News DeskDubai, UAE – The 20th edition of Automechanika Dubai, the Middle East’s premier trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, kicked off with the inauguration of the Innovation4Mobility zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This dedicated zone is at the forefront of showcasing the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) ambitious vision for the future of mobility.
Eng. Somayyah Alyammahi, Head of Productivity Projects and Demand Management Section at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), took the stage during the opening Innovation4Mobility session to underline the significance of the 2023 National Electric Vehicles Policy. This policy serves as a strategic framework, aligning standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and promoting collaboration among stakeholders nationwide.
Key objectives of the 2023 National Electric Vehicles Policy include reducing energy consumption by 40% and carbon emissions by 404 kilotons by 2050, while also targeting a 50% share of electric vehicles on UAE roads by 2050. Eng. Somayyah Alyammahi revealed pivotal outcomes for the national EV charging station roadmap, with plans to increase the number of charging stations by 360, totaling 914 AC and DC charging stations by the end of 2023. A national platform for EV charging stations, a user-friendly mobile application, and partnerships with EV manufacturers to incentivize the community are also in the works.
In an exciting development, the MoEI is collaborating on establishing fast charging stations at the common border shared by Saudi Arabia and Oman to facilitate cross-border EV travel.
Automechanika Dubai introduced ‘Innovation4Mobility’ to provide an exclusive platform for products and discussions centered around the latest technologies and trends in the rapidly evolving field of Newer Mobility.
Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organizer of Automechanika Dubai, highlighted the importance of efficiency and sustainability across industries. He noted that the automotive sector is undergoing a transformation driven by electrification, climate-neutral mobility, connected vehicles, autonomous driving, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS).
The Innovation4Mobility section of the event explores alternate fuel vehicles, driving technologies, digitalization, connectivity, and smart infrastructure, offering valuable insights into the New Age Mobility Ecosystem. Yesterday’s discussions covered topics such as electrifying fleets in the GCC, global vehicle sales in the Middle East, and the redefinition of automotive and mobility retail through digitization and artificial intelligence.
Today’s agenda includes expert discussions on technology’s role in future mobility, encompassing car park technology, Microsoft Azure Cloud applications for autonomous vehicle testing, and a case study on connected and automated mobility progress in Qatar.
Automechanika Dubai 2023 will continue until October 4, featuring 1,938 exhibitors from 61 countries across 14 halls. The event spans eight specialized product categories, including Parts & Components, Electronics and Systems, Accessories and Customizing, Tires and Batteries, Car Wash and Care, Oils and Lubricants, Diagnostics and Repair, and Body and Paint. It stands as a testament to the dynamic and innovative landscape of the automotive aftermarket industry in the Middle East.
