UAE secures leading position in GCC electric mobility readiness
The Emirates has ranked first across the Gulf Cooperation Council and 22nd globally in Arthur D. Little's Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index, reflecting significant progress in sustainable transportation infrastructure and policy alignment.
The United Arab Emirates has established itself as the foremost market in the Gulf region for electric mobility readiness, according to Arthur D. Little’s Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2026. The nation achieved a score of 53, securing 22nd position internationally amongst 31 assessed markets.
The comprehensive analysis reveals that electric vehicles constituted approximately 9 percent of new vehicle sales throughout the UAE during 2025. Battery electric vehicles represented between 6 and 8 percent of this figure, whilst plug-in hybrid electric vehicles accounted for roughly 2.5 percent, demonstrating a diversified approach to alternative powertrain adoption.
Infrastructure development has progressed substantially, with the nation’s charging network expanding to encompass approximately 2,800 charging points. This expansion includes around 1,250 direct-current charging installations and 350 high-power charging units, establishing the foundation necessary to support accelerated adoption of electric mobility across the emirates.
The UAE has set an ambitious national target for electric and hybrid vehicles to constitute 50 percent of vehicles traversing its roads by 2050. Dubai, as the nation’s economic hub, has established a more immediate objective of achieving electric vehicle representation exceeding 15 percent of its vehicle fleet by 2030.
The GEMRIX assessment evaluated markets across five principal dimensions: macroeconomic factors, the competitive electric vehicle market, customer readiness, public charging infrastructure availability, and total cost of ownership considerations alongside regulatory frameworks. This multifaceted approach reflects the recognition that successful transition requires far more than technological advancement alone.
Joseph Salem, Partner and Middle East Lead for the Travel, Transportation and Hospitality practice at Arthur D. Little, emphasised that the UAE’s ranking reflects the momentum developing within its electric vehicle sector and a deliberate strategic direction towards cultivating an integrated ecosystem supporting sustainable mobility. He highlighted that sustained investment in charging infrastructure, coupled with ambitious long-term sustainable mobility objectives, underscores the significance of harmonising infrastructure development, vehicle availability and customer requirements to facilitate broader adoption.
Globally, China maintained the leading position with 106 points, followed by Norway with 103. These two nations represent the only markets to exceed the 100-point threshold, indicating comprehensive parity between electric vehicle readiness and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Singapore achieved 96 points, whilst the Netherlands scored 90.
Alexander Krug, Partner in Arthur D. Little’s Automotive and Manufacturing Goods practice, observed that the transition towards electric mobility will proceed at varying velocities and through distinct pathways across different markets. He noted that those nations capable of establishing comprehensive integrated ecosystems will be optimally positioned to capitalise upon emerging opportunities within the sector.
Source: WAM