Government-backed summit in Dubai sheds light on evolution of regional mobility and trends shaping the automotive market

The development of electric, autonomous, and connected vehicles in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be in sharp focus at a conference and exhibition in Dubai this month, as the Emirate’s government takes a lead role in the future of regional mobility.

The 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility, to be held from 14-15 November 2016 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, arrives following a series of declarations from authorities promoting the use of alternative and eco-friendly non-fossil fuel technologies on UAE roads.

Hosted by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), and organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the two-day summit will feature a line-up of more than 30 international experts sharing their insights into smart, clean, and connected mobility.

A co-located exhibition will also shine the spotlight on futuristic vehicles using the latest in smart eco-friendly technology from the world’s heavyweight manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and more.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin-Fahad, the UAE Minister of State and Chairman of ESMA, the 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility comes as Dubai leads a concerted effort to slash carbon emissions in a region widely known for its love of cars.

The Dubai government has mandated that 10 per cent of all civic fleets in the emirate consist of electric vehicles by 2020.  This ambitious target means thousands of electric vehicles are set to be ordered to replace existing government department vehicle fleets.

Additionally, the government is working on consumer incentives to encourage drivers to switch from petroleum-powered cars to the more sustainable hybrid and electric alternative. 

ESMA has come up with a comprehensive scheme covering all aspects of operating and maintaining vehicles powered by alternative energy sources. The government body has drafted unified regulations and standards that will come into effect shortly and to which all electric and hybrid vehicles entering UAE will have to comply.

Meanwhile, in April 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced that 25 per cent of vehicles in Dubai will be autonomous by 2030, adding further weight behind the big push toward a smarter, greener, and more mobile future. 

Abdulla Abdulqader Al Maeeni, Director General of ESMA, said: “Given that the UAE Government has announced that 25 percent of all public transport systems in the country will be smart and automated by 2030, we are set to see a transformation in the way people and goods move around the country.

“The 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility, with its focus on alternative technologies, automation and connected transport, is especially relevant here.

“The conference is a unique platform for delegates to meet and interact with government regulators, manufacturers, and leading experts in the field and discuss the latest technological developments that are driving the industry,” he added.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The UAE is making an assertive push to promote the use of eco-friendly vehicles as part of its effort to reduce the country’s carbon footprint and develop a sustainable economy.

“With the GCC on the brink of witnessing an exciting transformation in sustainable mobility, the UAE is continuing its tradition of being in the forefront of promoting innovation and being a leader in effecting positive change,” he added. 

More than 350 delegates from 25 countries representing 150 organisations are expected to attend the 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility, where autonomous vehicles, connected transport modes and energy efficient commuting is the central theme.

Kaushik Madhavan, Head of Automotive and Transportation for the MENESA Region at Frost & Sullivan, is one of the speakers who will deliver a presentation about the evolution of mobility and its impact on regional distributors.

Madhavan said Mobility as a service is a growing trend, as an increasing number of young consumers look for more efficient and cost-effective means of transport: “Mobility as a service is the result of changing vehicle ownership patterns and the involvement of non-traditional automotive players in the field of Mobility,” said Madhavan.

“We are seeing the emergence of new mobility business models such as car sharing, carpooling, subscription-based services. Today the mobility ecosystem comprises not only automotive companies, but also energy companies and software or IT companies. We also have the emergence of aggregators who have developed platforms bringing together the end consumer and the service providers.”

“Value-added services will be the differentiator in the future as service providers look to attract customers with subscription-based services which will give the customers the flexibility to choose the mode of transport based on their needs,” added Madhavan.

The 2nd International Conference on Future Mobility also welcomes the involvement of key international and regional Government Authorities, Regulators and Associations, including the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) as Strategic Partners; the UK Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles; the European Commission; the International Road Transport Union; and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE, said: The positive impact and environmental solutions offered by electric and hybrid cars make it imperative for all the concerned parties to work on setting an effective strategy that can contribute in enhancing and spreading this concept in the near future. It is a relatively new concept in the world of the automotive industry in the Middle East, but its positive aspects can play a vital role in attracting consumers. However these aspects need to be highlighted properly based on an integrated approach.”