The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution with dedicated strategies such as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, Green Mobility Strategy 2030, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative, among others.
This World EV Day marks a moment to acknowledge how far we have come in embracing sustainable mobility – and to envision the road that lies ahead. In the UAE, electric mobility is now omnipresent and already a way of life, only made possible through strategic leadership and practical innovation that continues to reshape our economy and improve our standard of living.
UAE’s vision for electric mobility
The UAE EV market is projected to reach $1.8 billion in 2025, with over 30,000 EVs already registered in Dubai alone and major investments continuing to accelerate growth.[1] Consumer perceptions in the UAE are rapidly shifting, with electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly viewed as a practical choice rather than a futuristic aspiration. While internal combustion (IC) and hybrid cars still represent the current majority of the market, the accelerating growth of EV sales – underlined by a surge in demand and triple-digit pre-bookings for new models – indicates a clear preference for the lower day-to-day running costs EVs offer.
This momentum is being supported by strategic partnerships across sectors, these are crucial for building the comprehensive ecosystem needed to support the UAE’s ambitious goals and to remove any remaining range anxiety for customers.
Building a complete EV ecosystem
The UAE is a magnet for talent and residents, with Dubai alone projected to have its population nearly double to 7.8 million by 2040. This unprecedented growth means more people and, inevitably, more cars on our roads.
While ambitious public transport projects like Etihad Rail will revolutionise intercity travel, they are not a replacement for personal mobility. Our private vehicles remain a crucial part of daily life for commuting, family needs, and last-mile connectivity. Therefore, we must focus on transforming the vehicles themselves to meet our sustainability goals. The true measure of our success will be our ability to scale a complete EV ecosystem that seamlessly integrates with a growing population, ensuring that every new vehicle added to our roads is a step toward a cleaner, greener future for all.
But achieving a fully electric future requires building a resilient, inclusive mobility ecosystem. This includes:
Expanding accessibility: Our progress hinges on deep collaboration between government, business leaders, and the public. Through joint initiatives, legislative updates, and continued investment in research and development, we are building a future ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Nationwide deployment of charging stations, including in remote areas, ensures every resident can rely on EVs without range anxiety. Strategic partnerships are deploying integrated infrastructure and hundreds of accessible charging stations across the emirates.[2]
Adding to this, we have forged strategic alliances with partners like UAEV, ADNOC, and Charge& go by e& to provide our customers with exclusive access to their extensive charging networks.
Driving education and awareness: Events like World EV Day open valuable conversations about EV ownership, battery life, maintenance, and charging. Industry stakeholders must work together to demystify the technology and empower consumers with knowledge, ensuring the transition is smooth and transparent.
AWR Group is moving beyond consumer-facing initiatives, by actively incentivising our own employees to adopt electric vehicles. This includes providing free or subsidised charging at the workplace, integrating EVs into our company fleet, and offering attractive internal purchase programmes.
Promoting choice and innovation: The UAE’s vibrant market now offers a diverse range of EVs – from compact city cars and luxury models to commercial vehicles – allowing more people to find an electric solution that fits their needs and budget. Corporate adoption is rising, with widespread transition in logistics, ride-hailing, and public transport sectors
From our perspective, our portfolio includes EV brands Zeekr and smart, which are introducing models that combine cutting-edge design and performance with the latest in sustainable technology.
Powering a bright, sustainable future
The journey to electrification is not a solo effort but rather a shared responsibility for all involved.
On this World EV Day, the UAE celebrates not only its remarkable progress but also the partnerships that make it possible. By working together, we can accelerate momentum and shape a cleaner, quieter, and more resilient mobility landscape, setting a new standard for generations to come. The road ahead is electric, illuminated by innovation and guided by our collective vision for a sustainable future.
