{"id":959,"date":"2015-04-09T00:00:03","date_gmt":"2015-04-09T07:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/industry\/blog\/uncategorized\/3-ways-dubai-is-driving-smart-transportation\/"},"modified":"2023-07-03T14:54:06","modified_gmt":"2023-07-03T21:54:06","slug":"3-ways-dubai-is-driving-smart-transportation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/industry\/blog\/government\/2015\/04\/09\/3-ways-dubai-is-driving-smart-transportation\/","title":{"rendered":"3 ways Dubai is driving smart transportation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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It\u2019s exciting to see what governments around the world are doing in sustainable transportation, especially clean-running electric vehicles (EVs). In recent headlines, we\u2019ve seen the Chinese pour billions into EV charging stations, Canadians launch a multi-million dollar EV incentive program, and the Barcelona police go completely electric. Governments all over the world are rolling out EVs\u2014not just in highly developed countries or countries that are dependent on foreign resources. Case in point: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is a great example of a government that has embraced clean transportation and is making it work. I see three reasons why EVs are getting traction in the UAE and other regions around world. Progressive metros like my adopted hometown of Seattle should take note. We can all learn a lot from a city like Dubai.<\/p>\n
Sustainability is a top priority.<\/strong><\/p>\n On my recent visit to Dubai, I visited the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and got to visit one of the Emirate\u2019s first EV charging stations<\/a>\u2014one of 100 stations DEWA plans to open in 2015. In a city where petrol costs US$0.48 a liter ($1.82 a gallon), I was intrigued. But it makes sense when you consider the government\u2019s big-picture goals: To become one of the world\u2019s most sustainable cities by 2020, when it hosts the World Expo; to create an energy mix by 2030 that includes 15 percent renewable sources; and to become a role model for sustainability around the world.<\/p>\n They\u2019re embracing change and taking steps now.<\/strong><\/p>\n Given the present state of transportation\u2014 1.39 million vehicles<\/a> on Dubai\u2019s roads, almost double the number from eight years ago, almost all with internal combustion engines\u2014the government needs to act fast if it\u2019s going to meet its goals. And act it has. Just this year, it will roll out its EV charging infrastructure, create a fleet of electric buses, and become the first city in the world to formally adopt local biodiesel made from 100 percent waste cooking oil for use in its municipal vehicles. It\u2019s just the beginning. The government says going forward it plans to spend up to US$1.9 billion a year on transportation infrastructure and services.<\/p>\n They\u2019re having conversations and sharing ideas.<\/strong><\/p>\n On April 22nd and 23rd, Dubai will host its second annual World Green Economy Summit<\/a>, a gathering of world leaders dedicated to sustainability. The emirate also hosts the Dubai Global Energy Forum, where global energy experts can exchange ideas on clean energy and sustainability. And in 2012, Dubai was the site of the World Energy Forum<\/a>, where leaders from 89 countries met to chart a course to a sustainable global energy system. These are just a few of the ways Dubai is reaching out, engaging in dialogs, and taking an active part in the future of sustainability.<\/p>\n