GM Africa and Middle East Transforms the In-Vehicle Experience with New OnStar Essentials in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain

GM Africa and Middle East is redefining the connected-vehicle experience with the launch of the new OnStar Essentials plan in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain. The plan is designed to turn the car from a simple means of transport into a complete digital companion, bringing customers’ digital lives directly onto the dashboard. The announcement comes as General Motors celebrates 100 years in the Middle East.

Eight Years of OnStar Basics as Standard

For customers of Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles from the 2027 model year or newer, the digital journey starts the moment they leave the showroom, as OnStar Basics now comes standard for eight years. This gives eligible drivers access to the mobile app and in-vehicle apps such as maps, music, news and podcasts, as well as AI-powered voice assistance with Google Gemini on compatible vehicles.

What Does OnStar Essentials Add?

By upgrading to OnStar Essentials, customers enjoy a richer connected experience that includes the Google Play Store, gaming, video streaming, a web browser and protection services, along with a 5G Wi-Fi data plan. The key highlights are:

• A seamless digital hub: driver-centric in-vehicle apps plus AI voice assistance with Google Gemini on compatible vehicles.
• Standard connectivity: all eligible 2027 and newer vehicles come with eight years of OnStar Basics, ensuring connectivity from day one.
• More entertainment and connectivity: Google Play, gaming, video streaming, a web browser, protection services and 5G Wi-Fi with OnStar Essentials.
• Uncompromised safety: core OnStar features available through eligible plans, including 24/7 human Advisors and Automatic Crash Response, remain central to the experience.

General Motors: 100 Years of Innovation in the Region

Luis De La Cruz, Executive Director, Services and Digital Experiences, GM Africa and Middle East, said: “As General Motors celebrates 100 years in the Middle East, our focus remains firmly on delivering meaningful innovation and value for our customers. Today’s drivers expect their apps, maps and entertainment to stay with them effortlessly, and OnStar Essentials delivers that seamless connected digital experience inside their vehicles.”

As drivers and passengers spend more time relying on in-vehicle apps, connected maps, Wi-Fi and entertainment screens, the car is becoming a place where everyday digital habits continue on the move.

Availability in the GCC

Service	Markets
OnStar Essentials and Wi-Fi services	UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain
OnStar connected services	Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain
Eligible vehicles	2027 and newer Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac models

Services vary by vehicle model and require an active service plan, a working electrical system, cellular reception and a GPS signal, while Google Gemini features may vary by subscription. Customers can find the list of eligible vehicles and available options on the OnStar Arabia website.

Conclusion

OnStar Essentials strengthens OnStar’s role as a complete digital platform inside GM vehicles in the Gulf, combining entertainment, high-speed connectivity and safety services, while eight years of standard OnStar Basics gives 2027 model-year customers clear added value from day one.

Source: GM Africa and Middle East