DEWA urges charge point operators to comply with regulatory framework for EV charging infrastructure

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has established a comprehensive regulatory and licensing framework for the development and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Dubai. This is part of DEWA’s commitment to accelerate EV adoption and foster private sector involvement in supporting green mobility. This framework addresses current needs while also anticipating future growth, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of green mobility innovation. It outlines a dual approach: DEWA and its subsidiaries will ensure the direct development of public charging infrastructure and also enable infrastructure development by third-party charge point operators (independent CPOs) licensed by DEWA for the purpose.

“In line with the National Electric Vehicles Policy, the regulatory framework for EV charging infrastructure supports measures to enable the growth of public charging infrastructure in Dubai. The regulatory framework solidifies DEWA’s pioneering position as the operator of the region's first public EV charging infrastructure, which currently includes more than 740 charge points. This step reinforces our continued efforts to promote sustainable mobility, achieve the Emirate's strategic objectives in terms of sustainability, air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as achieve the goals of the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

According to the regulatory framework, independent CPOs must obtain a licence from DEWA to operate public EV charging infrastructure in Dubai. There are two types of licences: one for CPOs offering free EV charging services and another for CPOs collecting payments from end users.

Article 9 (Transitory Provisions) of the EV Charging Infrastructure Regulation for the Emirate of Dubai requires any person operating public charging equipment at the effective date of the regulation to comply with it no later than six months from when it was published in October 2024. Hence, CPOs are required to comply before 31 March 2025. During this transitional period, independent CPOs may continue to provide free EV charging services. However, the collection of payments from customers for the use of public charging infrastructure is strictly prohibited without a valid CPO licence from DEWA.

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