Public Private Partnerships in the UAE: EV Case Studies

As the UAE pushes toward decarbonization and smart mobility, one model is emerging as a cornerstone of national progress: the public private partnership (PPP). Particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, PPPs have become a vital tool in bridging infrastructure gaps and speeding up delivery without placing the full burden on public budgets.

This article explores how public private partnerships in the UAE are shaping EV charging infrastructure. We’ll highlight legal frameworks, real-world examples, and practical models for cost-sharing and compliance.

Understanding Public Private Partnership in the UAE

In the UAE, a public private partnership is a collaborative agreement between a government entity and a private company to finance, build, and operate infrastructure or public services. These are typically structured under long-term contracts, with clear risk-sharing provisions, defined deliverables, and measurable service outcomes.

Key Legal Enablers:

• Dubai Law No. 22 of 2015 (Dubai PPP Law)

• Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2023 (UAE PPP Law)

• Specific PPP units under departments like DOF-Dubai and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)

These frameworks offer private sector players a clear roadmap to participate in national projects, including green mobility infrastructure.

EV Charging in Public Parking: A Case Study

A notable example is the deployment of EV chargers in municipal public parking zones through PPPs.

How it works:

• The municipality provides land (parking lots or curbside space)

• The private partner (CPO) invests in the EV chargers and software platform

• Revenue is shared based on a pre-agreed formula

• Government monitors uptime, pricing policies, and user feedback

Example: Dubai Green Charger PPP Model

• Partner: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

• Private firms install, operate, and maintain charging stations

• Government retains regulatory control while enabling innovation and cost-efficiency from private partners

This setup accelerates infrastructure delivery without tapping into state capital, while enabling businesses to generate returns over 10–15 years.

Risk Allocation and Cost-Sharing in PPP Models

Effective public private partnership in the UAE relies on balanced risk allocation, which is negotiated in advance through detailed feasibility studies and due diligence.

Common structure:

This kind of split helps reduce public fiscal exposure while empowering innovators to scale solutions in a controlled regulatory environment.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

The UAE’s PPP framework emphasizes transparent reporting and real-time performance monitoring.

Key metrics tracked by public entities include:

• Charger uptime (availability % per month)

• User satisfaction scores

• Complaint resolution times

• Energy efficiency and grid load balancing

Technology providers are required to integrate systems with central dashboards managed by regulators like DEWA, ADDC, or Emirates Transport. This ensures a balance between entrepreneurial freedom and public interest protection.

Benefits for CEOs and Infrastructure Leaders

For executives and investors looking to enter the EV sector in the UAE, PPPs offer strategic benefits:

• Land access in prime urban locations without purchasing costs

• Regulatory clarity through formal agreements

• Brand visibility via public projects aligned with ESG goals

• Predictable returns through shared revenue models and long-term contracts

Private firms that can demonstrate technical capacity, local compliance, and financial strength are ideal candidates for PPP tenders.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the UAE is planning:

• Expansion of EV charging stations on federal roads

• PPP models for EV fleet charging in logistics and delivery sectors

• Integration of EV infrastructure with solar and storage systems

Each of these will likely rely on variations of PPP arrangements, especially in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, where infrastructure is still catching up to Dubai.

Conclusion: The EV Opportunity is Public + Private

If you’re a technology provider, energy contractor, or investor, the UAE’s PPP landscape offers real commercial opportunities. EV infrastructure is no longer just a pilot program—it’s part of national transformation strategies.

By understanding how PPPs are structured, and aligning with public-sector timelines and policies, private companies can position themselves as key partners in building the next generation of mobility infrastructure.