Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility emerges as a leader in the UAE’s accelerating shift to electric vehicles

As the UAE ramps up its push toward sustainability under Vision 2030, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility is emerging as a key player in the region’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs). Lucas Bellieud, who was appointed as managing director in August, brings more than 25 years of international automotive experience, with the goal of steering the company’s ambitious growth plans and forging strong strategic partnerships within the quickly developing electric mobility scene.

Bellieud lays out a clear vision that lines up with the UAE government’s high-reaching goals for sustainable transport. The aim for Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility is to become a significant contributor to this transformation. They are focusing on four main areas: building solid partnerships with global leaders like BYD and Polestar; offering a variety of vehicle technologies to meet different customer needs; developing charging infrastructure through its Charge2Moov subsidiary; and utilizing Al-Futtaim Group’s extensive regional automotive expertise to ensure customers get reliable support, especially in the local conditions that can be pretty tough.

In line with global trends, the UAE market is seeing more and more consumer interest in electric-powered vehicles. Bellieud points out that the company avoids a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, they promote a range of options—pure electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and super hybrids—so that different customers can find what works best for their lifestyles. This flexibility makes the transition a bit easier amid a market that’s still evolving.

BYD’s role under Al-Futtaim’s umbrella is especially noteworthy. Since they launched less than two years ago, over 6,000 BYD vehicles have been sold across the UAE. This includes popular models like the fully electric SEAL sedan—used by Dubai Taxi—and the SEAL 7 DM-i SUV. Recently, BYD introduced the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup, marking its entry into a once-very important segment in the region. Bellieud calls this vehicle “disruptive,” because it combines versatility, off-road capability, and advanced hybrid tech. It offers quite a broad range and great fuel economy—pretty handy considering how vast and diverse the UAE’s terrain is.

Technological innovation is at the heart of BYD’s competitive edge. The vehicles come equipped with proprietary blade batteries, which are designed to be safer, more efficient, and space-saving. They also include sophisticated driver assistance systems (ADAS), helping to make driving both safer and more enjoyable, especially given the different regional driving conditions.

Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility is also putting a lot of effort into tackling infrastructure hurdles, which remain a major obstacle to EV adoption across the UAE. Through Charge2Moov, the company is swiftly expanding its network of charging stations to serve both business fleets and daily drivers. Public-private partnerships are crucial here, with ongoing collaborations involving government agencies and private companies working together to accelerate infrastructure development and create standardized access.

Supporting all this, the company’s after-sales service and maintenance are rooted in Al-Futtaim’s 70-year legacy in the automotive business and its extensive regional network. Bellieud emphasizes that vehicles undergo rigorous testing in local conditions, ensuring they’re built to withstand the UAE’s extreme heat and challenging environment. Plus, support from BYD’s global engineering team underpins this effort, giving Al-Futtaim confidence in providing a smooth and reliable customer experience.

Polestar, another brand in Al-Futtaim’s lineup, brings a slightly different flavor. With its sleek, European-designed electric models, it serves a smaller but dedicated segment of customers who value performance and minimalist style. Although it targets a niche, Polestar’s vehicles have been quite well received for their tech-savvy features and modern design. The company’s strategy extends beyond just vehicles, including the region’s first IMI-certified e-mobility training center and comprehensive charging infrastructure—covering the entire electric mobility ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Bellieud remains optimistic about the potential of sustainable mobility in the UAE. He views automotive freedom and collective sustainability not as competing priorities but as complementary. His idea? Help people keep their mobility freedoms while also making environmentally responsible choices—supporting broader climate goals without needing to impose strict restrictions. This approach emphasizes delivering value through innovative products, inclusive tech options, and collaborative infrastructure development.

With the UAE aiming for half of all vehicles to be electric by 2050 and plans to install thousands of charging stations by 2030, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility’s growth and ecosystem-centered approach put it right at the forefront of this transformation. The company has set its sights on hitting new sales milestones and expanding its charging network—driving the momentum needed for the UAE’s transition to a more sustainable transport future.

In essence, guided by Lucas Bellieud’s leadership, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility is harnessing strategic partnerships, diverse tech offerings, infrastructure expansion, and deep regional expertise to turn ambitious plans into reality. Its efforts align well with national sustainability targets and respond to changing consumer preferences, forming a comprehensive and positive vision for electrified mobility in the UAE.

Source: Noah Wire Services