Abu Dhabi is fast-tracking its journey toward sustainable mobility by installing 1,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under a unified network called Charge AD. The ambitious rollout, announced by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC)—an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport—is a major milestone in the emirate’s strategy to boost electric vehicle adoption and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
This new network of Abu Dhabi EV charging stations will span across 400 strategic locations, including Abu Dhabi Island, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The plan addresses surging demand for EV infrastructure, especially as 15,000 new electric vehicles were registered in the emirate during the first quarter of 2025 alone—a staggering 60% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Why 1,000 New Abu Dhabi EV Charging Stations Matter
The surge in electric vehicles on UAE roads is part of a global megatrend toward decarbonization. However, adequate charging infrastructure remains a key challenge that can either accelerate or slow down EV adoption. Recognizing this, Abu Dhabi has launched one of the most expansive EV charging station rollouts in the Middle East.
The deployment of Charge AD stations is designed to support a variety of use cases:
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Urban commuters navigating Abu Dhabi Island
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Long-distance travelers heading between Al Ain and Al Dhafra
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Fleet operators and businesses looking to electrify their logistics
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Residential areas to enable convenient home-like charging
According to ITC officials, the phased deployment ensures a balanced distribution so that drivers are never too far from a charging point.
“Our vision is clear: make electric mobility accessible, reliable, and efficient for all residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi,” said Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre. “Charge AD will be the backbone of the emirate’s green transport ecosystem.”
What Is Charge AD? Abu Dhabi’s Unified EV Charging Brand
Charge AD is the official brand name under which all 1,000 EV charging stations will operate. Much like Tesla Superchargers or IONITY in Europe, Charge AD aims to offer a seamless, user-friendly experience through:
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Universal compatibility: Supports all major EV brands sold in the UAE
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Smartphone app integration: Locate stations, book charging slots, track usage
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Dynamic pricing: Fair and transparent tariffs based on speed, location, and time of day
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High-speed chargers: Including DC fast chargers (up to 150kW) for rapid top-ups
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Sustainability focus: Powered by clean energy where possible, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy
The Charge AD network will not only reduce range anxiety but also strengthen the UAE’s positioning as a leader in green mobility across the GCC.
Charge AD Tariffs and Charging Options
The tariff structure for Charge AD stations is designed to balance affordability and sustainability. As of the official announcement, these are the indicative rates:
| Charging Type | Speed | Tariff (AED/kWh) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Slow | 7–22kW | AED 0.49 | Home, office, malls |
| DC Fast | 50kW | AED 0.79 | Quick city top-ups |
| Ultra-Fast | 150kW | AED 0.99 | Highways, long trips |
EV drivers can access real-time tariff information via the Charge AD mobile app or website. ITC also confirmed dynamic pricing models may be introduced later—offering lower tariffs during off-peak hours and incentives for renewable-powered charging.
Where Will The Abu Dhabi EV Charging Stations Be Located?
The 400 sites chosen for Charge AD installation were selected based on data-driven mapping, ensuring coverage for both urban and rural users. Here’s a breakdown of the location strategy:
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Abu Dhabi Island
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Shopping malls, parking lots, offices, government centers
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Hotels, tourist hotspots (e.g., Corniche, Yas Island)
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Al Ain Region
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Key highways connecting to Dubai and Oman border
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Major educational and cultural centers
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Al Dhafra Region
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Highways toward Ruwais, Liwa, and Saudi border
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Industrial zones, logistics hubs, and tourism areas
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Additionally, 10% of Charge AD stations will be equipped with solar-powered chargers and battery storage, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy goals.
How Does Charge AD Align With Abu Dhabi’s Carbon Neutrality Goals?
This EV charging network rollout is not a standalone effort—it’s a key pillar within Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Strategy, which is anchored to the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero commitment. By making EV ownership more viable, Charge AD directly reduces:
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Tailpipe emissions
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Air pollution
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Dependency on fossil fuels
Moreover, smart charging infrastructure will be integrated into Abu Dhabi’s smart grid, optimizing energy usage, reducing peak demand stress, and enabling Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities in the future.
EV Adoption Trends in Abu Dhabi & UAE
Abu Dhabi’s decision is backed by robust EV market growth:
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15,000 EVs registered in Q1 2025, a 60% YoY increase
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Estimated 50,000 EVs on Abu Dhabi roads by end-2025
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UAE government offering incentives like free parking, toll exemptions, and zero customs duty on EV imports
Analysts predict that by 2030, 20% of all vehicles in Abu Dhabi will be electric—underscoring the need for Charge AD’s scale and reliability.
What’s Next for Charge AD and Abu Dhabi EV Ecosystem?
ITC has outlined a phased expansion plan:
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Phase 1 (2025): Install 1,000 stations
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Phase 2 (2026–2027): Add 500 more stations based on usage data
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Phase 3 (2028–2030): Integrate ultra-fast charging corridors on highways, enable cross-emirate EV travel
In parallel, Abu Dhabi is working with:
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EV automakers to ensure compatibility
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Energy companies to power stations with renewables
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Smart city partners to integrate data analytics for optimal load management
What EV Drivers Need to Know
For EV owners and prospective buyers, Charge AD means:
✅ More charging convenience
✅ Faster charging times
✅ Transparent, affordable tariffs
✅ Better resale value for EVs due to stronger infrastructure
Drivers can pre-register for Charge AD membership (via app or website) to enjoy early access, discounts, and loyalty rewards.
The launch of 1,000 Abu Dhabi EV charging stations under Charge AD marks a defining moment in the emirate’s sustainable transport evolution. As Abu Dhabi reinforces its ambition to lead the Middle East’s green mobility revolution, EV drivers, businesses, and investors alike will benefit from a world-class charging ecosystem.
With Charge AD, Abu Dhabi is not just catching up—it’s setting the standard.
