GCC Emerges as One of the World’s Fastest-Growing EV Markets
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has positioned itself among the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) markets, with EV penetration doubling from 2% to 4% in just one year, according to Roland Berger’s EV Charging Index 2025.
The study, based on insights from over 12,000 respondents across 33 global markets, paints a picture of accelerating momentum in the region. Consumer confidence is a key driver—91% of current GCC EV owners plan to buy another EV, outpacing the global average of 87%. In the UAE, the figure rises to 94%, second only to China.
From Early Adoption to Mainstream Use
The GCC’s EV journey has moved beyond cautious trials into committed usage. Nearly half of EV owners in the region drive daily or almost daily, while one in three covers more than 20,000 kilometres annually—a usage level comparable to leading EV nations such as Norway and Germany.
UAE leads regional volumes with almost 24,000 EVs sold in 2024.
Saudi Arabia saw sales surge nearly tenfold to 11,000 units in the same period.
Qatar continues to rank high on cost efficiency, with 55% of buyers citing lower running and maintenance costs as the top adoption driver.
Consumer motivations vary: cost savings dominate in Qatar and the UAE, while Saudi drivers highlight advanced technology (48%) as their main attraction, one of the highest globally outside China. Sustainability also remains a strong influence, with nearly half of UAE and Saudi respondents citing environmental factors in their purchase decisions.
World-Leading Charging Satisfaction
Roland Berger’s index highlights the GCC’s robust charging ecosystem, with satisfaction scores among the highest worldwide:
Qatar: 97%
UAE: 95%
Saudi Arabia: 94%
Strategic infrastructure investments have played a pivotal role:
Dubai already has 1,270+ charging points across the Emirate.
Abu Dhabi targets 500 charging stations by 2028 through an ADNOC–TAQA partnership.
Saudi Arabia’s EVIQ, backed by the Public Investment Fund, aims to roll out 5,000 chargers at 1,000 locations by 2030, with installations underway in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Public-Private Partnerships Driving the Next Wave
While government-led initiatives sparked the initial transition, the private sector is now stepping up to sustain momentum. Companies such as Electromin and Al-Futtaim are expanding charging access, supporting the region’s world-class satisfaction scores, and helping build a diversified ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Roland Berger identifies three priorities for sustained growth:
Scaling fast-charging networks, especially on highways.
Standardizing digital locator tools for better accessibility.
Diversifying charging locations through stronger public-private collaboration.
Arvind CJ, Partner, Automotive Sector Lead, Roland Berger Middle East said: “The GCC’s EV trajectory has shifted from cautious trials to confident scaling."
“Ambitious government targets, strategic infrastructure investment, and genuine consumer enthusiasm are positioning the region ahead of other global markets. The next phase will require accelerating charging infrastructure and enabling seamless access across the ecosystem.”
With record satisfaction rates, surging sales, and governments as well as businesses aligning to build infrastructure, the GCC is rapidly shifting gears from an emerging EV market to a global leader in electric mobility adoption.
