As the UAE has seen a steady increase in the number of people opting for EVs for their daily journeys, the UAE is making significant strides in its electric mobility infrastructure. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the UAE are offered by government networks, utility companies, private operators, petrol stations, malls, hotels, and fast-charging stations. The country is also working to create a national network of charging stations to meet its long-term clean mobility targets. Charging is just one of the challenges faced by EV owners. Knowing the type of charger, charging speed, cost of charging, connector, and payment method are also essential to know before starting the session. Get a breakdown of the main charging networks, where they are, how much they cost, and other helpful information for EV owners in the UAE.

Quick Facts

Sources: UAE Government, DEWA and Abu Dhabi Mobility. 

How EV Charging Works in the UAE

Unlike filling up a petrol tank, EV charging speeds will depend on the charging output, vehicle charging power, battery SoC, temperature, and battery management system.

Not all vehicles will receive 150 kW from a charger with a 150 kW rating. The car’s power demand is based on the car’s needs at a given time during the charging process.

Three main types of charging are important to UAE motorists:

AC charging

Long-term charging occurs when plugs are used for an extended period of time, typically overnight, such as at one’s home, office, or retail location.

Electricity provided by the charger is alternating current. This vehicle’s built-in charger converts the electricity into direct current needed by the battery.

AC chargers are typically slower than DC chargers but are often capable of charging the vehicle daily since it can be plugged in for several hours.

DEWA has 22 kW AC wall-box and public chargers for the public, and fast-charging equipment of 43 kW AC. 

DC fast charging

Direct current is fed into the battery directly through a fast charger, rather than having to be converted to direct current by the AC charger on the vehicle.

This allows for much more powerful charging.

It is particularly useful for:

• Long-distance journeys
• Highway stops
• Commercial fleets
• Drivers requiring a quick top-up
• High-mileage daily driving

The real charging time will vary based on the vehicle and battery type. Normal charging rate tapers off when the battery reaches a high state of charge.

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Ultra-fast charging

Ultra-fast chargers offer much greater power than regular public AC charging stations.

DEWA currently has 150 kW DC ultra-fast chargers in operation, and other networks in the UAE are adding even more powerful chargers to their networks. UAEV is, for instance, rapidly increasing its ultra-fast and fast infrastructure, and is rapidly adding high-power charging facilities to its network until 2026. 

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the UAE: Main Networks

The UAE is not dependent on the presence of just one company offering charging services. The market is evolving through the hands of government, utilities, national charging operators, energy companies and vehicle manufacturers.

DEWA Green Charger — Dubai

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the nation’s most mature EV charging infrastructure provider, running the Green Charger network.

DEWA states that the network has added over 400 charging stations in Dubai and is able to accommodate approximately 740 vehicles at a time. It can be found in government buildings, airports, parks, shopping centres, hotels, petrol stations, hospitals, offices and public buildings. 

In its published location list are locations like Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Global Village, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai ENOC and ADNOC stations. 

DEWA also introduces Guest Mode for visitors to DEWA EV account holders, enabling them to have an EV charging session by simply scanning the QR code on the EV charger. 

UAEV — Nationwide network

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity (EWEC) formed a joint venture called UAEV, Emarat EV Charging Stations Company. It has been established to support the rollout of safe and convenient nationwide fast charging. 

The network is particularly significant as it is based on a national charging infrastructure and not a single emirate.

UAEV app enables the driver to find a charger, check availability, view charger speed and price, and kick off charging by using a QR code or RFID card. 

Further, UAEV granted six charging points at 7X’s National Network for Logistics facilities in August 2026, highlighting the growth of the network beyond the traditional passenger vehicle charging stations. 

Charge AD — Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is building a single public network, called Charge AD. Abu Dhabi Mobility announced a first phase with 1,000 new charging stations at 400 strategic locations on Abu Dhabi Island, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. The announced public tariffs are AED 0.70/kWh (AC charging) and AED 1.20/kWh (fast DC charging). 

Additionally, Abu Dhabi Mobility’s infrastructure information shows that as of August 2025 there are over 1200 public charge points. Its longer-term infrastructure plan lists 5,500 charging points for 2027, 13,000 for 2030 and 75,300 for 2040. These are not actual station numbers, but planned infrastructure targets. 

Tesla Supercharger network

Tesla has a Supercharger network in the UAE. The Tesla UAE locator also provides Supercharging locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and more. Tesla claims the maximum charging speed of its V3 Superchargers is 250 kW, but this depends on the vehicle and battery.

Tesla also claims that UAE V3 Superchargers are based on CCS technology that is compatible with the relevant Tesla models, and that the V2 supercharger sites are based on a dual-cable configuration. 

Charging Costs in the UAE

No single national retail price standard exists that applies to all public chargers.

The pricing may vary based on the operator, emirate, type of charger, the vehicle, membership arrangement, and location.

DEWA currently asserts that Dubai’s regulated public charging framework is:

These rates are for the regulated public charging framework, and should not be considered the cost of all private charging stations in the UAE. 

Guest charging is also available at DEWA. The system calculates the selected charging package and temporarily stores the amount of money until it is billed based on actual consumption, for guest users.

How much does a typical charge cost?

The simplest calculation is:

Charging Cost = Energy added (kWh) x Price per kWh

For instance, if 40 kWh is added with a price of AED 0.70/kWh, then it would yield:

40 × 0.70 = AED 28

If the same 40 kWh were added with AED 1.20 per kWh, it would result in:

40 × 1.20 = AED 48

Where required, the VAT should then be calculated and attached.

The real energy that is needed depends on the initial state of charge of the battery and charging losses. So, a fixed “full charge” price cannot be precisely stated for each EV.

Where Can You Find Chargers?

Charging infrastructure is focused around areas where EV users spend time and/or travel often.

Dubai

Dubai is one of the most mature public charging networks in the country. The DEWA official location directory includes various locations such as:

• Airports and other main transport facilities
• Shopping malls and hotels
• Parks and tourist sites.
• Petrol stations
• Government buildings
• Business districts
• Residential and mixed-use developments

The charger location and status can be viewed on DEWA’s website and smart app, and its charging information is also shared via other mapping and mobility applications, DEWA says. 

Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

Coverage will be extended throughout Abu Dhabi Island, Al Ain and Al Dhafra with the help of Charge AD.

The emirate is also rolling out charging stations at strategic spots, including public parking facilities, hotels, shopping centres and ADNOC facilities. 

Northern Emirates

Apart from this, charging is also growing in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.

The national UAEV network is significant because it is not restricted to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but has a mandate throughout the UAE. Supercharging locations are also available in a few Northern Emirates, as mentioned by Tesla. 

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What Apps Can You Use?

It’s better to have a charger on hand before you travel than to look for it when you are running out of battery.

The DEWA Smart App gives the location of chargers and charging services in Dubai. A QR code can also be scanned by guest users who do not wish to register for the full service of EV Green Charger. 

The UAEV app offers station discovery, availability, charging speed & pricing data for the national UAEV network. Supports QR code charging and RFID access. 

The built-in navigation and Trip Planner on Tesla’s system will be used to find locations for Supercharging. Tesla also offers a Find Us map and app with charging locations. 

If available, see the operator’s own application for any network to see if any stations are available – stations may be unavailable during the day.

EV Charger Connectors and Compatibility

Verify the connector that your vehicle supports prior to using a public charger.

The most frequently seen charging interfaces in the UAE are Type 2, Combo 2 (CCS Combo) and CHAdeMO, depending on the charger and vehicle.

The fast charger specification for DEWA, for instance, features a Type 2 AC socket, 50kW DC CHAdeMO and Combo CCS sockets. It is equipped with 150 kW ultra-fast equipment that is listed with a Type 2 connection. 

That’s why it’s important for EV owners to look at the vehicle manufacturer’s charging specification instead of assuming that all chargers work with all EVs.

Can You Charge an EV at Home?

Yes. Drivers with access to electrical power and adequate parking opportunities are generally apt to use home charging.

DEWA says home EV chargers can be installed by a third party behind the customer’s meter and recommends using DEWA-approved electrical contractors for electrical equipment installations in Dubai. When using electricity for home charging, it will be included in the regular DEWA bill at regular residential electricity rates. 

The advantage of home charging is that the vehicle can charge while sitting idle at night.

Some issues for apartment dwellers may require further investigation, such as parking, building management approval, electrical capacity, and the technical route to install the charger. These conditions are different for each property so should be checked in advance with the building management and authority concerned.

UAE Rules and Charging Infrastructure Regulation

The UAE National policy is aimed at coordinating the development of charging infrastructure between the federal authorities, the local government and private sector operators.

The National Electric Vehicles Policy aims to create a national charging network and a centralised database of charging stations. It also aims to cut down on energy use across the transport sector by 20% 

Dubai has its own regulatory regime. DEWA says that under its licensing and regulatory framework, independent Charge Point Operators (CPOs) can place public charging stations. 

Dubai’s framework also involves approval processes for EV charging station establishments, installation, operations and maintenance, which will be coordinated by DEWA with Dubai Municipality and RTA on technical requirements.

Abu Dhabi has its own regulatory regime set up by the Department of Energy. The EV Charging Infrastructure Regulatory Policy adopted in 2022 is the policy that regulates ownership, installation and pricing, says Abu Dhabi Mobility. 

What Should EV Drivers Check Before Charging?

Charging nearby doesn’t automatically mean it’s the most suitable charger for your car.

Before starting a session, make sure you have these things in mind:

1. Connector compatibility: Make sure the plug is compatible with your car.
2. Charging power: The higher the kW, the faster your vehicle can be charged, but ionly f your vehicle can accept it.
3. Check live availability: Determine if the charger is available and in operation.
4. Compare the operator’s tariff before charging, price.
5. Location Access: Several chargers are located in malls, hotels, parking areas, or privately owned spaces that have an access code.

This is a quick way to avoid unneeded detours and waits.

What Is the Future of EV Charging in the UAE?

The trajectory of the UAE towards a major interconnected charging ecosystem is clearly on the rise.

Charging infrastructure has been identified as an important element of the federal government’s National Electric Vehicles Policy and its overall Net Zero by 2050 programme. 

Dubai is expanding its private-sector operators as well as DEWA’s network. DEWA announced in 2026 agreements to install 208 ultra-fast charging points at Dubai Taxi Company sites, 100 charging points with Parkin and more with ENOC. 

Planned infrastructure in Abu Dhabi is even bigger in the medium to long term, with a target of 75,300 charging points by 2040.

The expansion is important as it requires drivers to be confident that they can charge their vehicles in the comfort of their own homes, at their destinations, and during inter-emirate trave,l as well as having access to vehicles.

Final Thoughts

The UAE charging network is expanding from a few pilot projects to a multi-operator national network. Dubai has a well-established DEWA network as well as licensed private operators; Abu Dhabi is creating Charge AD, and UAEV is growing its government-backed network across the country.

For EV drivers, the optimal approach is to use AC and DC charging at public charging stations for longer trips, and home charging when possible. Please make sure that the connector is connected, that the charging is switched on, that you can use the live and that you understand the current tariff before you start a session.

The number of chargers isn’t the most important development. It’s about the proliferation of charging infrastructure, digital apps, public infrastructure, destination charging and high-power stations throughout the UAE. As the nation’s EV fleet continues to grow towards its long-term clean-mobility goal, that infrastructure will take on added significance. 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does EV charging cost in the UAE?

Depending on the emirate and the operator, prices for public charging stations are different. DEWA offers a regulated AC tariff of AED 0.70 per kWh plus VAT and a regulated DC tariff of AED 1.20 per kWh plus VAT in Dubai.

Can I charge an EV without a DEWA account?

Green Chargers can use a Guest Mode with DEWA. Drivers can view the QR code on the charger and initiate a charging session without making an account on DEWA EV.

Which charger is fastest?

DC fast charging stations typically offer the fastest charging speeds. The chargers available for sale by DEWA are rated up to 150 kW, but the actual charging speed will also depend on the vehicle’s battery and the maximum charging power.

Can I charge a Tesla at public chargers in the UAE?

Tesla has Supercharger stations in every country in the UAE. Tesla’s V3 Superchargers are compatible with compatible vehicles, and locations with the same availability and compatibility may differ between locations and vehicle models.

Is home charging cheaper than public charging?

The final price is determined by vehicle efficiency, public charging cost, applying the electricity tariff,f and installation costs. In Dubai, electricity costs for EV charging in homes are charged on the regular DEWA electricity bill.

Where can I find the nearest EV charger?

Drivers are able to use the official apps and maps offered by the charging operators. DEWA shares the location of chargers via its website and smart app, and UAEV shares the location of chargers via its app. Tesla app and in-car navigation are also available for Tesla owners.

Do all UAE EV chargers use the same connector?

There are different charging connectors for different vehicles and charging stations. Some of the connector standards in the UAE are Type 2, CCS Combo 2, and CHAdeMO. Before checking the car’s compatibility, drivers should find out which car type can be charged at a charging station.