News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The third edition of the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS 2024) was officially inaugurated today by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI). The event, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), underscores the MENA region’s dedication to sustainable transportation.
In his opening speech, Eng. Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable transport system. He stated, “The Summit comes at a critical time, as the world strives to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. An all-inclusive decarbonization drive is a must to reach our collective goal. This raises an urgent need to promote green mobility and accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions from the transport sector, one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases.”
Eng. Al Olama highlighted the initiatives under the National Demand Side Management Program aimed at fostering greener mobility. Among these initiatives is the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable transport option. Currently, electric and hybrid vehicles make up 3% of all vehicles on UAE roads, a figure that reflects the growing eco-consciousness of the local population.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency, the UAE ranked second in the Middle East for EV sales, with 13% of all car sales in 2023 being electric vehicles. The Undersecretary noted the government’s active role in increasing EV adoption by developing an integrated charging station network across all emirates. Collaboration with private sector stakeholders is crucial for increasing investment in this infrastructure through various financing mechanisms.
“Our aim is to increase the scale and pace of the shift to green mobility by raising the share of EVs to 50% of all vehicles on our roads by 2050,” Eng. Al Olama announced. This ambitious target aligns with the UAE’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in less than three decades. Additionally, the UAE is working on developing an EV Gulf Corridor, linking with Saudi Arabia and Oman through charging stations at border points to facilitate the movement of electric vehicles.
Eng. Naser Ali Al Bahri, CEO of Nirvana MICE, expressed the significance of EVIS 2024, stating, “EVIS 2024 is not just an event; it’s the future of e-mobility in the MENA region. This exhibition and summit, featuring over 150 global exhibitors, showcases the evolution of the electric mobility sector with a rich program of industry discussions.”
Following the opening remarks, Eng. Al Olama led a tour of the exhibition floor, showcasing significant advancements in electric vehicle technology. Attendees of the summit, which continues through May 22, have the opportunity to experience the latest in electric vehicle technology, including test drives of the newest models featuring rapid acceleration and silent operation.
EVIS 2024 continues to garner significant attention, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for electric mobility and sustainable transportation solutions. The event provides a dynamic platform for discovering the latest trends, networking with industry leaders, and exploring the technologies that will shape the future of transportation.
