The UAE is making significant strides to transform and redefine mobility as part of its net-zero goals, with demand for electric vehicles in the Emirates on the rise.
To entrepreneurs Abhishek Shah and Anish Garg, the concept of sustainable transportation and the role of EVs in the clean energy transition appealed as a business opportunity, as it echoed their desire to create a long-lasting contribution to society.
The duo leveraged their varied industry experiences and launched Neo Mobility, an all-electric logistics, mobility and infrastructure solutions start-up in Dubai in February.
“Sustainability and decarbonisation goals were on top of our minds when we launched this company. What really inspired us was the desire to create a greener future that we want to leave as a legacy for the coming generations,” says Mr Shah, the company's chief executive.
“This is also in line with the decarbonisation initiatives at the continuing Cop28 event.”
Neo Mobility’s fleet of electric motorbikes and drivers offers logistics solutions through a captive EV infrastructure business model, Mr Shah says.
The company has started rolling out its battery charging and swapping stations across Dubai which allow delivery riders to swap batteries quickly.
The start-up is targeting primarily B2B customers such as food aggregators, e-commerce platforms and logistics companies by including its fleet in their operations.
“We want to have the first-mover advantage as a full-spectrum service provider. While there are various other companies in the UAE that are offering green logistics and app-based delivery solutions, no one is addressing the problem in its entirety. We feel that the solution lies in creating a full stack platform rather than solving it on a piecemeal basis,” says Mr Garg, chief operating officer at Neo Mobility.
The two co-founders have worked in different industries in the past but with overlapping skill sets.
Mr Shah was part of the corporate finance and investment banking division at PwC Middle East, where he focused on energy, logistics and resources. He has also angel-invested in start-ups across India and the Middle East.
Mr Garg was group chief operating officer at Dubai-based logistics company TruKKer. With an executive MBA degree from Stanford University, he has spent years in fund-raising, mergers and acquisitions, project and supply chain management, sales and managing operations.
“Currently, in the UAE there are either original equipment manufacturer companies selling or leasing out electric fleets to third-party logistics [3PL] firms who offer last-mile logistics, or players who are only interested in doing either battery swapping as a service or charging as a service,” says Mr Garg.
“Our strength lies in the fact that we have our own fleet of EV vehicles as well as back-end swapping infrastructure to support the fleet. We get drivers on board, we train them, we are setting up the entire battery swapping infrastructure which is critically required to boost green mobility ecosystem.”
EVs contribute significantly to decarbonising road transport, which accounts for more than 15 per cent of global energy-related emissions, according to the International Energy Agency.
The global electric cargo bike market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 34 per cent between 2023 and 2028, to $11.86 billion by 2028, according to ResearchAndMarkets.com.
EV sales are rapidly increasing in the UAE.
In May, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure launched the Global EV Market project to turn the country into a global market for EVs. The project supports the shift to green mobility and aims for 50 per cent of cars on the UAE's roads to be electric by 2050.
Demand for EVs in the UAE market has witnessed a steady rise over the past years and is projected to see a CAGR of 30 per cent between 2022 and 2028, according to the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index published last year by consultancy Arthur D Little.
Having a fleet of electric bikes, therefore, makes a “good business case for our target customers, as the operational expense of petrol-driven two-wheelers is much higher compared to an electric motorbike. This also saves riders' time and offers them enhanced road safety”, says Mr Shah.
Petrol bikes are cheaper than e-bikes but require regular maintenance every month, he adds.
Besides, engine oil and petrol incur additional costs for fleet owners. In contrast, e-bikes are priced higher but the cost of maintenance is much lower.
“In case of electric bikes, the capex [capital expenditure] is high but opex [operating expense] is low, in contrast to petrol bikes. That's where we are trying to balance out the cost structure so that it remains the same for our clients,” Mr Shah says.
The company says its e-bikes are certified by the GCC Standardisation Organisation and are approved by the Roads and Transport Authority as well as the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
The e-bikes have a driving range of about 175 kilometres on a single charge and come fitted with many safety features, such as safety gear, smart helmets and telematics (eliminating mobile phone usage), and crash detection warnings.
Then there is a Neo app that allows drivers to find the nearest swapping station and book batteries in advance.
“In the UAE and the wider region, the average temperatures go high in summer. This means the battery powering the two-wheelers needs to be resistant enough to withstand that type of heat,” says Mr Shah.
“This requires battery specifications and the capacity to be different from other markets and in tune with the local climatic conditions, which our two-wheelers are equipped with.
The delivery vehicles need to also have a higher driving range, which is essential for riders to fulfil their travel needs seamlessly, he adds.
Delivery bikers in the UAE and the region typically drive an average of 200km daily, says Mr Shah.
“In terms of number of kilometres driven as well as the battery capacity, this market requires a different kind of product approach, which we have brought in. We believe that electric motorcycles are better suited for this market, instead of electric moped bikes, which many players have deployed in the market.
“Electric motorcycles not only allow drivers to drive comfortably, riders can also cover longer distances because of higher battery capacity,” he adds.
The company recently secured seed funding of $10 million from Delta Corp Holding, Psye Sustainable Fund and a few angel investors.
“The seed capital is dedicated towards the development of key focus areas. These include the launch of our services, the development of technology and solutions, recruitment of talent, deployment of our initial fleet and our plan to scale up to 5,000 vehicles within the next 24 months,” says Mr Shah.
Mr Garg adds: “We have received the first set of 100 electric motorcycles and are setting up the swapping infrastructure required for that. We are also in talks with several of our potential clients to get them on board."
Neo Mobility’s services are operational on its last-mile delivery fleet across all districts in Dubai. The company plans to expand its operations to other emirates as well. It plans to launch in Abu Dhabi in the second quarter of next year and expand across the UAE by the fourth quarter.
“Looking ahead, we have set our sights on international expansion, with plans to launch overseas by 2025. Our goal is to expand to a robust fleet of 1,500 vehicles and drivers by the close of 2024,” says Mr Shah.
It also plans to tap into the ride-hailing sector with its fleet of Tesla cars, with a phased roll-out of EV charging infrastructure across the Emirates.
“If you use a Tesla car commercially in the UAE, you cannot use the public charging infrastructure to charge your car. We therefore plan to launch a captive charging network, similar to bikes, so that the fleet can quickly charge the vehicle and there's resource optimisation for those vehicles,” he adds.
Company%20Profile
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Q&A with Abhishek Shah and Anish Garg, co-founders of Neo Mobility
What already successful start-up do you wish you had started?
Abhishek Shah: We loved what Spiro has done in Africa. Implementing a swappable fleet of more than 5,000 in difficult terrain and with less power stability is something worth appreciating and motivating.
What is your next big dream to make happen?
Anish Garg: We want to be the pioneers and torchbearers in disrupting the entire GCC towards its decarbonisation and net-zero goals and are keen to play a small role in our capacity for the same.
What new skills have you learned in the process of launching your start-up?
AS: The most important skills that we have learnt in the process are based on empathy for the captains and on creating the right mindset within the team to be customer-focused and design and execute the right solution. Another is to be relentless in execution and take things by the day instead of bulking all in one go.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
AG: Our journey has been very exciting thus far and would not change anything.
Who is your role model?
AS: I don’t know about a role model as such but I draw inspiration from Mudit Paliwal, founder of Delta Corp who has built a brilliant profitable global business with more than 500 strong and aligned human capital base that has led Delta to its initial public offering within three years of the journey.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AG: We want to improve the lives of at least 10,000 captains and their families by 2030. If we achieve this, I think we will be definitely in a great place.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make
When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.
“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.
This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).
|
Age
|
$250 a month
|
$500 a month
|
$1,000 a month
|
|
25
|
$640,829
|
$1,281,657
|
$2,563,315
|
|
35
|
$303,219
|
$606,439
|
$1,212,877
|
|
45
|
$131,596
|
$263,191
|
$526,382
|
|
55
|
$44,351
|
$88,702
|
$177,403
|
HAJJAN
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This can occur through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injecting drugs. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.
People infected with hepatitis C experience few or no symptoms, meaning they can live with the virus for years without being diagnosed. This delay in treatment can increase the risk of significant liver damage.
There are an estimated 170 million carriers of Hepatitis C around the world.
The virus causes approximately 399,000 fatalities each year worldwide, according to WHO.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
The 12 breakaway clubs
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
On sale: now
Company%20profile
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
House-hunting
Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Westminster, London
- Camden, London
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Islington, London
- Kensington and Chelsea, London
- Highlands, Scotland
- Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- Fife, Scotland
- Tower Hamlets, London
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
MATCH INFO
Qalandars 109-3 (10ovs)
Salt 30, Malan 24, Trego 23, Jayasuriya 2-14
Bangla Tigers (9.4ovs)
Fletcher 52, Rossouw 31
Bangla Tigers win by six wickets
Apple product price list
iPad Pro
11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)
MacBook Air
$1,199
Mac Mini
$799
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Company%20Profile
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