A major step toward cleaner, faster, and more accessible electric mobility
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy has unveiled Barq, a landmark electric vehicle (EV) charging initiative aimed at transforming the emirate’s clean mobility landscape. Designed to accelerate the shift toward sustainable transport, Barq delivers high-capacity, ultra-fast charging infrastructure across strategic locations in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to emissions reduction and environmental stewardship.
As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow in the UAE, the availability of fast, reliable, and widely accessible charging infrastructure has become a defining factor in consumer confidence. Barq directly addresses this need by introducing one of the most advanced public EV charging networks in the region, ensuring drivers can charge quickly and conveniently without disrupting their daily routines.
Collaboration driving innovation in clean transport
Barq has been launched by the Department of Energy in partnership with TAQA Distribution, combining regulatory leadership with operational expertise. This collaboration reflects a broader government-led approach to sustainability, where public entities work together to deliver practical solutions that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The initiative has been designed with a strong user-first philosophy. Beyond speed and technical performance, Barq focuses on reliability, ease of access, and a seamless charging experience. This approach supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to build an integrated sustainable mobility ecosystem powered by advanced infrastructure and smart energy solutions.
High-capacity chargers at key destinations
At the core of the Barq initiative is the deployment of more than 50 ultra-fast electric vehicle chargers, each offering a capacity of 360 kilowatts. These chargers have been installed at carefully selected, high-traffic locations across the emirate to maximize accessibility and impact.
In Abu Dhabi city, charging stations have been rolled out at prominent destinations such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, Mina Market, and Burjeel Hospital, Mohammed Bin Zayed City. These locations serve a diverse mix of cultural, commercial, and healthcare needs, ensuring that EV drivers can charge their vehicles while attending to everyday activities.
The network also extends beyond the capital into Al Ain and Al Dhafra, with chargers installed at UAE University, Tawam Hospital, Al Jimi Mall, and City Mall, Madinat Zayed. This geographic spread highlights the DoE’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across the emirate, rather than limiting innovation to urban centers alone.
Speed and convenience redefining EV charging
One of Barq’s most compelling features is charging speed. The ultra-fast chargers are capable of delivering approximately 100 kilometers of driving range in around three minutes, dramatically reducing waiting times compared to conventional public charging solutions. This level of performance places Abu Dhabi among global leaders in EV charging technology and addresses one of the most common concerns associated with electric vehicles: range anxiety.
For daily commuters, fleet operators, and long-distance travelers, this speed translates into real-world convenience. Short charging stops can now be seamlessly integrated into daily schedules, making electric vehicles a more practical and attractive option for a wider segment of the population.
Incentives designed to encourage adoption
In addition to technological advancement, Barq introduces a customer incentive model aimed at encouraging repeat usage and wider adoption of electric vehicles. Under this model, every fourth charging session is free after three completed paid sessions. This incentive structure not only rewards loyal users but also lowers the overall cost of ownership for EV drivers over time.
Such measures reflect a deeper understanding that infrastructure alone is not enough to drive behavioral change. By combining speed, accessibility, and financial incentives, Barq removes multiple barriers that might otherwise slow the transition to electric mobility.
Strategic launch aligned with sustainability milestones
The first phase of the Barq charging network has been scheduled to become operational on January 13, 2026. The timing has been deliberately aligned with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, one of the region’s most influential platforms for advancing sustainable development and clean energy dialogue.
During the Sustainability Week period, the charging service will be available free of charge to visitors. This temporary open-access model is expected to generate strong public interest, introduce new users to EV charging, and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainability innovation.
Leadership perspective on sustainable mobility
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy, emphasized the strategic importance of Barq in Abu Dhabi’s long-term mobility vision. He highlighted that the initiative represents a critical step in delivering an advanced charging network that combines speed, reliability, and user-centric design.
According to the DoE leadership, Barq also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to maintain a leadership position in sustainable energy while delivering tangible value to society. By supporting cleaner transport options, the initiative contributes directly to improved air quality, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced quality of life across the emirate.
Supporting national policies and long-term goals
Barq has been developed in alignment with the UAE’s broader environmental and transport strategies, including the National Air Quality Agenda 2031 and the UAE National Electric Vehicles Policy. These frameworks set ambitious targets for reducing emissions and increasing the share of electric and hybrid vehicles on the nation’s roads.
One of the key long-term objectives supported by Barq is the goal for electric and hybrid vehicles to account for 50 percent of all vehicles by 2050. By investing early in high-performance charging infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is laying the groundwork for this transition, ensuring that future growth in EV adoption is supported by resilient and scalable energy systems.
Building a smarter, cleaner transport future
Beyond its immediate benefits, Barq represents a foundational investment in Abu Dhabi’s sustainable future. As transport remains a significant contributor to urban emissions, initiatives like Barq play a critical role in decarbonizing the sector while supporting economic growth and technological innovation.
By integrating ultra-fast charging into everyday destinations, encouraging usage through incentives, and aligning infrastructure development with national sustainability goals, the Department of Energy has positioned Barq as more than just a charging network. It is a catalyst for behavioral change, technological progress, and environmental responsibility.
As Abu Dhabi continues its journey toward clean mobility, Barq stands as a clear signal of intent: a future where electric vehicles are not the exception, but the norm, supported by world-class infrastructure designed for people, progress, and the planet.
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