In the bustling heart of the Middle East's automotive aftermarket industry, the Dubai World Trade Centre recently played host to a groundbreaking event – the opening session of the new Innovation4Mobility zone during the 20th edition of Automechanika Dubai. This exclusive zone, dedicated to the ever-evolving landscape of mobility, provided a glimpse into the UAE's vision for future mobility. Let's delve into the highlights of this remarkable event and the exciting prospects it brings to the region.
A Visionary Address
At the helm of the Innovation4Mobility session was Eng. Somayyah Alyammahi, Head of Productivity Projects and Demand Management Section at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI). Eng. Alyammahi shed light on the primary objective of the 2023 National Electric Vehicles Policy, which aims to reduce energy consumption by a staggering 40 percent and carbon emissions by 404 kilotons by 2050. Additionally, the policy strives to boost the share of electric vehicles to 50 percent of all vehicles on UAE roads by 2050.
Guiding the Transition
The National Electric Vehicles Policy serves as a comprehensive framework to guide efforts in standardizing electric vehicle charging station infrastructure and fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the country.
Bridging Borders
Notably, the MoEI is actively working towards establishing fast charging stations on the common border between Saudi Arabia and Oman. This strategic move aims to facilitate the seamless movement of electric vehicles between neighbouring countries.
Innovation4Mobility Unveiled
Automechanika Dubai introduced 'Innovation4Mobility' as an exclusive zone dedicated to showcasing products and exploring the latest technologies and trends that are shaping the automotive aftermarket industry amid the changing landscape of Newer Mobility. Discussions and displays revolved around alternate fuel vehicles, driving technologies, digitalization, connectivity, and smart infrastructure. It offered a unique opportunity to explore the New Age Mobility Ecosystem.
Beyond the Surface
At Innovation4Mobility, key discussions encompassed electrifying fleets in the GCC, global demand outlook, and the vehicle sales market in the Middle East. A panel discussion featuring experts from BMW AGMC, SIXT Middle East, and BluSmart focused on how digitization, artificial intelligence, and customer-centric approaches are redefining the automotive and mobility retail landscape.
Tomorrow's Mobility
Today, experts will convene to discuss the future of technology for mobility. Sessions will include topics such as car park technology, using Microsoft Azure Cloud for testing and validation of autonomous vehicles, and a case study on the progress of connected and automated mobility in Qatar.
A Grand Showcase
Automechanika Dubai 2023 promises to be a remarkable event, running until October 4th. Spanning 14 halls, it features 1,938 exhibitors from 61 countries, covering eight specialized product categories: Parts and components, Electronics and Systems, Accessories and Customizing, Tires and Batteries, Car Wash and Care, Oils and Lubricants, Diagnostics and Repair, and Body and Paint.
The Innovation4Mobility zone at Automechanika Dubai 2023 is paving the way for a dynamic future in the automotive industry. With a strong focus on sustainability, electrification, and technological advancements, the UAE is poised to lead the region into an era of cleaner, more efficient, and innovative mobility solutions.
A word from the Officials
Eng. Somayyah Alyammahi, Head of the Productivity Projects and Demand Management Section at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) explained, “The main outcomes for the national roadmap for EV charging stations in the UAE include increasing the number of EV charging stations in the country by 360 charging stations, bringing the total to 914 AC and DC charging stations by the end of 2023. We are also preparing a national platform for EV charging stations that will monitor and operate all stations, as well as preparing a mobile application that users can use to find out more information about the stations, and we are sighting several partnerships with EV manufacturers to provide incentives to the community.”
Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Portfolio Director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Automechanika Dubai said, "Efficiency and sustainability are paramount across all industries, and the automotive sector is no exception. With the rapid advancements in the electrification of vehicles, climate-neutral mobility, connected mobility, autonomous driving, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), urban mobility is poised for a transformative shift by 2030. Discussions and displays within this section will spotlight alternate fuel vehicles, driving technologies, digitalisation, connectivity, and smart infrastructure, offering a unique opportunity to explore the New Age Mobility Ecosystem.”
