Dubai powers EV drive with superfast charging stations

Dubai Municipality will install superfast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across 600 parking spaces in the emirate through a public-private partnership.

The charging stations will be located at public parks, beaches and recreational facilities in partnership with Emarat EV Charging Stations Company, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported.

Total investment is estimated at AED150 million ($41 million).

The first phase will see the installation of 75 superfast EV stations across 150 parking bays within the next two years. Details of other phases were not given.

The rollout will prioritise wide areas across communities and high-traffic destinations, the statement said.

The move comes as the UAE increased fuel prices by more than 30 percent last week following a surge in the cost of crude oil since the start of the Iran conflict.

The project aligns with the UAE’s plan to increase EV adoption to 50 percent of the vehicle fleet by 2050. The initiative also supports the UAE Net Zero and Energy Strategy 2050 programmes.

Abu Dhabi-listed Adnoc Distribution announced in January plans to increase the number of superfast EV charging stations along the UAE’s highways by 2027.

In August last year Dubai-listed parking space operator Parkin signed a long-term agreement with Charge&Go, a subsidiary of Etisalat Services Holding, to launch 200 “ultra-fast” direct-current charging stations.

In March 2024, the Dubai government approved PPP projects worth AED40 billion to boost economic growth and infrastructure development.

Further reading:

• Charging demand grows as Dubai warms to EVs
• Arab oil capacity dented as Iran war forces output cuts
• Aramco oil exports spike after shift to Red Sea ports