Dubai, October 2, 2025

• Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia achieve world-leading charging satisfaction scores above 94% outpacing many mature EV markets.
• 91% of GCC BEV owners plan to buy another electric vehicle, surpassing the global average of 87%.
• Saudi Arabia records nearly 10x growth in EV sales; UAE leads regional volume with 24,000 units sold in 2024 .
• One in three GCC EV owners drives more than 20,000 kilometres annually, among the highest globally.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, with penetration doubling from 2% to 4% in just twelve months, according to Roland Berger's EV Charging Index 2025 .

The comprehensive study, based on primary research and surveys of 12,000 respondents across 33 markets, reveals high levels of consumer confidence in the future of EV in the GCC region, with 91% of current EV owners planning to purchase another one, higher than the global average of 87%.

The transformation is remarkable given that just one year ago, the region's EV landscape was described as "nascent but becoming increasingly dynamic." Today, the GCC's rapid adoption rate outpaces other global regions, albeit from a lower baseline, while infrastructure development and growing consumer interest have created a strong foundation for continued growth.

“The GCC’s EV trajectory has shifted from cautious trials to confident scaling,” said, Arvind CJ, Partner, Automotive Sector Lead, Roland Berger Middle East. “Ambitious government targets, strategic infrastructure investment and genuine consumer enthusiasm are catalyzing the region over other automotive markets. The next phase will require scaling fast charging networks, standardizing digital locator tools, and diversifying charging locations through public-private collaboration.”

Early adoption to committed usage

The research study reflects the shift from early adoption to committed usage. An impressive 91% of current GCC BEV owners intend to purchase another EV, above the global average of 87%, with the UAE reaching 94%, next only to China globally. This is backed by substantial usage: nearly half of GCC EV owners drive daily or almost daily, while one-third exceed 20,000 kilometers annually, matching patterns in mature European markets like Norway and Germany.

The UAE leads as the GCC's largest EV market by volume, with close to 24,000 units (BEV and PHEV) sold in 2024. Saudi Arabia recorded a nearly tenfold increase in EV sales in 2024 in over a year, with over 11,000 units sold.

Lower running and maintenance costs are the top driver of EV adoption in Qatar (55%) and the UAE (52%), while Saudi Arabian buyers prioritize advanced technology (48%), the highest rate outside China.

Environmental considerations remain strong, with 47% of UAE and 43% of Saudi buyers citing sustainability as a key factor, aligning with the national agendas. GCC EV owners are also enthusiastic advocates, with 79% saying they “love having a BEV”.

Satisfaction rates led by robust infrastructure

Roland Berger's EV Charging Index 2025 also reveals that GCC nations report exceptional overall EV charging experience, with satisfaction levels reaching 97% in Qatar, 95% in the UAE, and 94% in Saudi Arabia.
This stems from strategic infrastructure deployment, with Dubai alone having a network of over 1,270 charging points across the Emirate while in Abu Dhabi, ADNOC formed a partnership with TAQA aimed at opening 500 charging points in the Emirate by 2028. Saudi Arabia is also building at speed through the Public Investment Fund-backed EVIQ, targeting 5,000 chargers across 1,000 locations by 2030 and currently present in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

Private sector to play stronger role

While public sector initiatives have catalyzed the region's EV transformation, increasing penetration is leading to a pivotal shift. Private stakeholders, including automotive manufacturers and energy companies, are now positioned to play critical roles through public-private partnerships. Organizations such as Electromin and Al-Futtaim are expanding access and helping drive the region’s world-class satisfaction scores in EV charging.

Roland Berger's EV Charging Index 2025 identifies key priorities for sustained growth: expanding fast charging capabilities, standardizing digital location tools, and diversifying charging locations. With 43% of GCC respondents requesting faster charging options, particularly along highways, infrastructure providers have clear direction for future investment.