Abu Dhabi launches ultra-fast Barq EV charging network amid wider UAE infrastructure push

Abu Dhabi has kicked off the deployment of a super-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging network called Barq, an initiative a joint effort between the Department of Energy (DoE) and TAQA Distribution geared toward speeding up the emirate’s shift to cleaner, low-emission transport. According to TechMGZN, the first phase launched on January 13, featuring over 50 stations each rated at 360 kW, timed to coincide with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Visitors were able to enjoy free charging during this initial roll-out.

Most of these Barq sites are placed in high-traffic public and commercial hotspots. TechMGZN lists locations such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, Mina Market, Burjeel Hospital in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, and several sites in Al Ain, including UAE University, Tawam Hospital, and Al Jimi Mall. They also include City Mall in Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra). The emphasis is on speed: TAQA and DoE say drivers can add around 100 km of range in just about three minutes. To encourage early adoption among EV owners and fleets, TAQA Distribution will also offer a free charge after every three paid sessions.

Officials see Barq as part of a larger, eco-friendly mobility ecosystem that involves careful grid and site planning. “This is a strategic move in Abu Dhabi’s journey toward sustainable mobility,” said Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the DoE. Omar Al Hashmi, CEO of TAQA Distribution, added that the project “reinforces the emirate’s position in smart energy and sustainable mobility.” Both statements were made during the launch and were reported by TechMGZN.

The Barq rollout is happening alongside substantial government investments in EV infrastructure across the UAE. Earlier this month, ADNOC Distribution unveiled a major superfast charging hub at Saih Shuaib on the E11 highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Reports from Gulf Today and ADNOC Distribution describe this facility as one of the world’s largest, with 60 high-speed chargers capable of taking most EVs from 0% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes. ADNOC plans to roll out 20 highway charging hubs across the UAE by 2027, with 15 expected to be operational by the end of 2026.

So, taken together, the Barq network and ADNOC’s highway hubs show a two-pronged approach in their infrastructure planning: many rapid chargers set up at popular points within cities and regional centers, and more powerful superfast hubs located along intercity routes. This strategy makes sense because they each serve different needs. The ultra-fast 360 kW chargers like Barq are perfect for quick stops at shopping centers, hospitals, or cultural sites. Meanwhile, bigger hubs with multiple chargers are better suited for long-distance travel and fleet charging, where the dwell times are longer and power management is more complex.

Of course, government planning and upgrades to the grid are crucial to both types of deployment. TechMGZN reports that the Department of Municipalities and Transport is working on site selection and grid upgrades for Barq. The ADNOC Distribution team has also highlighted partnerships and the use of solar power on-site in order to cut the carbon footprint of charging, according to their statements. And industry experts point out that increasing the number of high-powered chargers involves careful coordination with existing power grids to manage peak loads, avoiding costly infrastructure reinforcement.

Electrification targets are at the core of this push. As TechMGZN notes, national policies and air quality goals aim for around half the vehicle fleet to be electric or hybrid by mid-century, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 pledge. Still, the region’s adoption of battery electric vehicles remains modest for now, a fact government planners openly acknowledge. As TechMGZN observes, authorities are preemptively investing in hardware like chargers even before mass-market demand truly kicks in, so infrastructure isn’t the bottleneck once consumer interest picks up.

Incentives and behavioral nudges are also part of the policy toolkit. TAQA’s “one free charge after three paid sessions” offer is explicitly designed to stimulate demand among both individual drivers and fleets. This approach mirrors initiatives in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that provide rebates, preferential parking, and registration benefits to encourage EV purchases. But, of course, industry experts warn that incentives alone aren’t enough; they must be paired with reliable, transparent charging infrastructure and fair pricing to truly build consumer confidence.

Looking ahead, operational and equity challenges will need attention as deployment ramps up. Urban fast chargers must withstand high temperatures, and operators will need interoperable payment systems so that drivers can switch between networks without hassle. Additionally, planners have to think about equitable access, making sure that lower-income communities and remote regions benefit from electrification, rather than just fancy locations.

For the Gulf region as a whole, the establishment of the Barq network and ADNOC’s highway hubs marks a shift from simply setting targets to actually building the physical infrastructure needed. TechMGZN characterizes Barq’s rollout as clear evidence that climate change and economic diversification goals are now manifesting in tangible assets. ADNOC’s plan for a nationwide highway charging network further indicates a coordinated effort aimed at supporting longer journeys and interstate travel.

If the early months of 2026 are any indication, Abu Dhabi seems to be normalizing ultra-fast charging as a standard part of everyday mobility. The real challenge, of course, will come as EV adoption steadily grows, whether the charging networks stay online and reliable, integrate well with clean energy sources, and expand fairly across the entire emirate. For the climate-tech community in the UAE, those operational issues, including uptime and equitable access, will really determine whether these investments in infrastructure lead to meaningful emissions reductions and open up new business opportunities.

Source: Noah Wire Services