Al-Futtaim Group, one of the Middle East’s largest diversified business conglomerates and a major stakeholder in the region’s automotive sector, has announced it is the “strategic e-mobility partner” of the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, taking place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12, at Expo City Dubai.
Omar Al-Futtaim, vice chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim Group, said: “We strongly believe in the UAE’s visionary commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts. As one of the first countries in the Middle East to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, coupled with the announcement of the UAE Net-Zero Strategy 2050, the UAE has set a green benchmark and paved the path for corporations to follow.
“The future of business is inextricably linked with the future of our planet. As a major stakeholder in the business landscape of the UAE, we have a key responsibility to make sure we continue setting strong sustainability targets across all our divisions and continue echoing our country’s aspirations in the climate change agenda.”
Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the major divisions of the Al-Futtaim Group, has an ambition to deliver 50 percent new energy vehicles and install 10 percent of the charging stations in the UAE by 2030.
As part of the strategic partnership, Al-Futtaim Group will deliver a fleet of 370 electrified passenger cars, sports utility vehicles, and buses to be utilized for COP28. The company will install its Charge2Moov electric charging stations for the event.
Across the duration of the event, Al-Futtaim Automotive will showcase its electric mobility brand portfolio at its stand in the Green Zone of COP28.
Paul Willis, president of Al-Futtaim Automotive, said: “We have to take radical action to tackle the climate crisis, especially within the automotive sector, as surface transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. We are well-aware of the huge responsibility that lies on our shoulders as automotive leaders, and how important it is for us to fundamentally initiate a shift toward greener automotive solutions to not only meet the climate change action goals but also to continue to meet the mobility needs of a rapidly increasing urban population.”
“It’s our responsibility to look at the industry holistically and explore innovative ways to develop this entire new EV ecosystem, as well as pioneer new mobility services that will support the sustainable transition,” he added.
“This year’s COP28 stresses the importance of taking collaborative action, and we are truly honored to be part of this hugely significant and prestigious global gathering.”
