Electric car owners in Abu Dhabi have good news. The Integrated Transport Centre, also known as Abu Dhabi Mobility, has switched on the first EV chargers in public parking areas run under the Mawaqif system. The project is being delivered with Q Mobility, and it lets drivers charge their cars while they are parked in special charging bays.
What Has Been Switched On So Far
In the first phase, 244 charging units are now working. Together, they provide 332 charging points. That is only part of the plan for this phase, which covers 1,000 charging units across 405 locations in 10 main areas. These areas are in Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City, and the Al Dhafra Region.
The chargers come in two types. Standard chargers offer 22 kW, while fast chargers range from 60 to 160 kW. So drivers who want a slow top-up while they shop or work can use the standard ones, and those in a hurry can pick a fast charger.
The Big Plan Until 2032
The long term target is much larger. The project aims to reach 4,500 charging units and more than 9,000 charging points across about 2,250 locations in Abu Dhabi by 2032. It will grow in phases, to keep pace with the rising demand for charging.
| Detail | Number |
|---|---|
| Units working now | 244 |
| Charging points working now | 332 |
| First phase plan | 1,000 units across 405 locations |
| Charger types | 22 kW standard, 60 to 160 kW fast |
| Target by 2032 | 4,500 units, over 9,000 points, about 2,250 locations |
Who Is Behind It
The project follows a public private partnership model. Under concession agreements, private companies supply, install, run and maintain the chargers in public parking areas. This brings in special skills and investment. ChargePoint, Tatweer Middle East and Africa and Loop Global are taking part in building and running the network.
Eng Hamad Adel Al Afeefi, Executive Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Sector at the Integrated Transport Centre, called it a practical step toward the goals of the centre’s Low and Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy. He said that putting charging into the public parking network makes electric cars easier to use and gets Abu Dhabi ready for fast growth in the sector.
How to Use the Chargers
Using a charger is simple. Scan the QR code shown on the charging unit. It will take you to the app for that charging area. Then follow the steps on the unit or in the app.
Through the app, you can find a suitable station, check whether the connector fits your car, see the approved prices, and contact technical support. All of these details are also displayed on the charging units.
What You Will Pay
There are two costs to remember. Standard Mawaqif parking fees still apply to these bays. On top of that, you pay for charging at the tariffs approved by the charging station operators.
Rules You Should Follow
The charging bays are only for cars that are charging. Once your car is full, you must move it right away, so that the next driver can plug it in. This rule keeps the bays free for people who really need them, so please do not use them as normal parking.
The chargers also meet the safety and quality standards approved in Abu Dhabi, which helps make the service safe and reliable.
Why This Matters
Many people think twice about buying an electric car because they worry about where to charge it. Having chargers in places where people already park, like shopping areas and offices, removes a lot of that worry. You can charge while you do your normal day, instead of making a special trip.
Dubai is also working on this. It recently expanded its EV charging network to majlis and wedding halls, which shows both emirates are racing to support more electric cars.
What Drivers Should Do Now
If you own an EV in Abu Dhabi, check which of the first locations are near your home or office. Download the right app, and try the service at a quiet time first. Keep an eye on announcements, because more units will be switched on as the first phase continues.
If you are thinking of buying an electric car, this news may make the idea feel easier.
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Abu Dhabi’s charging plan is still at an early stage, but the first 332 points are a solid start. As more bays open up over the years, charging an electric car in the capital should feel as normal as filling a fuel tank.