Engineer Bader Al Lamki

At ADNOC Distribution and across our industry, service stations are evolving into one-stop mobility hubs that cater to various needs. It’s no longer just about filling up the tank; the quality of coffee is now as important as the quality of the fuel. For that reason, transforming fuel stations into comprehensive, one-stop retail destinations is crucial for building customer loyalty and staying ahead in the evolving fuel, convenience and mobility retail landscape. Modern fuel stations are rapidly evolving. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs), electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, car wash facilities, and well-stocked convenience stores are becoming essential parts of the experience.

A recent report by Consumer Reports on consumer attitudes towards fuel economy highlights that consumers are increasingly looking for fuel stations that offer additional amenities and services to enhance their overall experience. This has always been the strategy at ADNOC Distribution and has enabled the company to transform into an international multi-energy convenience and mobility leader.

The UAE has prioritised the electrification of mobility (emobility), and is seven years into an ambitious plan to decarbonise its infrastructure and energy production. Under the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, the country is pursuing a mix of renewable and nuclear energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century.

According to a report by Deloitte, the region’s EV market is projected to more than triple in size from $2.7bn in 2023 to $7.65bn by 2028. This growth is driven by government initiatives promoting electric vehicles and increased awareness of energy storage solutions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, states that have all publicly outlined their strategic visions for electrification and decarbonisation. In part, this shift requires integrating EV charging infrastructure at fuel stations, transforming them into essential hubs for the new age of mobility. Electric mobility isn’t the only way in which mobility is changing; hydrogen and biofuels will also become increasingly prevalent.

There’s another trend increasingly prevalent in the world of mobility retail: AI and digital technology can help deliver hyper-personalised customer experiences, reduce wait times, and improve store operations.  Eventually, AI will influence all steps in the mobility retail value chain. In the future, AI-enabled tools will also help with site selection, the design of stations themselves, and in-store layout, with predictive analytics providing insights to maximise footfall and profitability.

In May 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) launched the Global EV Market initiative to make the UAE a global hub for electric vehicles (EVs). This project aims for EVs to make up 50 per cent of all vehicles on UAE roads by 2050 and involves partnerships with private sector leaders to develop EV charging stations and service centres. Additionally, the MoEI introduced a National Platform for EV Chargers, which includes a mobile app and a guide for standardising EV charger installations nationwide.

This move presents both challenges and opportunities. Investing in new infrastructure like EV charging stations is capital-intensive and requires partnerships with innovative companies and auto manufacturers. However, these challenges also present opportunities. By diversifying offerings and embracing new technologies, mobility retailers can tap into new revenue streams and enhance their resilience against market volatility.

Where ADNOC Distribution is concerned, our goal is to transform into an international multi-energy, convenience, and mobility leader. With a focus on sustainable growth, customer-centricity, and operational excellence, our aim is to take an active role in shaping the future of the industry.