Khaleej Times reported that the UAE continues to outpace other Gulf states in electric vehicle readiness through a combination of policy measures, infrastructure investment and consumer incentives that have driven adoption rates higher. Electric vehicles reached 9 percent of new car sales in the country, reflecting accelerated uptake amid broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and diversify the economy. The assessment placed the UAE ahead of neighbors on metrics including charging network density, regulatory support and market maturity.
According to the publication, government strategies such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 have supported the deployment of thousands of charging stations while offering financial incentives that lower the cost barrier for buyers. Dubai has expanded its public charging network to more than 1,270 points, easing concerns over range in extreme temperatures. These developments have positioned the federation as a regional benchmark for sustainable mobility.
The International Energy Agency documented in its Global EV Outlook that the UAE represented nearly half of all electric vehicle sales across the Middle East in 2025. This dominance aligns with national targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and has encouraged automakers to introduce models adapted for local conditions. A Mordor Intelligence assessment found the UAE hybrid and electric vehicle market is projected to expand from 3.84 billion dollars in 2026 to more than 10.2 billion dollars by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 21 percent.
PwC Middle East analysis indicated that the region can leverage lessons from more mature EV markets to focus on profitable and high-quality deployments rather than early experimental costs. By 2035, the consultancy expects battery electric vehicles to comprise 25 percent of new car sales in the Gulf. The UAE’s progress has been marked by high owner satisfaction, with nearly all current EV drivers expressing willingness to purchase another.
Roland Berger data placed the UAE at the forefront of GCC EV sales volumes with nearly 24,000 battery and plug-in hybrid units registered in 2024, more than double the penetration rate from prior years. The consultancy highlighted that 94 percent of UAE EV owners would choose an electric model again, exceeding the global average. Such consumer confidence has been reinforced by transparent charging tariffs and the entry of competitively priced models from multiple manufacturers.
A separate study by the same firm noted that charging satisfaction rates have reached 95 percent in the UAE, supporting further market growth as infrastructure continues to scale. Officials have outlined plans for 70,000 chargers nationwide by 2030 through public-private partnerships. These coordinated efforts are expected to sustain the country’s leading position while encouraging similar advancements across the Gulf.
ع