EV Charging Stations Increased 60% Across UAE in 3 Years

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail al-Mazrouei speaks at the second edition of the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS2023). (WAM)
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail al-Mazrouei speaks at the second edition of the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS2023). (WAM)
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EV Charging Stations Increased 60% Across UAE in 3 Years

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail al-Mazrouei speaks at the second edition of the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS2023). (WAM)
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail al-Mazrouei speaks at the second edition of the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS2023). (WAM)

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail al-Mazrouei revealed that the country's electric vehicle (EV) charging stations had risen nearly 60 percent over the past three years.

Mazrouei pointed to a noticeable increase in EV sales, which aligns with the ambitious plans, qualitative initiatives, and incentives provided by the government to encourage the conversion to electric vehicles.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS2023), the minister said that the increase in the shift towards electric vehicles will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint, in line with the UAE's efforts to achieve climate neutral by 2050.

The government aims to increase the number of EVs on the roads by 2050, which would support the UAE's goals for climate neutrality, said the minister, noting that transportation is one of the sectors most concerned with reducing the carbon footprint.

He indicated that this requires everyone to take practical steps to reduce transportation emissions and help build appropriate infrastructure, frameworks, and policies to design a sustainable sector.

According to Statista, transportation accounts for 17 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions - behind only the power sector.

Public charging stations

Mazrouei announced that to fully realize the potential of electric mobility, the UAE is deploying a nationwide network of public and private charging stations equipped with the latest innovative technologies to reduce charging time.

"The stations follow a national guide that unifies their specifications across the emirates and aligns them with world-class standards," he added.

The minister stated that EVs "are set to be at the core of our shift to green mobility. The EV market looks promising and offers unique investment opportunities. We invite future-thinking businesses to capitalize on these opportunities."

EVIS2023 aims to promote the transition from dependence on fossil fuels to electric mobility, which saves the planet from the environmental consequences of CO2 and other emissions.

The summit's two-day conference will bring together delegates, experts, and representatives of the mobility industry from dozens of countries to discuss the current landscape and future challenges and opportunities.

It will feature more than 75 sessions, with keynote speakers, presentations, and panel discussions covering the EV industry's complete value chain.

It will be a valuable opportunity for attendants to network, share ideas and insights, and strike business deals.



Russian Fines Google $78 mln for Ignoring Previous Penalties

The logo for Google is seen at a Google store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
The logo for Google is seen at a Google store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
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Russian Fines Google $78 mln for Ignoring Previous Penalties

The logo for Google is seen at a Google store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
The logo for Google is seen at a Google store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

A Russian court fined Alphabet's Google 8 billion roubles ($77.9 million) on Tuesday for not complying with previous penalty orders, the Moscow courts press service said on Telegram.

Russia has for several years ordered foreign technology platforms to remove content it deems illegal, issuing small but persistent fines when it sees failures to comply. Tuesday's fine marked a significant increase on fines of around 4 million roubles that are usually levied.

The Chertanovo District Court in Moscow said Tuesday's fine had been issued for Google's failure to comply with an administrative punishment. It did not specify which administrative offence the fine was in relation too, Reuters reported.

YouTube has drawn particular ire for hosting content Moscow objects to. The video platform used to attract around 50 million daily users in Russia, but those numbers have dropped to around 12 million, according to Google data.

Critics accuse the Russian authorities of

deliberately disrupting

YouTube's download speeds to prevent Russians from viewing content there that is opposed to President Vladimir Putin and his government.

Russia denies that, saying the issues are caused by Google's failure to upgrade equipment - a charge disputed by the company and technology experts.

Putin in December accused Google of being a tool used by the US government to score political points.