DEWA’s EV Green Chargers witnessed 59% surge in service usage in 2023


DUBAI: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s EV Green Charger initiative witnessed an impressive 59% increase in the usage of its “Green Charger” services for electric vehicles throughout 2023, clearly indicating the initiative’s success in promoting green mobility in Dubai.

By 31st December 2023, DEWA’s EV Green Charger initiative recorded 1,145,427 charging sessions conducted by registered electric vehicles, with a 59% increase compared to 2022. Through this initiative, DEWA provided 23419.821MWh of electricity for charging EVs in Dubai from 2015 to the end of 2023, powering a cumulative electric vehicle distance of 117 million kilometres.

The EV Green Charger initiative supports the UAE’s leading position in the region in the adoption of EVs, as the UAE has one of the highest ratios of charging stations to EVs in the world. The initiative promotes green and sustainable transport in Dubai in line with the Emirate’s strategic objectives regarding sustainability, air quality, and reducing greenhous
e gas emissions.

Dubai has seen a notable increase in the use of EVs since 2015. The number of EVs in the Emirate reached 25,929 vehicles by December 2023, significantly advancing Dubai’s plans to shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. The number of EV owners registered under the initiative has increased from a mere 14 in 2015 to more than 13,959 by the end of December 2023.

‘We are keen to realise the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest, happiest, and most future-ready city in the world. This supports the Dubai Green Mobility Initiative 2030 and the National Electric Vehicles Policy. We are committed to advancing the UAE’s efforts to achieve net-zero. This is by lowering the carbon footprint in the transport sector, reducing energy consumption in the transport sector by 40%, reducing carbon emissions by 10 million tonnes by 2050, and increasing the share
of EVs to 50% of the total vehicles on UAE roads by 2050. We will continue to foster the use of electric vehicles through the continuous development of green charging stations using technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

”DEWA has launched several features to facilitate the charging of EVs on its public charging network, reduce charging time, enhance the infrastructure, and provide better access to charging facilities across Dubai. We provide innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to ensure a fast and smooth customer experience for users of electric and hybrid vehicles,’ Al Tayer added.

As part of its efforts to encourage environmentally friendly electric vehicles, DEWA has deployed 382 EV Green Charging Stations across Dubai, with many chargers having dual charging outlets. DEWA has installed four types of chargers: Ultra-Fast Charger (150 kW DC with ChadeMO and combo CCS sockets); Fast Charger (43 kW AC with Type 2 Socket, 50 kW DC
ChadeMO and Combo CCS Sockets; Public Charger (2 x 22 kW AC, with double Type 2 Socket); and Wall-Box (22 kW AC, with single Type 2 Socket).

EV Green Charger Stations are available around the clock at key locations across Dubai. Customers can easily find charging station locations through DEWA’s website, smart app, and 14 other digital platforms.

DEWA allows customers to create an EV account through its website, smart app, or the Interactive Voice System (IVR) at DEWA Customer Care Centre. They can utilise the charging stations within an hour of vehicle registration. DEWA also launched the EV Green Charger User Dashboard to help customers better manage their EV Green Charger services. All customers, including unregistered ones, can also use the guest mode feature to charge their EVs.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Building on success: UAE President extends Year of Sustainability into 2024 on the UAE’s National Environment Day


ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, announced that 2024 will be the continuation of the ‘Year of Sustainability’, building on the success of last year’s theme and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for all. The announcement was made on X, formerly known as Twitter, to mark the UAE’s National Environment Day.

Throughout 2023, the Year of Sustainability championed raising awareness of the UAE’s sustainability values, encouraging behaviour changes that inspire collective progress. This year, the Year of Sustainability continues to invite everyone that calls the UAE home to join in the collective effort to adopt sustainable practices through a range of community-driven initiatives and activities themed around sustainability.

The Year of Sustainability team, driven by the achievements of 2023, extends its invitation to individuals and communities to engage in shaping initiatives for the coming year. A
ll ideas for impactful activities, innovative initiatives, and community-driven projects are welcomed and can be shared via email at Contact@UAEYearOf.ae

The year-long activations will be overseen by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Further announcements detailing the upcoming activities and initiatives will be made soon.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Indonesian President receives UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure


JAKARTA: Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, received, at the Presidential Palace in Yogyakarta, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and the UAE Envoy to the Republic of Indonesia, during an official visit of the high-level UAE delegation to Indonesia.

The meeting discussed ways and mechanisms to enhance joint cooperation in various fields as President Joko Widodo expressed his happiness with Al Mazrouei’s visit, stressing his country’s interest in developing its strategic relations with the UAE in all fields that serve both sides.

During the visit, Al Mazrouei and the accompanying delegation held several meetings to increase opportunities for cooperation between the two countries to raise the level of relations to broader horizons, which reflected the aspirations of the leaderships of the two friendly countries.

In the capital, Jakarta, the UAE minister held bilateral meetings with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Investment and Maritim
e Affairs; Erick Thohir, Minister of State-owned enterprises; Arifin Tasrif, Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources; Budi Karya, Minister of Transportation; Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy; Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment; and Pahala Nugraha, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During these meetings, developments in joint investment projects and initiatives were discussed, and more opportunities available in sectors of common interest were studied.

The UAE minister also chaired the Emirati-Indonesian round table meeting, organised by the UAE Embassy in Jakarta, with the participation of a number of CEOs and private sector representatives from both countries.

At the conclusion of the visit, Al Mazrouei met with Indonesian Vice President Marouf Amin to discuss ways to develop relations between the two countries and strengthen the economy in the field of halal industrial products.

During the visit, President Joko Widodo, and Suhail Al Mazrouei witnessed the ceremony mar
king a major milestone for the Mohammed bin Zayed College of Future Studies in Yogyakart on the Indonesian island of Java. The laying of the foundation stone ceremony is an important step for the college, which is part of a collaboration between the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities and the Nahdlatul Ulama Society in Indonesia.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UAE National Pavilion showcases over 150 defence products at ‘World Defence Show’ in Saudi Arabia


ABU DHABI: The UAE National Pavilion, organised by the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) with support from the UAE Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, will showcase innovative defence, aerospace, and security products and solutions at the second edition of the World Defence Show.

The show will be held in Riyadh from 4th to 8th February 2024 and is organised by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).

The Pavilion will feature prominent EDCC members, including EDGE Group, CALIDUS, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company, National Factory for Safety and Security Products, and Al Seer Marine, to display over 150 innovative products manufactured in the UAE. It will also have a stand for Al Jundi Journal, a military and cultural magazine issued by the Ministry of Defence, and Capital Events, to promote the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2025).

Hosted under the theme “Equipped For Tomorrow”, the World Defence Show stands out as a key defence exhibition
focusing on the future of the defence industry and displaying the latest technologies.

Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairwoman of the EDCC, highlighted the remarkable collaborative model between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, emphasising the strong commitment to strengthening strategic relationships with key partners.

She added, “Our participation reflects the strength of the exceptional collaboration model between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and the robust ties binding the two countries and is a testament to our unwavering relationship.”

“The National Pavilion provides an opportunity to highlight UAE’s leading defence industries and advanced solutions and systems. The Council aims to enhance cooperation, explore investment opportunities, broaden communication channels among interested parties, and empower defence companies to exchange ideas and expertise in the defence industry,” Al Jaber added.

“We look forward to leveraging capabilities in the defence industry, which will be accomplished through an integrated foundati
on of various specialist national companies. Through this, we hope to introduce business opportunities to local companies and promote their products.” Al Jaber said.

Khalifa Al Balushi, CEO of Calidus – a member of the EDCC -reaffirmed the company’s commitment to showcasing sophisticated defence products and solutions through specialised exhibitions.

“This is intended to foster collaboration, highlight progress in the defence industries, and explore opportunities for partnerships and exchanging experiences among diverse stakeholders at both regional and international levels,” he said.

He indicated that ‘Calidus’ is considered one of the leading Emirati companies in the field of defence technology development, specialising in manufacturing aircraft for various missions and purposes such as close air support (CAS), intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), basic and advanced training, in addition to the manufacturing and production of ground combat 8×8 and 4×4 vehicles designated for multi-purpose
defence use.

The inaugural edition of the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia in 2022 featured 600 exhibitors from 42 countries, with 100 official international delegations and 65,000 visitors. The exhibition witnessed the signing of defence and military procurement deals worth around US$7.9 billion.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Abu Dhabi real estate transactions hit AED5 billion in January 2024


ABU DHABIs: Real estate transactions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi amounted to over AED5 billion in the first month of 2024, comprising 1,386 transactions of sales and mortgages on various types of real estate units.

According to the “DARI” platform, affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, the value of real estate mortgages in the emirate reached about AED2.6 billion through registering 635 mortgage deals. The total value of sales since the beginning of the current year until today exceeded AED2.5 million, representing 751 sales transactions, distributed among 363 ready properties and 388 off-plan.

The platform highlighted the largest transactions for Abu Dhabi city by value in the past week. Mohamed bin Zayed City topped the list with a value of AED16.6 million for “Prestige Tower”, followed by Saadiyat Island with AED12.7 million for “Mamsha Al Saadiyat”.

The real estate sector in Abu Dhabi is on an upward trajectory, supported by incentives and quality real estate proj
ects launched by the department, in addition to various projects initiated by real estate entities in Abu Dhabi. These initiatives have solidified its position as an attractive environment for both local and foreign investors, enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness.

Source: Emirates News Agency