The UAE’s draft regulations for electric vehicles were adopted by its Gulf neighbours, it was revealed.Â
Safety requirements, vehicle performance, and weather suitability modules included in the UAE’s draft regulations prompted their uptake by GCC countries.Â
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Abdulla Al Maeeni, director-general of Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), said that the GCC Standardisation Organisation is currently drafting its regulations based on the UAE’s documents.
Al Maeeni added that ESMA is also working on, a new phase of eco-friendly and economy-beneficial national policies, based on the UAE’s draft.
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The adoption of these directives would protect the UAE’s environment against pollution and emissions, and also supported its economy.Â
New sources of economic growth could also be encouraged through the uptake of such legislation, Al Maeeni added, according to WAM.Â
Public-sector initiatives are driving the uptake of environment-friendly vehicles in the Gulf.Â
This September, the Dubai Green Mobility Initiative was launched, with the aim of incentivising motorists to opt for sustainable vehicles. The programme included benefits such as free use of charging stations across the emirate until the end of 2019, complimentary ‘green’ parking, free vehicle registration and renewal fees, and free Salik tags.
The 2017 Dubai International Motor Show, which opened on 14 November, 2017, is set to showcase the emirate’s push for electric mobility.
Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is set to make an appearance at the automotive exhibition.
The car was also displayed at the 2017 Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) in Dubai this October.Â