Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is on track to save around 150kt of oil equivalent in energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 309kt across the entire transport sector by 2030, said Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
This comes as Al Olama spoke on Monday at a panel discussion during the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS 2025), held from April 21 to 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The official discussed progress in greening mobility across the country as part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, noting the vital role of the private sector in complementing government efforts.
“The invitation is open for the private sector to co-create with us and build that future that we are anticipating,” he said.
A key example of this collaboration is Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) Cluster, created through the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Al Olama said.
Launched in 2023, the SAVI Cluster serves as a model of private sector engagement, providing a comprehensive framework of incentives, regulatory support, and technical guidance.
This initiative aims to encourage the private sector to pilot, manufacture, and implement smart solutions in the rapidly evolving transport sector.
“We are seeing very good results so far,” Al Olama said, pointing to the success of the SAVI Cluster in driving innovation in mobility. Building on this model, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has expanded efforts through the creation of the EV Majlis, a platform for open dialogue among electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, infrastructure providers, and policymakers.
The EV Majlis has played a crucial role in expanding the EV ecosystem in the UAE. One of its major successes was the launch of the UAEV network, a significant milestone that has contributed to a remarkable increase in EV sales.
In 2022, EV sales in the country were around 7%. By the end of 2024, that number had surged to over 25%, according to Al Olama.
The ministry is also partnering with BEEAH to create the first battery recycling facility in Sharjah, focusing on the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with PacCapital to introduce electric two-wheelers, and with Charger to offer on-demand emergency charging solutions.
