DAF Trucks, a global leader in the truck manufacturing sector, has recently re-entered the UAE market in partnership with Al Naboodah’s Swaidan Trading LLC. As the sole distributor of DAF Trucks in the UAE, Swaidan Trading’s Commercial Vehicles & Heavy Equipment division has been strengthening the presence of DAF Trucks in the region, leveraging decades of commercial trading expertise and a deep understanding of the local market.
Market Growth in the UAE
DAF Trucks has achieved significant growth in the UAE market, with growing sales figures, while the brand itself enjoys a strong reputation for product reliability. The partnership with Al Naboodah has played a fundamental role in this growth, backed up by the exceptional after-sales support facilitated by Swaidan Trading’s dedicated DAF Services Centre in Rashidiya, Dubai and Mafraq, Abu Dhabi. The service centres have highly trained technicians who keep the trucks running at their peak efficiency, allowing customers to maximise their returns.
DAF has built a reputable and loyal customer base in the UAE across both the government and private sectors, with many repeat buyers who continue to testify to the product reliability of the trucks and the superior service they receive. As DAF continues to solidify its foothold in the region, the manufacturer and Al Naboodah are focused on driving customer profitability and enhancing the DAF brand’s image and market share in the UAE.
DAF Trucks’ Global Footprint
Established in the Netherlands in 1928, DAF Trucks is a key player within PACCAR Inc. and has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most successful manufacturers of trucks. Its factories are located in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK and Brazil. For nearly a century, DAF Trucks has established a reputation for providing innovative transport solutions and is now very well-established in the industry. DAF Trucks produces light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, all designed with exceptional reliability, efficiency and durability for low total cost of ownership, making them highly sought after across various industries. The DAF XF, DAF CF and DAF XB trucks are especially recognised for their performance, reliability, safety and suitability across diverse applications. DAF was awarded the prestigious “International Truck of the Year 2023” title, demonstrating its innovation and excellence. Since 2018-2023, DAF has won this award three times for various models, which is a testament to the quality and efficiency of its products.
Redefining Medium-Duty Performance
DAF’s approach to its product offering revolves around a customer-centric philosophy that prioritises understanding client needs, addressing specific industry applications and continuously investing in research and development. Due to this focus, it has supported the development of a wide range of trucks offered with various gross vehicle options, engine power specifications, emission standards and wheelbase choices, ensuring that DAF provides tailored solutions to accommodate every transportation need.
DAF’s XB range of medium-duty trucks is redefining the standard for distribution applications, making it the only range of medium trucks fully compliant with the latest European Union mass and safety regulations for trucks. The DAF XB model, explicitly built for urban distribution, is packaged in a 4×2 configuration, making it highly suitable for urban street navigation.
DAF Trucks’ Best-Selling Models in the UAE
Among models sold from DAF, the top sellers in the UAE are the CF and XF, with the CF series being particularly successful in both vocational and distribution segments. The CF’s compact, strong cab design and well-matched powertrain are perfect for operators seeking reliability and comfort. With the robustness of the CF model’s driveline and components, the XF range offers unmatched cabin comfort with its premium high roof design and luxury finish which makes it a well-accepted solution in the UAE truck industry. Available with engine options ranging from 230 HP to 480 HP, the CF, XF and XB models meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards, ensuring they are both powerful and environmentally responsible. In addition to this, the DAF range boasts a host of advanced safety features that continue to set the class standard for both driver and passenger protection.
Embracing Sustainability for the Future
In alignment with its sustainability goal, DAF is leading the way with its EV truck factory in Europe, which aims to satisfy an increasing demand for environmentally friendly transport solutions. The electric trucks are expected to launch in the UAE market soon. Moreover, DAF is actively trialling hydrogen-powered trucks, demonstrating its leadership in developing sustainable technologies for the future of transportation.
With a focus on innovation, sustainability and unrivalled performance, DAF Trucks continues to raise the bar in the medium- and heavy-duty segment truck industry, both in the UAE and globally.
Sponsored by
Al Naboodah Group
Founded in 1958 by two brothers, the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group is among the most well-respected family company names in the UAE. Employing around 10,000 people of almost 50 different nationalities, the Al Naboodah Group’s core business focus covers civil engineering, building and MEP, in addition to representing a diverse portfolio of global brands in the automotive, transportation, travel, electrical, logistics, agriculture, smart cities, real estate and renewable energy sectors.