Abu Dhabi: YANGWANG U9 Xtreme sets new global speed record of 503.17kph
Zawya · Staff Writer ·
The milestone adds to Abu Dhabi's growing engagement with international automotive manufacturers
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.
The record-breaking run, which took place on 1 November 2026, saw professional racing driver Marc Basseng reach a speed of 503.17 kilometres per hour on a specially secured section of the highway, one of the UAE's principal transport arteries. The location provided a suitable setting for the high-speed run, supported by Abu Dhabi’s road infrastructure and the coordination required to prepare and secure the route.
The initiative brought together 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. Working across investment facilitation, destination development, transport infrastructure and operational planning, the entities helped provide the conditions required for the record-breaking attempt.