Global ports operator DP World says a much-anticipated project to electrify its Jebel Ali Port is now “running around the clock”, with an electric fleet set to move more than 204,000 shipping containers annually.
The endeavour, first announced last year as a partnership with electric freight mobility company Einride, is part of an attempt to decarbonise terminal operations.
According to Dubai-based DP world, the electrification of the port will reduce 14,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually compared to diesel operations.
Abdulla bin Damithan, chief executive and managing director of DP World, said decarbonisation is a major priority for the company, which operates the world's 10th busiest port.
“We are actively electrifying our operations, integrating AI-powered solutions and working closely with our partners like Einride to support our net-zero goals,” Mr bin Damithan said. “Jebel Ali is setting the benchmark for the electrification of transport in high-volume trade hubs.”
Robert Falck, chief executive of Einride, said the Sweden-based freight mobility company is particularly enthusiastic to be working with the UAE on this project, among others.
“This marks the first of many milestones as we set out to have the largest deployment of electric, autonomous freight mobility in the Middle East,” he said.
“The UAE is uniquely positioned to lead this sustainable transition given its forward-thinking approach to innovation and we are proud to drive this in partnership with DP World.”
Founded in 2016, Einride makes driverless electric freight lorries, charging ports and sustainable freight technology. One of its most touted products is the Autonomous Gen 2, a self-driving electric freight vehicle without a cab.
According to the company, the decarbonisation programme at DP World will be scaled up to support 1,600 container movements daily, made possible through a fleet of 100 connected electric lorries.
Einride Saga, the company's “intelligent freight operating system”, which uses data and artificial intelligence to enhance electric and driverless road freight operations, will also be used to help monitor the fleet of heavy-duty electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
In 2023, Einride signed a preliminary agreement with the UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to establish a 550km freight ‘Falcon Rise’ mobility grid, with the eventual aim of enabling the use of electric and autonomous vehicles.
The Falcon Rise grid will implement Einride’s “full freight mobility offering” across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, covering 2,000 electric lorries, 200 autonomous lorries and eight charging stations with more than 500 charging points, the company said last year.
The value of the global autonomous vehicle market is forecast to reach about $2.3 trillion by 2032, from about $121.78 billion in 2022, according to data from Precedence Research.
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
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
