Electric momentum? Catalyzing electric vehicle adoption in the United Arab Emirates

Carbon intensive regimes in the Middle East are now facing the arduous task of attempting to decarbonize their transport sectors. This paper provides an analysis of the UAE's readiness to accommodate the rapid global shift towards battery electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on the identification of existing barriers and proposing strategic enablers. Using a sociotechnical systems framework, the paper draws insights from a comprehensive survey of over 5000 respondents residing in the UAE on their views and experiences with EV purchases and use in the country. The UAE's readiness for EV adoption is evaluated against a set of 52 barriers to adoption and eleven EV adoption enablers, and the impact of end user perception on EV uptake is explored. Based on the analysis undertaken, a UAE policy roadmap with immediate attention suggested for charging infrastructure and consumer information is proposed as a paradigm for catalyzing adoption of EVs. • Reports an electric vehicle (EV) adoption survey with 5000+ UAE residents. • Offers a comprehensive analysis of 52 barriers to adoption in the UAE. • Explores eleven enablers in the UAE. • Proposes a policy roadmap to catalyze EV adoption in the UAE.