The UAE is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with over 52% of residents choosing to buy or lease EVs due to lower usage and maintenance costs compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, according to a recent Roland Berger study.
Cost Savings and Smart Technology Drive EV Demand
Lower operational expenses continue to attract UAE residents to electric vehicles. Many buyers also cite environmental protection and the advanced technology of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as key motivators. EVs offer smart features and intelligence that appeal to tech-savvy consumers.
UAE Tops GCC in EV Sales and Charging Infrastructure
In 2024, the UAE led the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in EV sales, with nearly 24,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid units sold. Saudi Arabia followed with a tenfold increase from 2023, reaching over 11,000 units.
Dubai alone boasts an extensive public EV charging network, with more than 1,270 charging points available as of August 2025. To meet rising demand, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) partnered with Enoc Group on October 1 to expand fast-charging stations across Dubai’s fuel stations.
EV Market Matures Rapidly Across the Region
A year ago, experts labeled the GCC’s EV sector as “nascent but dynamic.” Today, it shows significant maturity. The average EV sales penetration rate across Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia doubled from 2% to around 4% in 2024. This positions the region among the fastest-growing EV markets globally, albeit from a relatively low starting point.
Charging Experience Satisfaction Surpasses Global Markets
EV owners across the GCC report high satisfaction levels with charging infrastructure. According to the EV Charging Index 2025:
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Qatar leads with 97% satisfaction
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UAE follows at 95%
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Saudi Arabia at 94%
These figures surpass those of mature EV markets, such as:
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Americas: 91%
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Europe: 89%
Home Charging Trends: UAE Embraces Shared Access
The report highlights different charging behaviors across the region:
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Saudi Arabia leads in private home charger ownership (62%)
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UAE has the highest use of shared or semi-private chargers (33%)
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Qatar shows strong private coverage (59%) and moderate shared use (28%)
On average, home charging accounts for 50% of all EV charging sessions in the GCC.
Strong EV Loyalty Indicates Market Shift
The EV market in the GCC is evolving from early adopters to mainstream consumers. The Roland Berger survey revealed that:
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91% of current EV owners in the GCC plan to purchase another EV
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In the UAE, this number reaches 94%, second only to China at 99%
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The global average stands at 87%
This high level of loyalty signals a permanent shift in consumer mindset toward sustainable mobility.
