- Who Runs Charging Networks in Each Emirate?
- Can a DEWA Card Be Used in Abu Dhabi?
- Why the Restriction?
- How Do You Actually Charge in Abu Dhabi as a Visitor or Non-Local?
- Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi: Feature and Policy Comparison
- Technical and Strategic Insights
- Practical Tips for EV Owners in Abu Dhabi
With the UAE accelerating its shift to electric mobility, knowing the ins and outs of public charging infrastructure is essential for every EV owner or buyer. For those who regularly drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the question is critical: can a Dubai-issued DEWA “EV Green Charger” card unlock charging in the capital, or are you facing two parallel systems? Here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis.
Who Runs Charging Networks in Each Emirate?
Dubai:
Managed by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), running the EV “Green Charger” network with over 400 charge points, for users with Green Charger cards linked to vehicles registered via Dubai’s RTA.
Abu Dhabi:
Public charging is under Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC), requiring local registration and operating under a dedicated tariff and account-based structure.
Can a DEWA Card Be Used in Abu Dhabi?
Short Answer: No, a Dubai-issued DEWA Green Charger card will not work for charging your car in Abu Dhabi, because the two emirates’ charging networks, billing, and user authentication systems are separate as of late 2025.
Abu Dhabi’s “Charge AD” (Charge Abu Dhabi) brand runs its own unified network, and payment systems are not (yet) integrated with DEWA’s.
Users need to register with the Abu Dhabi utilities (ADDC/AADC) or use available alternatives (contactless bank cards, mobile apps, or QR) to access public charging.
Why the Restriction?
Each emirate has regulatory authority over its own electricity distribution, billing, and network development; user authentication is tied directly to the local utility.
While charging connectors (Type2/CCS) are standardized across UAE, the backend software—i.e., recognizing and authenticating cards—operates separately.
Some “Guest Mode” payment/QC options exist at DEWA stations, but they only apply within Dubai.
How Do You Actually Charge in Abu Dhabi as a Visitor or Non-Local?
Use a contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard) or the relevant charging provider’s app—most stations under “Charge AD” support NFC/contactless and/or QR code.
Register an account with ADDC or the local provider if you expect to use Abu Dhabi stations frequently—for natives, a local RFID or mobile authentication may yield lower tariffs or subscription models.
Abu Dhabi’s new network (as of 2025) offers 1,000+ public chargers strategically placed at malls, hotels, commerce districts, and arterial roads.
Unified tariffs: AED 0.70/kWh for standard AC, AED 1.20/kWh for DC fast chargers.
Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi: Feature and Policy Comparison
Technical and Strategic Insights
Experts expect some future integration as UAE national EV-systems unify, but as of 2025, travelers must prepare for separate registrations.
Multiple device/app options are recommended for cross-emirate commuters, as major providers (including ADNOC’s charging platform) are expanding but with non-integrated authentication.
Massive investments are creating 1,000+ public chargers in Abu Dhabi and over 1,200 in Dubai—availability is growing faster than access integration.
Practical Tips for EV Owners in Abu Dhabi
Before intercity trips, check your access rights and register a local account if you plan regular use.
Always keep a loaded bank card and download the local provider app.
For fleet or corporate operations, register comprehensive “fleet” accounts with both ADDC and DEWA to unlock best rates and access.
Monitor for updates: UAE authorities plan greater harmonization, but timelines are still TBA.
