Al-Futtaim Group, one of the Middle East’s most prominent diversified business conglomerates and a key player in the region’s automotive sector, proudly announces its role as the Strategic E-Mobility Partner for the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The conference is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City Dubai.
Al-Futtaim Group’s participation in COP28 underscores its dynamic leadership across core economic sectors in the UAE and its enduring commitment to sustainability.
The Group’s presence at this historic global gathering reflects its dedication to advancing environmental responsibility and aligning with the UAE’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, expressed his commitment to sustainability: “We strongly believe in the UAE’s visionary commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts. As one of the first countries in the Middle East to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, coupled with the announcement of the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, the UAE has set a green benchmark and paved the path for corporations to follow. The future of business is inextricably linked with the future of our planet. As a major stakeholder in the UAE’s business landscape, we have a key responsibility to set strong sustainability targets across all our divisions and echo our country’s aspirations in the climate change agenda.”
A Greener Automotive Future
Al-Futtaim Automotive, a major division of the Al-Futtaim Group, is actively contributing to the UAE’s green mobility transition. The division has set ambitious targets to deliver 50% new energy vehicles (NEVs) and to install 10% of the charging stations in the UAE by 2030.
Sustainable Mobility Solutions for COP28
As part of its strategic partnership for COP28, Al-Futtaim Group will provide a fleet of 370 electrified passenger cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and buses for use during the conference. The company will also deploy its own Charge2Moov electric charging stations for the event.
Throughout the duration of COP28, Al-Futtaim Automotive will showcase its electric mobility brand portfolio at its stand in the Green Zone. The display will feature a range of advanced electric mobility models, and a dedicated space will introduce visitors to the comprehensive EV ecosystem that Al-Futtaim Automotive is building. This includes immersive VR-based automotive showrooms and cutting-edge electric mobility training technologies for EV technicians.
Promoting Sustainable Action
Al-Futtaim Automotive will play an active role in COP28 by hosting key panel conferences on the Green Zone stage, as well as at its stand. These discussions will address the business imperatives of decarbonization and highlight the commitment of Al-Futtaim’s partners to sustainable action across their value chain.
Paul Willis, President of Al-Futtaim Automotive, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “We have to take radical action to tackle the climate crisis, especially within the automotive sector, as surface transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s our responsibility to explore innovative ways to develop a new EV ecosystem and pioneer new mobility services that support the sustainable transition.”
Driving Sustainable Transport Initiatives
In recent years, Al-Futtaim Automotive has been at the forefront of driving green mobility initiatives in the UAE. The company introduced alternative powertrains in the UAE’s public transportation sector, offering a range of sustainable mobility choices to customers. It has also launched the Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company and developed a comprehensive EV ecosystem, including renowned EV brands, charging infrastructure, dedicated leasing and financial services for EVs, and the region’s first IMI-certified electric mobility training center for aftersales support.
The strategic partnership with the UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) further underscores Al-Futtaim Automotive’s commitment to sustainable transport. As part of this partnership, the company will deploy electric and hybrid vehicles to support RTA’s sustainable transport network and the ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy.
Al-Futtaim Group’s role as the Strategic E-Mobility Partner for COP28 symbolizes its dedication to a sustainable future and reinforces its commitment to driving positive change within the UAE and the wider region.
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