In a significant move towards sustainable development, the UAE announced on Sunday the establishment of a dedicated company for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This announcement was made during the UAE Cabinet meeting held at Expo City Dubai, coinciding with COP28.
This new company will be responsible for developing the necessary infrastructure for EV charging, managing the daily operations of these stations, and formulating a pricing strategy for the charging services. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s national policy on electric vehicles, introduced earlier this year, aiming to create a widespread network of EV chargers and regulate the EV market across the UAE. The policy is a part of the effort to reduce energy consumption in the transportation sector by 20 percent.
Back in May 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure set a target to increase the share of electric vehicles to 50 percent of all vehicles on UAE roads by 2050, supporting the transition to green mobility. Additionally, a recent study was reviewed by the UAE Cabinet, examining the actual costs of charging EVs in the country.
The meeting, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, also saw the approval of several strategies aimed at achieving climate neutrality. These include the UAE National Energy Strategy 2050, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, and the National Electric Vehicles Policy. The Cabinet also endorsed the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia).
Further, the Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Combat Desertification (2022-2030), the national green building regulation, the National Guidelines for UAE Biosecurity (2023-2032), and a technical regulation for measuring Air Quality.
The UAE, ranked second globally in the Energy Transition pillar of the Green Future Index (GFI) 2023, has invested over $50 billion in renewable energy projects across 70 countries and plans to invest an additional $50 billion in the coming decade. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the issuance of over 60 policies, initiatives, and decisions in 2023 to combat climate change.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved new initiatives for environmental objectives, including the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, focusing on ecosystem and species protection, and the global initiative to decarbonize waste. The national carbon credits registration system was also approved.
The National Biodiversity Strategy 2031 aims to rehabilitate 80 percent of degraded land and marine areas, preserve at least 21 percent of land and marine ecosystems, and improve the status of endangered native species by 10 percent.
In response to the growing demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the Cabinet approved guidelines for its production and use, targeting 700 million liters of SAF produced locally by 2030.
Furthermore, the National Guide for Smart Construction was approved, standardizing construction projects across the country with smart building indicators and digital design models. The Cabinet also passed technical regulations for energy efficiency in electric engines and consumption meters.
Other significant decisions include guidelines for crowdfunding platform operations, regulations for heavy vehicle dimensions and related sanctions, and rehabilitation criteria for misdemeanors and felonies involving dishonesty or moral turpitude. The Federal Law concerning juvenile delinquents and those at risk of delinquency was also addressed.
Lastly, the “Identification of Emirati Individuals and Families using the National Identity or Digital Certification” was approved, replacing the Family Book in official transactions and state-level services and benefits.
Also Read:
Bowling Concerns in IPL: Wasim Jaffer Calls for Removal of ‘Impact Player’ Rule
Returning to Abu Dhabi: Ticket costs, new attractions, and what’s in store for guests
