The UAE and other Gulf countries are rapidly shifting towards electric mobility, emerging as some of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) markets. According to the latest Roland Berger EV Charging Index 2025, EV adoption in the GCC has doubled within a year — rising from 2% to 4% of all registered vehicles.
This sharp increase highlights the region’s growing commitment to clean transport and sustainable living. Residents are no longer just testing EVs; they are adopting them as their main mode of transport.
EV Enthusiasm on the Rise
The survey, covering more than 12,000 people across 33 countries, shows that 91% of GCC EV owners plan to buy another electric car. In the UAE, this figure reaches an impressive 94%, second only to China.
Drivers cited lower running and maintenance costs as major motivators, particularly in the UAE and Qatar. In Saudi Arabia, advanced technology and innovation were the biggest attractions. Environmental sustainability also plays a key role, aligning with national green goals across the region.
EVs are no longer weekend drives for enthusiasts. Nearly one in three owners across the GCC now drive over 20,000 kilometres a year — similar to patterns seen in leading EV nations such as Norway and Germany.
UAE Leads Regional Sales
The UAE currently tops the region in EV sales, recording around 24,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in 2024. Saudi Arabia followed with remarkable growth, selling over 11,000 EVs — almost ten times higher than the previous year.
This momentum is being powered by a mix of government support and private-sector investment aimed at improving the overall ownership experience.
Charging Satisfaction at Global Levels
Charging infrastructure has been a key success factor. The Roland Berger Index reports that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE achieved over 94% satisfaction rates — higher than many mature EV markets. Dubai now boasts more than 1,270 public charging points, while Abu Dhabi plans to install 500 more by 2028 under a partnership between ADNOC and TAQA. Saudi Arabia’s EVIQ initiative is also working to set up 5,000 chargers across 1,000 sites by 2030.
A Promising Road Ahead
The region’s EV ecosystem continues to expand, driven by strong consumer interest, infrastructure upgrades, and private-sector involvement. However, 43% of GCC drivers still want faster chargers, especially along major highways. Future development is expected to focus on rapid charging, better locator tools, and wider accessibility in commercial and residential areas.
Once seen as an emerging market, the GCC — led by the UAE — is now at the forefront of the global EV transformation. With strong momentum and high satisfaction levels, the region’s electric journey is only just beginning.
In other news also read about JLR Resumes Manufacturing: Recovery Underway After Cyber-Attack
