UAE Leads GCC in Electric Mobility Readiness, Ranked 22nd Globally
The Emirates has secured top position across the Gulf Cooperation Council in electric vehicle preparedness, according to Arthur D. Little's comprehensive Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index, reflecting substantial progress in charging infrastructure and sustainable transport adoption.
The United Arab Emirates has been recognised as the leading market within the GCC for electric mobility readiness, securing 22nd position globally with a score of 53 points in Arthur D. Little’s Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2026.
The assessment reveals that electric vehicles accounted for approximately 9 per cent of new vehicle sales across the Emirates in 2025, with battery electric vehicles representing between 6 and 8 per cent of the total, whilst plug-in hybrid electric vehicles comprised roughly 2.5 per cent of sales.
The nation’s commitment to sustainable transport infrastructure has been evidenced through a substantial expansion of charging facilities. The UAE’s charging network now extends to approximately 2,800 charging points, including around 1,250 direct-current charging stations and 350 high-power charging units positioned strategically across the country.
Looking forward, the Emirates has established ambitious targets for electric and hybrid vehicle deployment, with the objective of achieving 50 per cent electric and hybrid vehicles on its roads by 2050. Dubai, as the nation’s commercial hub, has set the more immediate goal of ensuring electric vehicles represent more than 15 per cent of its vehicle fleet by 2030.
The GEMRIX 2026 report identifies that successful transitions towards electric mobility depend increasingly upon comprehensive, integrated ecosystems rather than vehicle technology alone. These ecosystems must encompass charging infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, consumer incentives, supply chain development and aligned energy systems working in concert.
The global index assessed 31 markets across five principal dimensions: macroeconomic factors, the electric vehicle market and competitive landscape, customer readiness, public charging infrastructure provision, and total cost of ownership considerations coupled with regulatory environments.
Globally, China continues to lead the rankings with 106 points, followed by Norway with 103 points. These remain the only two markets exceeding the 100-point threshold, indicating substantial parity between electric and conventional vehicle markets. Singapore achieved 96 points, whilst the Netherlands recorded 90 points.
Joseph Salem, Partner and Middle East Lead for the Travel, Transportation and Hospitality practice at Arthur D. Little, noted that the Emirates’ ranking demonstrates accelerating momentum within its electric vehicle sector and reflects deliberate positioning towards developing an integrated ecosystem. He emphasised that sustained investment in charging infrastructure, combined with the nation’s long-term sustainable mobility aspirations, underscore the critical importance of harmonising infrastructure development, vehicle availability and customer requirements to facilitate broader electric vehicle adoption.
Alexander Krug, Partner in Arthur D. Little’s Automotive and Manufacturing Goods practice, observed that the transition to electric mobility will proceed at varying speeds across different markets, with nations capable of constructing sophisticated, integrated ecosystems positioned to capitalise most effectively on emerging opportunities within the evolving transportation landscape.
Source: WAM