MaaS is an industry game-changer, says Al-Futtaim Finance’s Alexander Maas

Alexander Maas, managing director of Al-Futtaim Finance, has told an industry event that Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) is becoming a game-changer in the UAE market.

Speaking at the Mobility Live event in Abu Dhabi, Maas said that MOOV by Al-Futtaim was enjoying rapid growth as drivers looked for more flexibility in ownership.

“Mobility-as-a-service is fast-growing from a technology trend to an industry game-changer. We have seen this growth first-hand with MOOV by Al-Futtaim, the country’s first car rental subscription service,” said Maas.

“With 49% month-on-month growth in subscribers last year, there is a clear and strong demand not only for 100% digital services such as ours but also demand for a completely flexible car usership solution instead of car ownership. This is something that also solves the urban mobility challenges and optimises transport use for greener mobility.”

The UAE’s leading automotive group, representing many of the world’s most iconic automotive brands, is taking part across a series of keynote and panel discussions at the event this week.

Reinforcing the sustainable mobility agenda was also the newly launched Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, with its Franchise Director, Mohamed Kassem on a panel discussion on day one.

“The customer shift to electric mobility is growing at an incredible pace, as it should be, considering transportation’s role in carbon emissions,” said Kassem.

“We created a dedicated strategy and approach to electric and green mobility, the result of which is the Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company. Our objective is not only to bring advanced electric & hybrid vehicles into the UAE to meet the demand, but go beyond into introducing our own charging technology, an EV aftersales hub, and electric two-wheelers in the coming year.”

Discussing the transition of electric mobility into the UAE fleet sector, Carlos Montenegro, Managing Director – Fleet, Al-Futtaim Automotive, added: “EV needs a new mindset, it is more than just a car, it opens the possibility to an entire new mobility ecosystem. Whether we like it or not, the shift to electric and hybrid is inevitable and the faster we prepare for these transitions, the better it is for the industry.

“Having said that, as private and public sectors race ahead to meet their net-zero targets, we are seeing a first-wave of high demand for electric & hybrid from corporate fleet, logistics, last-mile delivery and ride-hailing services. There is a stronger push with RTA’s mandate to have only 100% electric, hybrid or hydrogen-powered taxis in Dubai by 2027.”