Our part of the world is synonymous with the production and use of hydrocarbons. Large cars, wide motorways, deep reserves of oil and an obsession with motoring are among the things that come to people’s minds when they think of the UAE. Yet, like many preconceived notions, this reveals only half the story. In recent years, the UAE has emerged as a major funder of sustainable initiatives and research centres. One only needs to look at the sustainability initiatives exemplified by Masdar City for proof of our commitments.
The recent removal of several petrol subsidies will radically change our relationship with petrol. As global oil prices are falling, many consumers are welcoming lower fuel prices by buying bigger cars and driving more. In the UAE, we have actually made the price of petrol more expensive, by reducing subsidies, which is an ideal way to spark a constructive change in our use of oil.
One expected change is a spike in the use of diesel fuel. Analysts predict a shift towards diesel vehicles as our fuel prices become more in line with world market levels. Diesel is one of the cheapest source of fossil fuel on the planet, but it is far more polluting than regular petrol. Switching to diesel, though, is not a sound long-term solution. We have a rare opportunity to look at the way we use oil and build on the myriad sustainability drives that are already underway.
There are many people who would be interested in purchasing hybrid vehicles. Additionally, it is time to focus on smart ways of curbing how much petrol we use on a daily basis like making sure tyres are at proper levels and limiting the weight load in our cars.
We have sent a message – with the reduction of our fuel subsidies – that fuel is not cheap. As such, we are in the process of dismantling the stereotypes attached to our use of oil and writing a new narrative that lends weight to sustainability as a vehicle for our own global competitiveness. While we still loves cars, the future is typified by sustainability and it should start here.
