Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in the UAE has taken a significant step towards sustainable industrial development and promoting electric mobility by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Shahin, a new company established by NEV Enterprise. The agreement, signed at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, highlights the country’s commitment to decarbonization and leveraging the industrial sector for climate action and economic growth.
The LoI signifies a strategic partnership aimed at developing, maintaining, and operating a charging station factory in the UAE, the first of its kind in the region. This facility will cater to the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure through pre-negotiated contracts. The UAE market has witnessed a rising demand for EVs, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 30 percent between 2022 and 2028, according to the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index.
The LoI is a major milestone aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. Shahin aims to meet 40 percent of the country’s Direct Current (DC) charging demand by 2030. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ms. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, underscoring the government’s commitment to a greener future and establishing the UAE as a regional leader in cutting-edge EV charging infrastructure. Mr. Ramzi Kuhail, Chief Executive of NEV Enterprise signed on behalf of the new company.
This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the 2023 Year of Sustainability. By actively contributing to the development of a robust EV ecosystem, this partnership will have a meaningful impact on our sustainability and decarbonization agenda, while at the same time supporting local and advanced technology driven economic growth.
Mr. Tariq Al Hashimi, Director of Technology Adoption and Development, remarked.
“This partnership will bolster our local industries and create quality opportunities for Emiratis by creating knowledge-intensive jobs, and empowering UAE nationals with employment prospects in one of the most promising sectors,” Mr. Hashimi further added.
Under the agreement, Shahin will collaborate with local higher education institutions for research and development, facilitating product and software localization and providing opportunities for young Emirati talent through apprenticeships and job placements. Shahin aims to achieve 20 percent Emiratisation across its UAE operations.
MoIAT will support Shahin by facilitating connections with local manufacturers and promoting the localization of the EV charging station supply chain. The ministry will also assist the company in securing offtake agreements for locally manufactured charging stations.
The Make It in the Emirates Forum, organized by MoIAT and the Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development, has attracted over 2,000 industry leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators. As the event coincides with COP28, the forum places particular emphasis on sustainable industrial development in alignment with the UAE’s climate change mitigation efforts.
This year’s forum introduces the Make It in the Emirates Awards, recognizing visionary industrial companies and individuals contributing to technological advancements, localization efforts, sustainability initiatives, and innovation in support of the country’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
The collaboration between MoIAT and Shahin signifies a pivotal milestone in the UAE’s journey towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure, further solidifying the nation’s position as a regional leader in the development and production of advanced EV charging infrastructure.