Waste-to-hydrogen power plants and building out the national grid to power electric vehicles (EVs) are among potential solutions for city planners to ease congestion and pollution, a future mobility conference heard.
With more than 700,000 people using the Dubai Metro daily, and the city's extended cycle pathways and e-scooter routes becoming more popular, experts have identified clear signs some people are happy to ditch their cars and choose alternative, cleaner modes of transport.
Data and analytics help us to manage and develop the transport systems that are required
Ibrahim Yousef Ramel,
chief executive of Saaed
However, as Dubai's population is forecast to grow by millions over the next decade, reducing congestion and pollution remains a challenge.
"On scalability and the growing population, we are looking to a target close to a 10 per cent share of vehicles being electric in 2030, equivalent to approximately 200,000 vehicles," said Faisal Al Rashid, senior director of demand-side management at the Supreme Council of Energy, at the Intermobility Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday.
"The acceleration is positive but you also want to ensure this will not affect the current electric grid.
"There is a part we have to play to work with the private sector in terms of driving the car supply side and also developing more charging points."
Recent data compiled in the 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard from analysts Inrix revealed Dubai motorists sat in stationary traffic for an average of 22 hours a year, while drivers in Abu Dhabi were held up for about 12 hours.
Road improvements and traffic management plans have brought waiting time down considerably from pre-2020, when drivers spent 80 hours a year in traffic jams in Dubai and 50 hours in Abu Dhabi.
Population boom
Dubai’s population is expected to increase from about 3.5 million today, to 5.8 million by 2040, with increased traffic and air pollution major concerns.
But it is not only EVs that could hold the key to cleaner air in busy modern cities.
Production has begun on the region's first fuel cell-grade hydrogen plant that converts waste wood and plastic into power.
The Beeah group is developing the plant in Sharjah, with the aim of potentially using hydrogen cells to power waste collection lorries.
An on-site green hydrogen dispensing station will be capable of fuelling several vehicles, using hydrogen refinement technology developed by Japanese firm Air Water.
A range of transport options and greener vehicles on the roads are key to reducing traffic and pollution as Dubai grows, said Ibrahim Yousef Ramel, chief executive of traffic management services Saeed.
“Mobility is the cornerstone of a smart city,” said Mr Ramel, who was speaking at the Intermobility Expo, which runs until Thursday.
"As an urban planner, you have to have an integrated plan between all stakeholders to agree on the priority and strategy.
"Without a fair distribution of services, you will create more traffic and more carbon emissions."
Mr Ramel said the emirate had already had tangible results in improved mobility, with 700,000 using the Dubai Metro daily.
"Imagine what the streets would be like if that had not have happened," he said.
E-scooters
Mr Ramel said the increasing popularity of e-scooters was a clear sign of people moving towards greener transport.
Underlining the increasing use of e-scooters for hire in Dubai is the 1 million trips recorded in 2022, double the number of the previous year, the Roads and Transport Authority said.
“You have to look at mobility and interconnectivity from many different perspectives,” said Mr Ramel.
“People are riding the sea bus because it's very cheap and tourists can travel around the whole city and enjoy fabulous views, without using roads.
“Data and analytics helps us with this, to manage and develop the transport systems that are required.
“We have seen that in the way infrastructure for e-scooters has developed as they have become more popular. It is all interconnected.”
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
Rashford 28', Martial 72'
Watford 1
Doucoure 90'
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE jiu-jitsu squad
Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)
Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nag%20Ashwin%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrabhas%2C%20Saswata%20Chatterjee%2C%20Deepika%20Padukone%2C%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%2C%20Shobhana%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Getting there
The flights
Flydubai operates up to seven flights a week to Helsinki. Return fares to Helsinki from Dubai start from Dh1,545 in Economy and Dh7,560 in Business Class.
The stay
Golden Crown Igloos in Levi offer stays from Dh1,215 per person per night for a superior igloo; www.leviniglut.net
Panorama Hotel in Levi is conveniently located at the top of Levi fell, a short walk from the gondola. Stays start from Dh292 per night based on two people sharing; www. golevi.fi/en/accommodation/hotel-levi-panorama
Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Rovaniemi offers stays from Dh1,379 per night based on two people sharing; www.arctictreehousehotel.com
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
