The Roadmap to 100 Percent Electric Taxis in the UAE by 2040

The UAE has a plan to switch every taxi in the country to run on electricity or clean energy. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority wants 30% of taxis to be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2030. That number might jump to 50% by 2035. And by 2040? Full transition. 

Here’s a closer look at how the UAE is building its roadmap to 100 percent electric taxis by 2040. 

Setting the National Vision

The shift toward electric taxis in the UAE is a wider plan that’s been quietly shaping the country’s transport goals for years. One of the key drivers is the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategy, which aims to bring national emissions down to zero over the next 25 years. Taxis, being on the road all day, are one of the most obvious places to start.

“Electric cars are no longer a niche choice — they’re becoming part of everyday rental decisions,” said Rohan Paul Alex - Co-Founder and CEO of UAEdriving. “The demand is being driven by better awareness, improved charging access, and changing customer preferences.”

In 2023, the UAE launched its National Electric Vehicles Policy. This plan lays out how the country can support electric vehicle growth. The target is for half of all vehicles on the road to be electric by 2050. That includes private cars, delivery vans, and of course, taxis. To make this happen, the policy touches everything from charging stations to local manufacturing support.

Electric taxis might make up a small part of the road right now, but things are picking up. The shift is being supported by both federal policies and local transport authorities. 

For example, Dubai is already working with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to push EV goals forward
 

The national vision also includes a focus on building the right support systems. These include better charging access, vehicle import regulations, and clear rules to help fleet operators make the switch over time. It makes sure those taxis can run, charge, and stay on the road with minimal downtime.

For drivers, companies, and riders, the national vision offers a clear signal — the future of taxis in the UAE might be cleaner, quieter, and more efficient. And that future is being planned right now.

I spoke with M.T.Ray, Managing Director of My Singapore Driver, who works closely with chauffeurs across the region. He said, “Drivers notice the difference right away — EVs are quieter, smoother, and less tiring over long shifts. And as long as charging stays convenient, switching to electric is something many drivers are ready for.”

Dubai’s Pioneering Commitment

Dubai is one of the few cities in the region that’s already making visible progress with electric taxis. You can see it in the growing number of hybrid and electric cars picking up riders at malls, airports, and hotels.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is leading this shift. Instead of replacing all taxis at once, the plan is to slowly phase out older vehicles and replace them with cleaner ones. 

Raphael Wagner, Founder & CEO of Campstar - RV Rental Company, mentions, “Phasing in electric vehicles gradually is the smartest path forward. It allows rental and transport companies to adapt without disrupting service — and gives travelers a real chance to experience what electric mobility actually feels like.”
 

In fact, every new taxi added to the fleet in recent years is either hybrid or electric
 

RTA is also working with taxi companies to make this change easier. Companies like Dubai Taxi Corporation and National Taxi have started testing fully electric cars in real operations. Basically, their goal is to see how these cars perform in Dubai’s hot climate, heavy traffic, and long hours on the road.
 

Next big focus is charging. Right now, drivers can use more than 380 charging points across the city. These are mostly placed in busy areas where taxis usually stop — like near airports, major hotels, or shopping centres. More stations are being added every month to cut down wait times and help drivers stay on the move.

“Piloting electric vehicles in live services is more than just a tech trial — it builds public trust. Seeing how things work under real conditions helps regulators, companies, and consumers move forward with confidence, says Timothy Allen, Sr. Corporate Investigator at Oberheiden P.C. 

Dubai is also testing electric cars in its ride-hailing services, including Hala. This gives the city real-world feedback from passengers and drivers — what works, what doesn’t, and what still needs improvement.

Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Push

Abu Dhabi is taking a different route in the shift to cleaner transport. While electric cars are part of the plan, the city is also looking for something more advanced – self-driving electric taxis.

According to Jake Smith, Founder of Personalised Number Plates, this shift could change how people view car ownership altogether. “As transport becomes more automated and on-demand, personalisation will evolve too,” he said. “Even without owning the vehicle, people will still look for ways to express identity — whether it’s digital profiles, ride preferences, or even personalized plate tech integrated into shared fleets.”

The capital has already completed over 30,000 autonomous vehicle trips — thanks to pilot projects in areas like Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. These trials allow riders to book self-driving taxis through an app and experience what daily transport might look like in the near future.

These trips are part of a bigger push to bring cleaner, safer, and more efficient mobility options to the city. Abu Dhabi is testing how autonomous electric vehicles perform in real conditions — heat, humidity, traffic, and sharp turns included. The feedback from these trials is helping shape what’s next.
 

That kind of real-time testing isn’t just about vehicles — it’s about data, systems, and how people interact with them. As Steve Morris, Founder & CEO of NEWMEDIA, puts, “Smart mobility is really a UX challenge at scale. Whether it’s a self-driving taxi or a digital platform, success depends on how well the tech adapts to human behavior in real-world conditions.”

Plus, Abu Dhabi’s goal is to build a connected transport system that can support both electric and autonomous vehicles over time. This includes smart traffic systems, real-time vehicle monitoring, and better integration with other mobility options like buses and rail.

Sharjah Taxi’s Adoption of Electric Vehicles

Sharjah is also taking steps toward cleaner transportation — with Sharjah Taxi beginning to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet. 

In early 2024, Sharjah Taxi added four electric vehicles from the Skywell brand to its limousine services at the Sharjah International Airport. These vehicles are mainly used for airport drop-offs and pickups. 

Small changes like this can leave a strong impression on the public. “The experience someone has during an airport pickup might seem minor, but it sticks,” said Raviraj Hegde, SVP of Growth at Donorbox. “When things feel modern and thoughtful, people notice — and that’s how positive word-of-mouth starts.”
 

Also, at the end of 2024, Sharjah added 10 new electric buses to serve busy routes between Dubai, Ajman, and Al Hamriyah. These buses are part of Sharjah’s plan to make public transport cleaner and more efficient. 

What makes this step important is that it’s happening in a city where taxis are used heavily for local travel and airport transport. Even starting with just a few vehicles helps test how well electric taxis perform in Sharjah’s climate and daily traffic. It also allows drivers and passengers to get used to EVs before larger rollouts happen.

Sharjah Taxi has said that this is only the beginning. The company plans to increase its fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles over the coming years — with a long-term goal of cutting fuel use and lowering maintenance costs. Peter J. Product Owner of Fanpass, said, “Electric vehicles require less servicing and are cheaper to run compared to traditional petrol-powered taxis.”
 

To support this, new charging stations are expected to be added in key locations, starting with the airport area. As more EVs join the fleet, Sharjah may need to invest in driver training and proper vehicle maintenance.

Scaling Up EV Taxi Fleets

You know better… Switching to electric taxis means updating entire fleets across cities. That includes thousands of vehicles that are on the road every day, covering long distances and running for hours at a time. 

Dan Close, Founder and CEO of BuyingHomes, mentions, “Anytime a city upgrades how people move, it changes how people feel about living there. Better, cleaner transport options make neighborhoods more appealing — not just to residents, but to buyers too.”

Right now, most of the electric taxis you see in the UAE are part of pilot programs or gradual rollouts. Companies like Dubai Taxi Corporation, National Taxi, and newer players such as BluSmart are leading this shift. 

For example, BluSmart has already started running electric taxis in Dubai. Right now, they have around 150 electric cars on the road. But the company has much bigger plans. By the end of 2025, they want to grow their fleet to 1,200 electric vehicles and hire around 1,800 drivers. Their goal is to take up 10 to 15% of the UAE’s taxi market, which is expected to grow from 25,000 to 35,000 taxis in the next few years.

These companies are replacing old petrol and diesel taxis with electric ones as their licenses expire. This helps avoid waste and keeps the cost of transition manageable. Instead of scrapping working cars, they’re waiting for the right time to swap them out with electric alternatives.

Fleet operators are also testing different models from global EV makers to see which ones handle best in local conditions. Things like battery life, cooling systems, and comfort play a big role, especially in a place with extreme summer heat. Taxis run long hours, so performance matters more than it might for a private car.

Alan Chen, President & CEO of DataNumen - a global leader in data recovery software, mentions, “When systems are running nonstop in high-pressure environments, every weak link shows up fast. Whether it’s software or electric vehicles, performance and reliability under stress are what really count.”
 

There’s also a shift happening with drivers. Some companies are now training their drivers on how to use and charge EVs properly. Since electric cars drive differently and need scheduled charging instead of quick fuel-ups, this kind of training helps avoid delays and keeps the service running smoothly.

Government Incentives and Policies

Switching from fuel-powered vehicles to electric ones isn’t cheap — especially when you’re talking about replacing thousands of taxis. That’s why the government has stepped in with support to help taxi companies and drivers make the shift.

First, they’re lowering the cost of owning and operating an electric vehicle. In Dubai, electric taxis can benefit from free Salik tags, discounted vehicle registration fees, and in some cases, free parking. These small savings add up over time, especially for taxi operators running large fleets.

Richard McKay, CEO & Managing Director of Sprung Gym Flooring, says, “When you're upgrading core infrastructure, every cost-saving measure matters. It’s not just about the upfront investment — it’s about building something that performs better, lasts longer, and pays off over time.”

There are also exemptions from customs duties on electric vehicles and charging equipment. This makes it easier for fleet operators to bring in EVs from global manufacturers without paying the usual import costs. It also encourages companies to invest in local charging stations and maintenance hubs.

Plus, each emirate is taking steps in its own way. For example, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy offers special incentives for companies that commit to switching their fleets to electric. Abu Dhabi is working on similar support through pilot programs and partnerships with transport tech firms.

Financing is also getting support. Some banks and leasing companies — backed by government policy — now offer low-interest loans or installment plans for electric taxi purchases. This makes it easier for operators to spread out the cost of upgrading their fleets, instead of paying everything upfront.

Public-Private Partnerships in Action

When it comes to changing how taxis work in the UAE, the government isn’t doing it alone. Some of the biggest steps forward are happening because public and private companies are working together. These partnerships are helping bring electric taxis to the road faster. 

One example is the partnership between Skywell UAE and National Taxi. Skywell is a global electric vehicle maker, and National Taxi is one of Dubai’s main taxi operators. Together, they’re testing fully electric taxis on the streets. 

“When two sides come together with a clear goal —- make life easier, cleaner, and more efficient — real progress happens,” said Ben Karlovich, Founder of StoveShield. “It’s the same mindset we bring to product design: solve real problems without overcomplicating things.”

Al-Futtaim Automotive has also teamed up with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to roll out electric and hybrid vehicles at major public events. Together, they’re running electric and hybrid vehicles at major public events. 

These cars are already being used to pick up and drop off people at places like Expo City and other busy areas. This helps test how electric vehicles handle big crowds, long shifts, and tough weather — all things taxi fleets face every day.

Private companies are also teaming up with charging network providers. Since taxis need to charge quickly and often, having fast-charging stations in the right places is key. 

Some charging companies are now working directly with fleet operators to build private charging hubs. These hubs are set up near places where taxis usually wait, like airports or shopping centers, so drivers can top up without wasting time
 

“The best experiences often look effortless on the surface, but there’s always thoughtful design and coordination behind them. Whether it’s a garment or a transport system, the details matter,” adds Sumeer Kaur, Founder of Lashkaraa. 

For riders, these partnerships may not always be visible. But behind every electric taxi on the road, there’s often a team of people — public and private — who made it happen. 

Conclusion

The UAE’s shift to electric taxis is moving forward — one step at a time. Cities are adding new vehicles, building charging stations, and testing what works best in real conditions. Each emirate is taking its own path, but the goal is the same — cleaner, more reliable transport, concludes Guy Fernihough, Managing Director of MHF Trucks.

Progress may feel slow now, but the changes already on the ground show it’s real. And over time, electric taxis could become a regular part of how we all get around — with a full transition expected by 2040.