Dubai: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has granted the first independent Charge Point Operator (CPO) licences to Tesla and UAEV, marking a significant advancement in the Emirate's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. These licences are part of a broader initiative under DEWA's new Regulatory and Licensing Framework aimed at fostering the development and operation of EV charging stations across Dubai. According to Emirates News Agency, the licensing event took place during GITEX Global 2024, where DEWA's MD and CEO, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, officially presented the licences. The event was attended by notable officials including Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of UAEV, along with Mottie Benhamou, Market Leader - Tesla UAE. The new regulatory framework introduced by DEWA is tailored to meet both the current and future demands of EV infrastructure, supporting the Emirate's goal of achieving net-zero carbo n emissions by 2050. It aims to ensure a resilient development of infrastructure that can support the increasing number of EVs while providing a seamless and safe user experience. Al Tayer highlighted DEWA's ongoing commitment to supporting the transition towards electric vehicles in alignment with Dubai's vision for sustainable green mobility. "Since establishing the region's first public EV charging infrastructure in 2014, DEWA has continued to lead in the enhancement of such infrastructures, setting global standards to manage the rising number of electric vehicles in Dubai and the broader UAE," Al Tayer stated. Eng Sharif Al Olama expressed enthusiasm about the UAE's growing EV market and its goals for the future. "With an ambition to have 50% of our total vehicles as electric or hybrid by 2050, receiving the Independent CPO licence is a crucial step for UAEV in expanding the national infrastructure and decarbonizing the transport sector," Al Olama said. Mottie Benhamou of Tesla UAE also commented on th e alignment of Tesla's mission with the UAE's sustainability goals. "By expanding access to efficient and innovative charging solutions, Tesla supports the UAE's efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and encourages the adoption of electric vehicles," Benhamou explained.