Dubai: The electrification of urban transportation has become a major focus within the automotive industry, given its potential to transition a significant portion of cars towards greener mobility and enhance sustainability. Leading this movement in the region are Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, the region’s premier new energy vehicle provider, and Uber, the world's largest ride-hailing platform, through their partnership. This collaboration between market leaders establishes a new standard for electrification, aiming not only to make a substantial contribution to the region’s strategic sustainability goals but also to provide a broader population with access to green mobility.
The strategic partnership will offer drivers a wide selection of electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles to book on Uber’s platform. Each ride in an EV or PHEV significantly reduces carbon emissions, making sustainable travel a viable option for all. Additionally, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company will support with charging infrastructure, simplifying the process for EV drivers to provide rides on Uber. This initiative aligns with Uber’s commitment to ensuring that 25% of kilometers driven on its platform in Dubai are emission-free by 2026.
The partnership encompasses access to dedicated 'fast-charging fleet hubs’ through Charge2Moov by Al-Futtaim, ensuring that EV drivers on Uber can continue to provide rides with minimal downtime. The collaboration will be implemented regionally, supporting electrification and zero-emission targets, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions throughout the region.
Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, stated, "Our partnership with the world’s largest ride-hailing company marks a significant milestone. We recognize that the power of electrification lies in its scalability. Transitioning large volumes of cars and kilometers driven to greener mobility collectively results in a substantial decrease in carbon emissions; it’s about leveraging the collective shift for significant environmental benefit. We are proud to have Uber as a partner in driving this collective shift forward."
Frans Hiemstra, MEA Regional General Manager at Uber, added, "Uber is committed to electrifying its platform and leading the charge globally. With over 145,000 drivers making the switch and EV ride options available in 200 cities, Uber now boasts the most widely available electric car network worldwide. Our partnership with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company will accelerate our efforts in the region, bringing thousands more EVs onto the Uber platform and providing drivers with essential access to charging infrastructure."
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for cooperation between Uber and Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company to facilitate electric mobility solutions across the region. This includes the introduction of eligible new energy vehicles (NEVs) owned and distributed by Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility to fleet partners operating on the Uber app in the UAE. Beyond driving the sustainability agenda, both companies remain committed to developing human capital across the region and boosting the gig economy, particularly among one of the youngest and most tech-savvy populations.
