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ABU DHABI / GULF TIME
Zero Gravity, an Emirati advanced technology company and a leading corporation in technology and artificial intelligence across the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the signing of an exclusive memorandum of understanding with the “Nanjin Dragon Bus Co., Ltd” in “Nanjin” province, China who are amongst the leading giants in the field of electric motor manufacturing in China.
According to the stipulations outlined in the memorandum of understanding, Zero Gravity is set to establish a specialized, technologically advanced facility to manufacture buses, light vehicles, and electric vehicles with long-range, high-quality batteries in Abu Dhabi. The goal is to market and promote these engines not only in the UAE, but also in the Arab Gulf states, and the broader Eastern region of the Middle and North Africa.
Zero Gravity plans to commence its project three months from now. This initiative aims to decrease reliance on imported electric cars, and bolster the domestic manufacturing sector of buses, vehicles, and various types of electric motors. It seeks to enhance the contribution of this pivotal sector to the country’s gross domestic product and create job opportunities for hundreds of university and college graduates.
Mr. Tariq Al Hosani, CEO of Zero Gravity, said on this occasion: “Through this significant project, Zero Gravity is investing in converting bus engines, including school buses, from traditional fuel to electric energy-driven engines. Additionally, we will manufacture public transportation buses and other vehicles powered by electric energy, resulting in zero carbon emissions for student and passenger transport. This initiative will make a substantial contribution to preserving the environment and ensuring clean air, positioning the UAE as a pioneer in adopting this advanced approach to modern transportation services.”
Al Hosani further emphasized: “This shift towards using electric engines, buses and vehicles instead of traditional ones will have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions, not only in Abu Dhabi but also across the other emirates. It will also lead to substantial savings in fuel, spare parts and maintenance expenses, aligning with the country’s goals of achieving net zero emissions in the near future”.
Regarding the importance of the electric buses that Zero Gravity Advanced Technology Company intends to produce and manufacture locally, Al Hosani stated: “The new facility will manufacture various types of green buses that will have advanced safety systems, and connected to an electronic application developed and implemented by the company. This ensures that the buses adhere to all safety standards and requirements mandated by the relevant authorities. Additionally, the prices of these buses will be competitive with their traditional counterparts, and regular inspection services will be provided on an ongoing basis.”
Al Hosani revealed that Zero Gravity plans to invest $300 million in constructing and developing this industrial facility. He emphasized that the opportunity is open for companies and investors from both the UAE and abroad to contribute to this significant project.
Al Hosani emphasized the importance of transitioning towards manufacturing and producing electric buses locally rather than solely relying on imports. This move aims to contribute to the growth of the industrial sector in UAE, and creating hundreds of job opportunities for male and female citizens who are graduates of universities, colleges and institutes, particularly those specializing in engineering and related technical fields.
Al Hosani stated: “Upon the commencement of production at the industrial facility and the manufacturing of electric motors and buses, which will be considered the finest, safest and most cost-effective over the medium and long term, we will proceed to market these motors across the Arab Gulf countries and the wider region. This aligns with the significant global interest in adopting green vehicles and minimizing carbon emissions, ultimately contributing to environmental preservation”.