostering global industry connections.
