UAE driving school launches first climate-friendly lessons

Abu Dhabi: Emirates Driving Company (EDC) has launched the UAE’s first carbon-neutral driving training programme, ‘Green Drive’, marking a major step toward more sustainable and smarter mobility.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based climate-tech company CarbonSifr, offers students a practical driving experience with net-zero carbon emissions.

“As the leading provider of driver training in Abu Dhabi, we recognise our role in shaping not just safer roads, but a more sustainable future,” said Khaled Al Shemeili, CEO of EDC – Abu Dhabi’s premier provider of pre-licensing driver education.

“Green Drive is more than an initiative – it’s a statement that climate responsibility belongs in every part of life, including behind the wheel.”

How ‘Green Drive’ works

Under the programme, CarbonSifr uses internationally recognised carbon accounting methodologies to calculate the carbon footprint of each student’s practical training sessions. This includes data on fuel type, vehicle usage and driving distance. These resulting emissions are completely offset through investments in globally verified environmental projects that ensure permanent and transparent carbon removal. This is done at no additional cost to the student. Upon completion of their training, students receive a Certificate of Appreciation acknowledging their contribution to sustainable driving education.

“Green Drive brings together innovation, data, and climate action in a simple, accessible way,” said Onur Elgun, CEO of CarbonSifr. “The programme allows students to partake in the UAE’s first eco-friendly driving experience.”

Designed for all vehicle types

Green Drive is initially available to students enrolled in EDC’s VIP car driving licence packages, with plans to expand across other licence types and training packages in the near future.
The programme is designed to work with any vehicle type – not just electric or hybrid – making it more inclusive and impactful. It highlights EDC’s broader commitment to sustainability. The company has achieved a AAA sustainability rating, the highest awarded for excellence in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices by leading global agencies.