On 8-9 November, the Automobile and Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) supported the Future Mobility Conference. Organised for the first time in the Middle East, the conference represented a unique platform for regulators, government authorities, key industry players and thought leaders to discuss future opportunities, advances and innovations in electric and hybrid vehicles.

The event explored various aspects of electric and hybrid vehicles including regulations, development of supporting infrastructure, distribution, market potential, research and development and more. The Future Mobility Conference turned out to be an excellent networking platform for businesses and governments. Draft regulations regarding the planned incentives for electric cars users were also revealed by ESMA.

In his opening remarks, Mohammed ben Sulayem, ATCUAE President and FIA Vice Presdient said: “The electric and hybrid car is a relatively new concept in the automotive industry of the Middle East. People here are not yet used to buying this kind of car. But the positive impact and environmental solutions offered by these vehicles make it imperative for all the concerned parties to work on setting an effective strategy that can contribute in spreading this concept in the near future.”

Prominent figures in the industry attended the event, including Mr. Thierry Willemarck, President of FIA Region 1, and Mr. Egil Otter, Manager International Relations and Policy Director, NAF (Norwegian Automobile Federation). The event was organised by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) in association with Messe Frankfurt Middle East, in Dubai.