A number of countries have set out goals to have more zero-emission vehicles on their roads by the next decade. AFP
A number of countries have set out goals to have more zero-emission vehicles on their roads by the next decade. AFP

How can Oman reach its ambitious target for zero-emission cars?



Oman's plan to sell only zero-emission cars by 2050 represents a significant step towards sustainability in the region, and may even serve as a catalyst for other Gulf states to accelerate their net-zero initiatives, analysts have said.

The initiative also presents an opportunity for Oman, one of the smaller economies within the six-member GCC bloc, to tap into its resources and potentially attract overseas investment.

Oman's strategy appears to be the most ambitious in the GCC and Middle East. In comparison, the UAE is aiming for 50 per cent of cars on its roads to be electric vehicles by 2035, while Saudi Arabia aims for EVs to make up 30 per cent of vehicles in the capital Riyadh by 2030.

The Arab world's two largest economies have already made substantial investments in EV infrastructure. The Emirates has a well-developed EV charging network: Dubai alone had about 26,000 EVs on its roads at the end of last year, with more than 600 charging stations across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, according to the latest available data.

Saudi Arabia has also announced major projects in the sector. In October last year, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Saudi Electricity Company launched a new EV infrastructure company, which plans to set up 5,000 fast chargers across the kingdom by 2030. The company plans to establish a presence in more than 1,000 locations across Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the number of EVs in Oman rose to 1,500 in 2024 from 550 last year, with more than 350 charging points planned to be installed by 2027, from more than 200 this year, government data has shown.

“Oman will need to accelerate its infrastructure development and create stronger incentives to stay competitive in this space,” Kerry Watts, an automotive industry veteran and former senior executive at Goodyear, told The National.

Power options

One potential solution for Oman, as well as other Gulf countries, is to explore the utilisation of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are a crucial component and are currently the most commonly used in the EV industry. However, determining whether to source lithium from overseas or pursue domestic extraction along with overseeing the manufacturing of the final product, can pose substantial challenges.

“That's certainly one approach that they can take, but there's a lot of steps,” Mehdi Ali, a partner at Dubai-based advisory firm Woodcross Capital, told The National. “Oman can decide to go one of two ways: it can go to the very high end, go right at the source, or it can do a mix of the both.”

In June, Saudi Arabia was reported to be pursuing investments in lithium production in Latin America as part of its EV manufacturing drive. Globally, China is the leader in the processing of lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, with other nations trying to reduce their dependency on a single source for critical minerals.

One advantage Oman has is its proximity to Africa. If the sultanate forges strategic partnerships with key countries in the continent to source materials such as lithium, the move could significantly contribute to its goals, Mr Ali said. “Oman sits in a very, very good place to actually tap into that.”

Meanwhile, hydrogen is likely to play a crucial role in Oman's plans to move towards zero-emissions cars. The sultanate is strategically positioning itself as a leading producer of hydrogen, a move that could have significant implications, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles such as lorries. Using battery-electric power has limitations for this vehicle category.

“Integrating hydrogen infrastructure alongside electric charging networks would give Oman an edge in the energy transition for larger vehicles,” Mr Watts said.

How prepared is Oman?

Oman's plan, announced on Saturday, is part of a strategy unveiled by the government to achieve its energy transition plan in line with recent investments in the clean transport sector. Muscat aims to boost the share of renewable sources in its energy mix to 30 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2040 and 100 per cent by 2050.

The sultanate's 100 per cent goal is at par with some of the world's biggest economies: Canada, the EU, Japan and the UK have all set targets for 100 per cent EVs within new car sales by 2035. The US, home to the world's biggest EV maker, Tesla, said EVs would account for 35 per cent to 56 per cent of new car sales by 2032.

To support and allow the transition to zero-emission cars, Oman could introduce initiatives such as subsidies or tax breaks for businesses and consumers to adopt EVs and hydrogen vehicles, similar to those in the US, Mr Watts said.

Oman last year announced tax exemptions on EVs and their spare parts, provided they meet certain criteria. These included the vehicle having a fully electric motor or hydrogen-powered engine and being registered in the sultanate as an electric car or a zero-emission vehicle.

Incentives for overseas EV makers to set up manufacturing or hydrogen production bases in Oman, coupled with regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation in the automotive and energy sectors, would also attract investment, he said.

“While the vision for zero-emission cars by 2050 is ambitious, Oman’s success will depend on how it navigates these complexities and keeps pace with its GCC neighbours, many of whom are already making significant progress in the zero-carbon transition,” Mr Watts added.

EVs can only be popular – and contribute to decarbonisation – if they are widely available and attractive to buyers, consultancy PwC said in a June report.

Their adoption will be more widespread “if there is a charging infrastructure to support them, if the costs of ownership are competitive and if the energy generation mix contains enough low-emission power so that EVs do not merely end up creating emissions at the energy-generation stage”, it said. “Creating these conditions is a policy challenge for all governments.”

Also, the shift to zero-emission vehicles would heavily rely on whether Oman imports them or develops local manufacturing capabilities – presenting both risks and opportunities for the automotive industry.

“Businesses currently serving the ICE [internal combustion engine] market will face disruption, but there’s a significant opportunity for Oman to build a domestic EV manufacturing sector, or at least become a hub for related industries like battery production, hydrogen technology or EV parts,” Mr Watts said.

Meanwhile, the GCC's overall technological and financial capabilities are expected to influence the speed of its transition to EVs, said Hani Abuagla, a senior market analyst at broker XTB Mena.

“The global energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities for Arab countries, with many adopting domestic energy transition plans to generate new export revenue,” he told The National. “As global energy transitions accelerate, pressure on GCC states to adapt will increase, potentially catalysing faster action across the region.”

Energy implications

The transition to EVs will shift demand from oil-based fuels to electricity, requiring major investment in renewable energy infrastructure, grid upgrades and the development of EV charging infrastructure, Mr Abuagla said.

Oman's focus on green hydrogen production, with a target of 1 million tonnes annually by 2030, is likely to create a new energy industry, he added.

“Overall, these changes represent a fundamental transformation of Oman's energy landscape, aligning with global sustainability trends while leveraging its existing energy expertise and infrastructure. As a result, the country could see strong growth in the energy sector and a boost in its economic output,” Mr Abuagla said.

The transformation of existing infrastructure would be a central challenge: not only will charging networks and hydrogen fuelling stations need to be developed, but this will require a co-ordinated phase-out of petrol and diesel facilities, Mr Watts added.

“Achieving this will depend on a detailed, long-term infrastructure strategy that ensures no disruption to mobility while gradually shifting towards new energy solutions.”

Still, internal combustion engine vehicles could remain on Oman's roads beyond 2050, if they are not proactively phased out.

“A structured plan will be required to gradually remove them from the market. Moreover, phasing out the support infrastructure for ICE vehicles, such as petrol stations and maintenance facilities, will be crucial to fully realise the zero-emissions goal,” Mr Watts said.

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The drill

Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.

Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”

Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”

Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.” 

The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Ain Dubai in numbers

126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure

1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch

16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.

9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.

5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place

192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.

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Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

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Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.

One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.

A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.

Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.

Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram. 

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
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Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

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Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

Scoreline

Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (53')

Atletico Madrid 1
Griezmann (57')

Four-day collections of TOH

Day             Indian Rs (Dh)        

Thursday    500.75 million (25.23m)

Friday         280.25m (14.12m)

Saturday     220.75m (11.21m)

Sunday       170.25m (8.58m)

Total            1.19bn (59.15m)

(Figures in millions, approximate)

England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 715bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh1,289,376

On sale: now

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  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
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  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)

Lazio v Napoli (9pm)

Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)

Sunday

Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)

Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)

Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)

Torino v Bologna (6pm)

Verona v Genoa (9pm)

Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)

Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)

 

 

TOUR RESULTS AND FIXTURES

June 3: NZ Provincial Barbarians 7 Lions 13
June 7: Blues 22 Lions 16
June 10: Crusaders 3 Lions 12
June 13: Highlanders 23 Lions 22
June 17: Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32
June 20: Chiefs 6 Lions 34
June 24: New Zealand 30 Lions 15 (First Test)
June 27: Hurricanes 31 Lions 31
July 1: New Zealand 21 Lions 24 (Second Test)
July 8: New Zealand v Lions (Third Test) - kick-off 11.30am (UAE)

Abu Dhabi Card

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m

National selection: AF Mohanak

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m

National selection: Jayide Al Boraq

6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m

National selection: Rocket Power

6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m

National selection: Ihtesham

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m

National selection: Noof KB

7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m

National selection: EL Faust

Stage 2 results

Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal 04:18:18

Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep 00:00:02

Arnaud Demare (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 00:00:04

4 Diego Ulissi (ITA) UAE Team Emirates

5 Rick Zabel (GER) Israel Start-Up Nation

General Classification

Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal 07:47:19

2 Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep 00:00:12

3 Arnaud Demare (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 00:00:16

4 Nikolai Cherkasov (RUS) Gazprom-Rusvelo 00:00:17

5 Alexey Lutsensko (KAZ) Astana Pro Team 00:00:19

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Gulf Under 19s

Pools

A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts

Recent winners

2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College

T20 World Cup Qualifier

Final: Netherlands beat PNG by seven wickets

Qualified teams

1. Netherlands
2. PNG
3. Ireland
4. Namibia
5. Scotland
6. Oman

T20 World Cup 2020, Australia

Group A: Sri Lanka, PNG, Ireland, Oman
Group B: Bangladesh, Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland

Updated: September 28, 2024, 4:00 AM