Abu Dhabi-based K2 has unveiled THEEB and its first vehicle, the X01.
The UAE-designed SUV has been created for Gulf terrain.
The X01 includes 13 drive modes.
Designed in the UAE and built for Gulf terrain, THEEB’s first vehicle combines plug-in hybrid power with desert-ready driving modes.
The UAE’s automotive ambitions have shifted into a higher gear. Abu Dhabi-based tech and mobility company K2 has unveiled THEEB, a new automotive brand created for the region, alongside its first vehicle, the X01.
Revealed at Make it in the Emirates 2026 in Abu Dhabi, the X01 is a mid-size off-road SUV designed in the UAE and developed with Gulf conditions in mind. The model will be available in three configurations and has been conceived for local assembly at a facility in Abu Dhabi, where components will be brought together as part of the brand’s regional manufacturing plans.
The name THEEB translates to “wolf” in Arabic, a symbol associated with endurance, strength and resilience. The brand’s logo also takes inspiration from language and heritage, presenting a geometric interpretation of the Arabic word. It references Rasm, one of the earliest undotted forms of Arabic script, giving the marque a visual identity rooted in regional culture.
K2 says the X01 has been engineered for the UAE market rather than adapted after the fact. While many off-road SUVs sold across the GCC are originally developed for different climates and terrains, THEEB has been shaped around local needs, including desert driving, long-distance journeys and everyday family use.
The X01 targets 550hp and 760Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 19.45kWh plug-in hybrid electric system. Ground clearance stands at 235mm, while the SUV will offer 13 drive modes, including Sand, Rock, Wade, Crawl and Tank Turn.
Three configurations will be available. The Base introduces the core design, while The Lux adds body-coloured cladding and illuminated door-line strips. The Sport takes a more rugged approach, with a roof rack, LED light bar, snorkel, reinforced bull bar and all-terrain tyres.
Each variant also carries a colour inspired by the Gulf. Shamsa, meaning “sun”, is yellow. Rimal, meaning “sand”, is pearl. Hajar, meaning “rock”, is grey.
Sean Teo, managing director of K2, said: “In this region, vehicles become part of everyday life. They carry families across long distances, support gatherings in the desert, and accompany people through important moments and memories. Yet many vehicles on our roads today were originally designed for entirely different climates, terrains, and lifestyles before being adapted for this market. With THEEB, we wanted to begin from a different perspective, one shaped around the realities of the Gulf and the people who call it home.”
Further details, including pricing, confirmed manufacturing partners and production timelines, have not yet been announced.
Contact: @k2_uae