If you’ve spotted more Teslas, BYDs, or sleek, silent EVs gliding along Sheikh Zayed Road or parked at Dubai Mall, you’re not imagining things. The UAE and wider GCC region are officially going electric — and doing it faster than almost anywhere else in the world.
According to the newly released Roland Berger EV Charging Index 2025, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing electric vehicle markets globally, with adoption doubling in just one year — from 2% to 4% of all vehicles.
While the percentage may seem modest, the pace of growth is remarkable, signaling that drivers across the region are not just testing EVs — they’re embracing them for good.
GCC’s Growing Love for Electric Vehicles
The report, based on surveys of over 12,000 respondents across 33 countries, shows a clear shift in consumer sentiment.
- 91% of GCC EV owners plan to buy another electric car — higher than the global average of 87%.
- In the UAE, that figure rises to 94%, ranking second only to China.
The top reasons for choosing electric vehicles vary across the region:
- In the UAE and Qatar, lower fuel and maintenance costs top the list.
- In Saudi Arabia, buyers are drawn to advanced technology and innovation.
- Nearly half of respondents cited sustainability and environmental concerns as major motivators — aligning with the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious net-zero and green energy goals.
EVs are no longer just secondary cars — they’re becoming the daily drivers for many. About one in three GCC EV owners drives over 20,000 km per year, matching levels seen in established EV markets like Norway and Germany.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Lead the Charge
The UAE leads the region in EV sales, with 24,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in 2024 alone. Saudi Arabia isn’t far behind — its EV sales jumped nearly tenfold in one year, surpassing 11,000 units.
This rapid rise is powered not only by consumer demand but also by a superior ownership experience — particularly when it comes to EV charging infrastructure.
Charging Satisfaction Among the World’s Best
Surprisingly, it’s not Norway or Germany topping global EV charging satisfaction charts — it’s the GCC.
According to the Roland Berger Index, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia all scored above 94% satisfaction, outpacing even mature EV markets.
This success is thanks to well-planned charging networks:
- Dubai now operates over 1,270 public charging points.
- Abu Dhabi targets 500 more by 2028 through an ADNOC–TAQA partnership.
- Saudi Arabia’s EVIQ initiative aims to deploy 5,000 chargers across 1,000 sites by 2030, with installations already active in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
From Government Push to Private Power
Government policies set the foundation, but now the private sector is accelerating the EV revolution.
Companies like Electromin (Saudi Arabia) and Al-Futtaim Automotive (UAE) are expanding charging networks and infrastructure investments, ensuring the region maintains its world-class satisfaction ratings.
Still, there’s room to improve:
- 43% of GCC EV drivers want faster chargers, especially on highways.
- The next phase of progress will focus on ultra-fast charging, digital charger locators, and more diverse charging locations — from petrol stations and malls to residential communities.
Clear Direction for the Road Ahead
Just a year ago, the GCC’s EV market was considered emerging. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing in the world.
With soaring consumer interest, robust infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels, the UAE and GCC are steering toward a sustainable, electric future.
For anyone in the region considering their next car, going electric isn’t just a greener choice — it’s becoming the smarter, more future-ready one.
Source: Gulf News
