Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

As we fast track towards achieving emission-free transport in Dubai by 2030, the quest for sustainable mobility intensifies with clever innovations such as the driverless taxi, which recently made its grand entrance at Gitex Global 2022.

Inspiring manufacturers worldwide, the self-driving all-electric vehicle is the first of many modes of sustainable transport that are set to transform the way we live and travel.

Recently, all eyes were also fixated on the sky in Dubai as the futuristic flying car X2 took off on a 90-minute test flight. The two-seater electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) flying car emits zero carbon dioxide and is designed to revolutionise the morning commute in the near future.

Championing innovative technologies, private sector businesses are lining up to play their part in the drive to achieve net zero by 2050, with carbon-cutting initiatives and a firm commitment to collectively working towards developing sustainable economies and infrastructure.

Crescent Enterprises, a leading global, diversified business headquartered in the UAE, has reaffirmed its commitment by joining forces with Bee’ah, to launch the sustainable mobility solutions company, ION, paving the way for positive and fundamental behavioural changes that can accelerate the drive towards sustainable zero-emission transport system.

“Transportation is one of the largest producers of carbon emissions,” said Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO and Head of Investments at Crescent Enterprises. “Cars, trucks, and aircraft, among others, all contribute to transportation sector emissions.

So, while we see more electric-powered infrastructure emerge, we have a long way to go if we are to hit the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.”

ION was established to promote sustainable modes of transport and green mobility solutions in the UAE.

ION spearheads the provision of accessible and sustainable transport solutions with its next-gen mobility solutions, which include electric bicycles, scooters and motorbikes, electric buses and trucks and a fully supportive charging network infrastructure to sustain the drive for a greener, cleaner transportation network.

During the pandemic, it supported Sharjah Medical District by offering 24/7 access to medical professionals with its dedicated fleet of electric vehicles and trained drivers.

Aside from electric cars being more environmentally friendly, research shows that electrifying public transport will, in the long-term, help steady the effects of climate change. Cities that have already adopted electric transportation have reported cleaner air, reduced traffic jams, and easier navigation of city centres for the public. However, currently, only 16% of city buses worldwide are electric.

Dubai has already made significant inroads in building a more environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure by building new bus and train lines, expanding cycle paths and pedestrian walkways, and creating pedestrian precincts in specific areas. It is estimated that Dubai’s plan for emission-free public transport by 2050 could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eight million tons of carbon dioxide.

With challenging global energy markets and COP27 currently being held in Egypt, hitting the net-zero target by 2050 won’t be easy as Tushar Singhvi explained: “While there is still much work to be done in developing mobility solutions and the infrastructure to support it, the UAE has the capacity to leverage its experience in the energy sector to drive sustainable transport solutions. COP28 being held in the UAE next year, presents an opportunity to showcase regional expertise, innovation, and commitment in the quest to achieve net zero by 2050.”

The UAE has invested more than US$50 billion in clean energy projects in 70 countries, including 40 developing nations, and recently announced the UAE-US Partnership to Accelerate the Transition to Clean Energy (PACE). The project will catalyse US$100 billion in financing, investment, and other support and will deploy 100 gigawatts of clean energy globally.

COP28, which will be hosted in the UAE in 2023 at Expo City Dubai, will be an important global event coinciding with the UAE National Day. The event will welcome high-level participation, including over 140 heads of state and government leaders, over 80,000 delegates and more than 5,000 media professionals. The event is a significant opportunity for the UAE to achieve political and economic benefits for the country, the region, and the world.

 Crescent Enterprises is a multinational company headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. It operates under four platforms: CE-Operates, CE-Invests, CE-Ventures, and CE-Creates, which span diverse sectors including ports and logistics, food and beverage, business aviation, and across verticals such as private equity, venture capital, and business incubation.

Crescent Enterprises employs over 1,800 people in 15 countries. With a long-term investment and operating philosophy that embraces corporate governance, inclusive growth, and responsible business practices, Crescent Enterprises is a regional leader in growing diversified global businesses that are sustainable, scalable, and profitable.