ABU DHABI: The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in partnership with the Federal Youth Authority, organised a discussion titled ‘Youth Leadership in the Shift to Electric Vehicles’. Hosted by Rubu Qarn Science and Technology, the session focused on empowering Emirati youth to lead the transition to clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs).

The event showcased Pole Position EV Racing, an initiative encouraging students to build and race electric cars, highlighting the private sector’s collaboration in fostering innovation.

Key speakers included Sharif Al Olama, MoEI Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, and other notable leaders such as Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qassimi, Director of FANN, and Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women Sports.

Al Olama emphasised, “Organising this youth session aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to empowering the young generation and helping it shape a sustainable future. Our Pole Position initiative highlights the important role of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions, in line with the National Conservation Campaign ‘Save to Sustain’. Through such events, we seek to encourage youth to become leaders of change and key contributors to our sustainability agenda.”

He also pointed out the UAE’s ambitious EV targets, aiming for 50% of vehicles on UAE roads to be electric or hybrid by 2050. To support this, the government has introduced UAEV, the nation’s first government-owned EV charging company, which plans to deploy 100 chargers by 2024 and exceed 1,000 by 2030.

Ahlam Al Ahmad, Director of Rubu Qarn Science and Technology, highlighted the Foundation’s role in fostering young Emirati talent by creating interactive programmes to leverage technology for sustainability solutions.

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Participants concluded by stressing the need for greater government-youth-private sector collaboration to overcome infrastructure challenges, secure sponsorships, and inspire youth to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring a greener future for the UAE.