First car in the UAE

Hello good people. I am currently looking to buy my first car in Dubai and have narrowed it down to the GAC Empow (funny name, I know) and the Mazda 3. Both are in a similar price range and are sold by reputable dealers.

The GAC definitely is more value more money on face value - it's got a massive bunch of features that makes the Mazda feel quite low spec in comparison. I've driven both and would say they drive pretty similarly on regular commuter mode.

My main concern is long term reliability and after sales service - the GAC salesperson used the argument that it's dealer will not risk it's reputation with its main brand offering (the three pointed star) to take on a random car brand and I guess there is some truth to that but I have read quite a few concerning reviews of their service center. Mazda on the other hand seems like a safer bet overall.

Would appreciate any inputs, both positive and negative!

TIA!