Target set for 50% of all passenger vehicles sold in UAE to be electric by 2050

Описание: #uae #electricvehicles #electricmobility

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is accelerating its transition toward sustainable mobility, positioning electric vehicles (EVs) as central to its Energy Strategy 2050. This ambitious plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by the mid-century mark, with a significant focus on transforming the nation's transportation sector.

Delivering the inaugural address at the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS), taking place in the UAE capital from April 21 to 23, 2025, Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the UAE's commitment to transforming energy consumption habits in the hydrocarbon-rich Arabian Gulf nation.

He pointed out that EVs are not just contemporary modes of transportation; they play a crucial role in lowering emissions and changing energy consumption behaviours. With the Green and Sustainable Mobility (GSM) transport initiative, the UAE aims for 50% of all passenger vehicles and 70% of buses sold nationwide to be electric by 2050.

To support this transition, the UAE has laid a robust foundation through policies such as the National Electric Vehicle Policy, the National Charging Station Guide, and the Bi-Directional Charging Guideline. These initiatives aim to alleviate concerns like range anxiety and encourage people to adopt EVs, said Al Olama.

A significant step in this direction is the establishment of UAEV (Emarat EV Charging Solutions Company), a joint venture between the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity. UAEV is tasked with deploying a comprehensive nationwide charging network, ensuring accessibility and convenience for EV owners across the country, said Al Olama.

In partnership with the Sharjah-based Beeah Group, the UAE is also pioneering the Middle East's first electric and hybrid battery recycling facility. This facility aims to convert waste into valuable resources, promote circular economy practices, and support the nation's sustainability goals, Al Olama noted.

The UAE's efforts have garnered international recognition. In 2024, the country ranked first in the Middle East for the highest share of electric and hybrid vehicle sales, accounting for nearly 25% of total car sales. This achievement highlights the nation's commitment to sustainable transportation and its leadership in the region's electric vehicle market.

The UAE will reduce over 4,100 kilotons of carbon emissions from the transport sector alone by 2050. This projection aligns with the nation's broader environmental commitments and national agenda for a sustainable future.

Al Olama said achieving these targets necessitates continued investments in infrastructure, effective collaboration across the supply chain, and the adoption of innovative technologies.

He added that platforms like the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit—the largest EV event in the Middle East and North Africa region—play a crucial role in this transformation.

They facilitate discussions, innovations, and partnerships essential for creating a supportive ecosystem for electric mobility. The summit showcases emerging technologies and solutions while stimulating policy dialogues and collaborations among industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders. These collaborations are crucial in advancing the UAE's shift towards sustainable mobility, Al Olama concluded.

Image: Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, delivers the inaugural address at the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit in Abu Dhabi on April 21, 2025. Credit: Arnold Pinto for Middle East News 247