UAE EV Incentives Confirmed for 2026: Salik Discount, Zero Registration, Free Charging
Priya Mehta·25 April 2026·5 min read
A full rundown of every EV incentive currently in place for UAE car buyers — from DEWA free charging to the 25% Salik discount and zero registration fees extended to 2027.
The UAE operates the most comprehensive EV incentive programme in the Middle East. For 2026, all major incentives have been confirmed as continuing. This article summarises every current incentive, its value, and who qualifies.
What We Know
1. DEWA Free Public Charging (Dubai)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) offers free public charging for non-commercial electric passenger vehicles on its EV Green Charger network until December 31, 2026.
- Applicable to: All battery electric vehicles registered in UAE
- Does not apply to: Commercial EVs, PHEVs (charge at a reduced rate), taxis
- Network size: 804 charging points across Dubai
- Annual value estimate: AED 1,800–2,400 for a driver covering 15,000 km/year
2. Annual Registration Fee Waiver
Zero registration fees for all BEV passenger vehicles, extended to December 31, 2027.
- Annual saving: AED 890–2,300 depending on vehicle value
- Applies to: Initial registration and annual renewals
- Does not apply to: PHEVs, mild hybrids, full hybrids
3. RTA Dubai Salik Toll Discount (25%)
Dubai's Salik electronic toll system applies a 25% discount on all toll charges for registered BEV and PHEV vehicles.
- Annual value (typical Dubai commuter): AED 600–900
- Applicable to: All battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
4. Free Salik Tags for EVs (New 2026)
New for 2026: RTA Dubai offers one free Salik tag for newly registered EVs in Dubai — a AED 50 saving plus activation convenience.
5. Preferential Parking in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi offers two free hours of parking per day in paid public parking for EVs registered in the emirate, across 15 designated green parking zones.
- Annual value: AED 500–1,500 depending on frequency of use
6. ADNOC EV Charging Discount (Abu Dhabi)
ADNOC Distribution offers a 20% discount on AC charging at its EV-capable petrol stations across Abu Dhabi for vehicles with an ADNOC SmartPay app.
Total Annual Incentive Summary
| Incentive | Annual Value (Est.) |
|---|---|
| DEWA free charging | AED 1,800–2,400 |
| Registration fee waiver | AED 1,540 |
| 25% Salik discount | AED 700 |
| Abu Dhabi free parking | AED 800 |
| ADNOC charging discount | AED 200 |
| Total | AED 5,040–5,640 |
What Happens Next
DEWA has indicated that per-kWh pricing will be introduced from 2027. The Ministry of Energy has confirmed EV registration fee waivers are under review for 2028 onwards. CarsXT will monitor all incentive policy changes and update this guide.