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Green mobility poised to transform UAE's SME landscape as EV adoption accelerates
26 June 2025 01:08
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)With electric vehicle (EV) adoption increasing and charging infrastructure becoming more accessible in the UAE, experts say the tangible benefits of clean mobility are extending beyond individual motorists to businesses - particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EVs are ideal transport options for SMEs, said Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, founder and CEO of VCharge, a Khalifa Fund-backed startup that specialises in EV charging infrastructure and smart mobility systems. 'They reduce fuel costs, lower carbon footprint, and improve long-term operational efficiency. Maintenance is simpler, and EVs help SMEs meet green procurement requirements,' Al Shamsi told Aletihad. Through incentives, financing, and collaborations, the UAE has been fuelling EV adoption among SMEs, he said. 'We are working with government partners to pilot shared charging hubs for SMEs and offer tech localisation support.' In the next five years, Al Shamsi believes that electric vehicles will play a key role in the daily operations of SMEs. 'EV charging will be seen as a key part of business infrastructure - not just transport,' he added. Another green mobility expert, Ahmed Al Ketbi, shared the sentiment, pointing out that there has been increasing demand for EV charging solutions among businesses, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 'The demand is high among delivery companies and property developers,' said Al Ketbi, founder and CEO of Evcars, another Khalifa Fund-supported startup that focuses on EV accessories and charging solutions.'At Evcars, we are committed to staying ahead by providing tailored solutions that make EV adoption easy, affordable, and efficient for SMEs across the region,' he told Aletihad. Al Ketbi envisions a green urban landscape where EV production is more localised, fleet leasing options are widely embraced, and workplace charging is the norm.'We are also pushing for more direct SME support, including subsidies on chargers and easier access to fleet leasing,' he said.
Growing EV Adoption in UAE Strong government policies, saving opportunities, and technological advancements have been fuelling the EV shift in the UAE, the two experts said. 'Major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai are pushing sustainability agendas, and government fleets are leading the adoption, creating momentum in the private sector,' Al Shamsi said. Among the sectors that are showing robust demand are government, logistics, last-mile delivery, public transport, and hospitality, he added. Al Shamsi's VCharge alone has installed more than 8,000 chargers and delivered more than 130 government projects nationwide since it was established in 2019.
Al Ketbi's Evcars is also building on the momentum and now growing its presence in Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai, all the way to Muscat.
