News DeskDubai, UAE – The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) today announced the launch of a groundbreaking joint venture, UAEV, aimed at providing and promoting rapid and accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UAE. Notably, UAEV represents the first EV charging network entirely owned by the government.
As the global shift towards electric vehicles intensifies evidenced by electric car sales reaching 10 million units in 2022, a fivefold increase since 2019 the new partnership between MoEI and Etihad WE is poised to meet the burgeoning demand for EV infrastructure, facilitating UAE residents in adopting greener transportation options.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative: “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.” He added that the partnership is a strategic step towards accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation and significantly reducing emissions, in line with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
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Echoing this sentiment, Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and Chairman of UAEV, noted the rising EV adoption in the UAE during 2023. He highlighted that expanding EV infrastructure is crucial for supporting current EV owners and attracting new adopters. Al Olama stated, “The UAEV partnership, between government and business, is rooted in the recognition of complementary strengths and the pursuit of common goals.”
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Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV, described this venture as a significant milestone for Etihad WE. “For our business, this is a major milestone. It is part of a deliberate strategy to diversify our operations, using the knowledge and experience acquired from our role as long-standing pioneers in the energy sector,” said Al Ali. He highlighted that the UAEV initiative will not only modernize the UAE’s transport network but also create jobs and empower consumers to make sustainable choices.
The MoEI and Etihad WE are committed to unveiling further details about UAEV’s plans by the end of 2024, promising significant contributions to the nation’s electric mobility journey and economic growth while aligning with the UAE’s sustainability vision.
