Decarbonising Mobility: The Rise of Electric Buses in the MENA Landscape

As cities across the MENA rethink the future of urban mobility, one solution is rapidly gaining ground which is electric buses. Quiet, clean, and increasingly cost-effective, electric buses are redefining how we move through our cities. But what will it take for MENA cities to shift gears and fully embrace this technology?

A new report from UITP, “Decarbonising Mobility: The Rise of Electric Buses in the MENA Landscape,” unpacks this question with precision and purpose.

From environmental imperatives to economic analyses, this report is one of the region’s most comprehensive guide yet to the electric bus transition, and it’s a must-read for transport authorities, policymakers, operators, and anyone shaping the future of electric mobility in the region.

The report delivers an overview of how electric buses are reshaping global public transport. With interest in battery electric buses (BEBs) rising across the region, the report maps out:

• Where MENA cities stand today on electric bus adoption
• Decarbonisation targets shaping future mobility strategies
• Key enablers and barriers to electrification from charging infrastructure to financing and policy
• Real-world lessons from early adopters in MENA
• Economic, environmental, and social gains, backed by Total Cost of Ownership and Economic Net Present Value analyses

Cities in MENA are facing rising populations, deteriorating air quality, and climate responsibilities. Electric buses represent more than just a technology shift, they’re a gateway to healthier and more sustainable cities.

The report makes a compelling case for regional collaboration, urging cities to share lessons, align on standards, and co-invest in infrastructure. It also discusses how investing in human

capital skilled teams to operate and maintain BEBs is just as critical as investing in fleets and charging systems.

And it reminds us that the transition to electric should not replace but rather reinforce the importance of public transport itself as the backbone of sustainable urban mobility.

Whether you’re in government, the private sector, academia, or advocacy, this report offers:

Discover the report here on MyLibrary