UAE leads as green mobility gains ground in MENA

The UAE strategy shows how countries can combine economic growth with environmental protection by including sustainability in their transport plans.

Earlier this year, a major logistics magazine highlighted “Five interesting green mobility startups” in the Middle East. Interestingly, two of them were based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE): magiciana sustainable logistics company, and Neomobility, focusing on electric vehicle logistics. This underlines the UAE’s commitment to harnessing technology and innovation to foster sustainable initiatives.

With the electric vehicle (EV) market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region expected to grow from $2.7 billion in 2023 to $7.65 billion in 2028, there is significant growth potential.

Growing interest in green mobility across the region presents an opportunity for the United Arab Emirates, which has seen a steady rise in demand for electric vehicles.

At the heart of the UAE’s efforts is its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, placing it among the world’s leaders in climate action. The country aims to reduce energy consumption in transportation by 40 percent and cut carbon emissions by 10 million tons by 2050.

By embracing sustainable innovation, the UAE is fostering a green transportation environment. It offers several incentives for electric vehicle (EV) owners, making it an attractive market for electric vehicles.

According to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)the number of registered electric vehicle owners according to the Green Charger Initiative has increased from 14 in 2015 to 13,161 in October 2023.

At the heart of this commitment is the goal of electric vehicles making up at least 10 per cent of all vehicles on UAE roads by 2030. This initiative is supported by projects such as Abu Dhabi Green Bus Programwhose objective is to turn the capital into a green area with a public transport system powered by sustainable energy sources.

The UAE’s leadership in green mobility is further demonstrated by hosting major events such as the Mena Transportation Congress and Exhibition 2024 in Dubai and Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi. These events underline the region’s focus on sustainable urban mobility solutions and highlight the UAE’s crucial role in driving innovation in the green mobility sector.

The United Arab Emirates has also been a key host of important international forums and summits such as the World Green Economy Summit and the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. These meetings position the UAE as a central figure in the global conversation on green mobility. Through projects such as Masdar City, the UAE invests significantly in research and development focused on sustainable urban living, contributing to global progress in these fields.

Initiatives like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy and federal efforts to transition 20 percent of public sector vehicle fleets to electric vehicles outline a clear roadmap for moving toward a sustainable mobility system.

With more than 380 eco-friendly electric vehicle charging stations already operational in Dubai (a number set to increase to 1,000 by 2025), the UAE is making significant progress in accommodating a growing number of electric vehicles.

Partnerships with organizations such as Abu Dhabi Investment Office and GRIDSERVE sustainable energy platform aims to establish a cutting-edge network to power the future of transport, aiming to transition half of the UAE’s road vehicles to electric power by 2050. Fuel and convenience retailer Adnoc Distribution has also announced plans to accelerate the installation of charging points for electric vehicles. nationwide in 2024.

The United Arab Emirates has obtained the seventh position in the world and the first place in the Mena region in the Global e-mobility readiness index.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the country’s minister of energy and infrastructure.emphasized last year that electric vehicles will play a central role in the shift towards green mobility, as achieving net-zero emissions has become a collective and pressing priority.

The UAE initiatives have a profound impact on the approach to green mobility in the Mena region, setting a benchmark for policy creation, infrastructure expansion and the advancement of sustainable transport solutions. While the UAE’s actions propel it to the forefront of the global green mobility movement, continued investments in infrastructure, innovative policies and international partnerships are essential to maintain this leadership role.

He UAE National Smart Mobility Vision aims to establish the country as a global leader in smart intermodal mobility by 2030. This ambitious vision is aligned with international sustainable development goals and is fundamental to the nation’s strategic trajectory. Additionally, it fosters collaboration between various stakeholders in the UAE, ensuring a coherent approach to the country’s pioneering mobility efforts.

The UAE’s strategy serves as a model for other nations seeking to incorporate sustainability into their transportation systems, showcasing a harmonious combination of economic development and environmental conservation. Situated at the forefront of the movement towards a sustainable future, the UAE is leading the way in directing global efforts towards greener mobility solutions.

News Source: Khaleej Times