Abu Dhabi is to begin piloting fully electric buses with a view to rolling them out across its transport network late next year.
The green buses will be introduced gradually, but will eventually replace all diesel and other polluting vehicles of their kind, including school buses.
The companies behind the project said there are also plans to trial electric cars, vans and lorries.
The battery technology for the vehicles has been successfully tested in the UAE, coping with the challenges posed by the country’s extreme summer heat.
The new buses, which have been fitted with Abu Dhabi number plates and are ready to go, were displayed at a launch event in the capital on Wednesday.
The scheme is being run by a tie-up between Emirates Global Motor Electric, which is part of Al Fahim Group, Hitachi Energy, an expert in power grids, and battery manufacturer Yinlong Energy.
School transport to lead the way
Abby Thomas, the director of sales and marketing at Yinlong, said the decision over when and where to run the trial will be made by authorities.
But school buses could be first.
“That is the prime objective, because of the emissions,” he said.
“I think schools are important, because at the end of the day these kids are breathing in these fumes.”
The bus batteries can be fully charged in less than 20 minutes, said Mr Thomas.
“We have already completed two years of testing. Now we are getting into the roll-in phase of how we can talk to different operators in different regions.
“Our charging stations are already installed in the Department of Transport.
“We want to make sure we are ready for Cop28, and expanding the range into commercial trucks and vans,” he added.
Hany Tawfik, the head of Emirates Global Motor Electric and Emirates Global Industries, said they will be able to run fleets comprising hundreds of buses with its compact, fast and extensive charging network.
“We are proud to say these buses will be rolled out in the UAE next year,” he added.
The companies have designed smaller buses for schools and airport shuttles.
Bilal Alribi, general manager of Al Fahim Commercial Vehicles, said the smart charging system would allow the company to maximise its operations.
“E-mobility is the future of transportation and we feel privileged to be part of this journey towards a more sustainable future.”
UAE leading sustainability drive
Last month, Dubai announced it was to launch its own trial of two electric buses.
The Volvo 7900 vehicles will operate on designated paths in both directions between La Mer South, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Street and Al Sufouh tram station.
The Roads and Transport Authority joined forces with Volvo Bus Company, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Meraas Real Estate, and ABB Group - a leader in the electric bus charging industry - for the eco-friendly initiative.
"The step reflects RTA’s efforts to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly mass transit means," Dubai Media Office said.
THE SPECS
Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 429hp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh360,200 (starting)
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
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
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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