Huge promotion is required to encourage everyday drivers to switch to electric cars in the emirates, the MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has said.

His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer told the World Government Summit: “We have just completed 100 EV chargers [electric vehicle charging stations] in Dubai, and we have a plan and strategy to promote this.

“But initially we will start it with a government as a compulsory to purchase 10% of [the government’s] total purchase [of cars] on a yearly basis. I think the government will always start and then the private sector after waiting to see their experience.”

Al Tayer is confident more people will transition to the clean transport alternative but believes they need convincing.

He said: “I think the market is there but we need big promotion to purchase vehicles. It’s very feasible and also it’s a big benefit from CO2 perspective. I think we need to raise the bar and change the mindset of people. It will require some time.”