Dubai, UAE – The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) has announced a strategic partnership with Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) to develop the country’s first fully government-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging network. This initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable transportation, marks a significant step in the UAE’s green energy strategy.

Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MOEI and Chairman of the new entity UAEV, stated, “In 2023, we saw a rise in EV adoption in the UAE. By expanding our EV infrastructure, we ensure the country is equipped to support those who have already purchased an EV and make the prospect of switching to EV attractive.”

 

The partnership will see the deployment of 100 EV chargers by the end of 2024, with a long-term goal of installing over 1,000 chargers by 2030. This expansion is designed to meet the increasing demand for EV infrastructure and to facilitate the UAE’s transition to greener transportation options.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, “UAEV embodies the power of partnership between government and industry and aims to provide vital electric vehicle infrastructure to boost adoption of EVs, energize communities, and unleash the economic potential of the UAE.”

 

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the UAE government to enhance the country’s sustainability credentials and reduce its carbon footprint. The new network will complement existing EV charging initiatives by entities like the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and partnerships involving tech-telecom operator e& and the alliance between TAQA and ADNOC Distribution.

The full details and further plans related to UAEV will be unveiled by the end of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards a more sustainable future.