What if the loudest, most old-school engine in the truck world had quietly wandered back into your neighborhood? That’s what happened in September 2026, when the RAM 1500 HEMI UAE comeback was officially announced.
If you’ve been eyeing a big truck for desert weekends, towing or plain bragging rights, the timing matters. Prices are a little muddy, petrol just got pricier, and used trucks look tempting.
So here’s the full picture: what it costs new, what it drinks at the pump, and how to buy a used one without regrets. Grab a coffee.
Why Is Everyone Talking About the RAM 1500 V8 in UAE Again?
Because it had gone missing. The 2025 RAM 1500 arrived in the UAE without the V8, and plenty of buyers weren’t happy about it. Then Al-Futtaim, the official RAM distributor, confirmed the 5.7-litre HEMI was coming back, and the regional launch was announced in Dubai on 17 September. This is genuine auto sector news for the Gulf, where big naturally aspirated engines have a loyal following. They’re simple, they sound right, and most workshops know how to look after them.
Which Trims Get the HEMI V8?
The V8 is reported on three trims:
- Rebel
- Limited
- Limited Night Edition
Some launch coverage mentions only the Rebel and Limited, so confirm with your showroom before you fall for a specific trim. The other trims stay with the turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder.
What Are the Specs of the 2026 RAM 1500 V8?
| Spec | 2026 RAM 1500 HEMI V8 |
| Engine | 5.7-liter V8 with eTorque |
| Power | 395 hp |
| Torque | 556 Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic |
| Max towing | Up to 5,266 kg |
| Max payload | 748 kg |
| Fuel tank | 125 litres |
Ram also lists variable camshaft timing and cylinder deactivation as fuel-saving tech. Towing and payload can change with trim and setup, so check the sheet for the exact truck you’re buying.
How Much Does a New RAM 1500 V8 Cost in the UAE?
Honestly, it depends on who you ask. The V8 pricing isn’t settled across the web yet.
| Source | What it says |
| Zigwheels UAE | 2026 range starts from AED 199,900 |
| DriveArabia | AED 225,000 up to AED 400,000 (top RHO trim) |
| CarSwitch | New V8 starts around AED 300,000 |
| T-Break launch report | V8 UAE pricing not yet officially published |
Here’s how I’d read that:
- The “starting from” figure usually belongs to the cheapest trim, which often isn’t a V8.
- If you want the HEMI, around AED 300,000 is a sensible working number.
- Ask for a written on-the-road quote covering VAT, registration, insurance and dealer fees.
- Ask whether your preferred trim is in stock or on a waiting list.
When a dealer’s number and a website’s number disagree, trust the dealer. Websites update slowly.
How Much Has Petrol Gone Up in the UAE This Month?
Quite a bit. The UAE Fuel Price Committee raised every fuel category from 1 October 2026.
| Fuel (per liter) | September 2026 | October 2026 |
| Super 98 | Dh3.80 | Dh4.40 |
| Special 95 | Dh3.69 | Dh4.28 |
| E-Plus 91 | Dh3.61 | Dh4.21 |
| Diesel | Dh4.30 | Dh4.80 |
That’s roughly a 16% jump on petrol in a single month. For context, Super 98 sat at just Dh2.45 in February. The committee adjusts prices monthly based on global energy trends, so everything below is a snapshot.
What Is the Real RAM 1500 Fuel Consumption?
Official figures for the new truck are thin, so here’s what the available data suggests about RAM 1500 fuel consumption:

- Listed figures for earlier GCC-spec 5.7 V8 trucks sit around 12 to 12.5 L/100 km.
- A 2017 owner’s long-term log averaged about 15.5 L/100 km.
- A 2014 truck owner logged around 14.3 L/100 km over a very long distance.
- Towing pushed that 2014 truck to about 16 L/100 km.
My own guess is that UAE summer traffic with the A/C working hard will land you near the higher end. Plan on about 14 L/100 km as a middle figure. That’s an estimate, not a promise.
How Much Will the V8 Cost Me at the Pump?
Here’s the maths using October prices.
| Scenario | Special 95 (Dh4.28) | Super 98 (Dh4.40) |
| 100 km at 12 L/100 km | Dh51 | Dh53 |
| 100 km at 14 L/100 km | Dh60 | Dh62 |
| 100 km at 15.5 L/100 km | Dh66 | Dh68 |
| Full 125-liter tank | Dh535 | Dh550 |
| 2,000 km a month at 14 L/100 km | Dh1,198 | Dh1,232 |
| 24,000 km a year at 14 L/100 km | Dh14,381 | Dh14,784 |
Run the same 2,000 km month at September’s Special 95 price and you’d have paid about Dh1,033. October’s rise adds roughly Dh165 a month for identical driving.
Should I Fill It With Special 95 or Super 98?
Check the owner’s manual first. Many V8 owners run the mid-grade without trouble, and Super 98 costs Dh0.12 more per litre right now. On a 125-litre tank, that’s an extra Dh15 per fill-up. It’s not huge, but over a year of regular driving it adds up for no benefit if your truck doesn’t need it.
Is a Used RAM 1500 in Dubai Worth Considering?
For many buyers, yes. This is where used RAM 1500 Dubai listings get interesting, especially if AED 300,000 makes you wince. Recent listing data shows a 2022 used RAM 1500 at about AED 175,000, roughly 42% below the new price. A 2023 truck sat near AED 214,900 with around 17,580 km, a 28% saving over new.
What Do Used RAM 1500 Trucks Cost by Year?
| Model year | Typical asking price | Notes |
| 2025 | AED 240K to 350K | Latest used listings |
| 2023 | About AED 215K | Low-km examples |
| 2022 | AED 144K to 175K | Wide spread by condition |
| 2018 | AED 57K to 85K | Varies by cab and trim |
These are asking prices, not final deals, so negotiate. Also, V8 trucks carry only about a 7% premium over four-cylinder versions on the used market. The V8 isn’t a rare gem, so don’t let a seller convince you otherwise.
What Should I Check Before Buying a Used RAM 1500?
Start with the engine type before you compare prices, then check the coil-spring rear suspension for sag or leaks, and make sure the gearbox shifts cleanly once warm. Here’s the longer version.
Paperwork
- Match the chassis number to the Mulkiya and service records.
- Ask for full service history, ideally from an authorised centre.
- Check for unpaid fines and any bank loan still attached.
- Confirm whether it’s GCC spec or imported, since that affects resale.
Engine and mechanicals
- Listen to it cold. A tick that doesn’t fade deserves a mechanic’s opinion.
- Look for oil leaks, damp gaskets and old coolant stains.
- Run the A/C for 20 minutes, not just at start-up.
Body and underneath
- Look for uneven paint, overspray and mismatched panel gaps.
- Inspect the underbody for desert damage and the bed for work-truck scars.
- Check tyre wear, since uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension trouble.
The test drive
- Drive on a highway and in slow traffic.
- Make sure shifts are smooth and the truck tracks straight.
- Try 4WD, including low range if fitted.
What Red Flags Should Make Me Walk Away?
- The seller refuses an independent inspection.
- The mileage looks too low and the interior wear says otherwise.
- There’s no service history and the answer is “trust me.”
- The price is far below similar trucks. Cheap usually hides damage.
- Documents or keys don’t add up.
- You’re asked for a cash deposit with no signed receipt.
An independent inspection costs money, yes. It costs far less than a gearbox.
Should I Buy New or Used?
| New 2026 V8 | Used 2022-2023 V8 | |
| Price | Around AED 300K (confirm) | About AED 175K to 215K |
| Warranty | Full factory cover | Limited or none |
| Tech and safety | Latest | One step behind |
| Depreciation | Heavy in year one | Much already absorbed |
| Fuel use | Similar | Similar |
A used 2022 or 2023 truck can keep AED 85,000 to 125,000 in your pocket. I’d say new makes sense if you’ll keep it five-plus years and tow regularly. If it’s a weekend toy or a daily commuter, used usually wins on value.
Are There Cheaper Pickup Trucks in the UAE?
Yes. Among the pickup trucks UAE buyers shop for, the Toyota Hilux is the budget option, with the new ninth-generation 2027 model starting from AED 107,900. It’s a different kind of truck, with less power and less presence, but if your real need is a dependable work vehicle, it might be the smarter answer.
What Other Running Costs Should I Plan For?
Fuel isn’t the only bill. Budget for:
- Insurance: Get quotes before you buy, since big V8 trucks aren’t cheap to cover.
- Tyres: Heavy trucks and heat wear them quickly.
- Servicing: Dealer rates are higher than independent specialists, so compare.
- Salik and parking: A large truck is awkward in tight Dubai car parks.
- Annual registration renewal: Plan for it every year.
FAQs
Q. How Much Is the RAM 1500 HEMI V8 in the UAE?
A. Published figures vary. The 2026 range starts from about AED 199,900, while the V8 is estimated around AED 300,000. Get a written dealer quote.
Q. Which RAM 1500 Trims Have the V8 in the UAE?
A. The Rebel, Limited and Limited Night Edition are reported. Some coverage mentions only the Rebel and Limited, so confirm with the showroom.
Q. How Much Does a Full Tank Cost?
A. The 2026 V8 carries a 125-litre tank. At October’s Special 95 price of Dh4.28, a full tank is about Dh535.
Q. Is a Used RAM 1500 Worth Buying in Dubai?
A. Often, yes. A 2022 truck can cost about 42% less than a new one. Just insist on an independent inspection and a full service history.
Q. What Fuel Economy Should I Expect?
A. Roughly 12 to 15.5 L/100 km, depending on how you drive. Towing and hot city traffic push it higher.


