MoEI enhances role of youth in shift to electric vehicles

emirates7 - The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in partnership with the Federal Youth Authority, organized a discussion session titled Youth Leadership in the Shift to Electric Vehicles.

Held at Rubu Qarn Science and Technology, the event explored ways to empower Emirati youth to play a pivotal role in advancing clean energy adoption and electric vehicle (EV) integration. A key highlight of the session was the Pole Position EV Racing initiative, launched by the Ministry in collaboration with the private sector. This program engages students in designing and building electric race cars, culminating in a competitive race.

The session featured participation from prominent figures, including Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qassimi, Director of FANN; Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at MoEI; Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women Sports; Khaled Al Nakhi, Director of Sharjah Capability Development; Sheikha Al Shamsi, Director of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah; and Khawla Al Hawai, Director of Sharjah Children.

Sharif Al Olama remarked, “This youth-focused session aligns with the Ministry’s mission to empower the next generation and shape a sustainable future. Through initiatives like Pole Position, we aim to showcase the vital role of EVs in cutting carbon emissions, in line with the Save to Sustain National Conservation Campaign. These events inspire youth to become leaders of change and integral contributors to our sustainability goals.”

He also highlighted the growing EV market in the UAE, noting that EVs accounted for 13% of total car sales in 2023, with further growth expected in coming years. Al Olama emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing the share of electric and hybrid vehicles to 50% by 2050, supported by an expanding EV charging infrastructure and incentives to boost consumer appeal.

The launch of UAEV, the UAE's first government-owned electric vehicle charging company, was also discussed. UAEV is dedicated to promoting green transportation by enhancing EV charging infrastructure nationwide. By 2024, UAEV aims to deploy 100 chargers, with plans to exceed 1,000 by 2030.

Ahlam Al Ahmad, Director of Rubu Qarn Science and Technology, highlighted the Rubu Qarn Foundation's dedication to fostering young Emirati talent. She emphasized the foundation’s focus on creating an interactive environment that encourages innovative sustainability solutions through modern technology.

Participants concluded the session by underscoring the importance of strengthening collaboration between government entities, youth, and the private sector. Key recommendations included addressing technical challenges in infrastructure, raising awareness about EVs’ role in sustainability, securing sponsorships for Pole Position, and inspiring youth to adopt sustainable technologies and contribute to emission reductions.