"The UAE has been chosen as the initial market for NIO MENA, positioning the region as a key player in deploying advanced autonomous driving systems and battery-swapping technologies," NIO adds. "In addition to market entry, NIO and CYVN Holdings plan to establish a state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) centre in Abu Dhabi. This facility will focus on autonomous driving and artificial intelligence advancements, reinforcing NIO's global R&D capabilities and fostering technological innovation in the MENA region." The UAE was one of the first markets outside of the US and Europe that Tesla entered. I've gone there several times for cleantech events, and I can say they are obsessed with getting and leading on the most current or futuristic tech in the UAE. So, it is no surprise they took an opportunity to lead NIO into the region, and also that they are highlighting autonomous and AI matters in the announcement.