How the UAE’s Zero-Emission Plan Impacts Petrol Car Resale Value
Last updated: 12 November 2025
The UAE is accelerating toward a cleaner, electric future — and that shift is reshaping how petrol car owners think about resale value. With the government’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars may soon find themselves facing depreciation faster than expected.
Let’s explore how the UAE’s zero-emission roadmap is changing the used-car landscape — and what it means if you own or plan to buy a petrol-powered vehicle.
The UAE’s Road to Zero Emissions
In October 2021, the UAE became the first Middle Eastern nation to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, marking a massive national transition toward renewable energy and sustainable mobility.
These policies signal a structural shift: as the UAE invests in EV charging networks and green infrastructure, petrol vehicles may lose both demand and long-term resale appeal.
Petrol Car Depreciation: The New Reality
Depreciation is nothing new — but the speed of depreciation for petrol cars is changing.
According to a WAM report, the government’s push toward sustainability is expected to accelerate EV demand while gradually reducing ICE incentives.
Factors Driving Faster Depreciation:
- Incentives for EVs: Free parking, toll exemptions, and green registration plates, as detailed in Cash Your Car UAE’s EV Guide.
- Reduced fuel appeal: With the UAE promoting renewables, fuel subsidies may decline.
- Technological shift: EVs offer lower maintenance and operational costs — appealing to a growing share of new buyers.
This doesn’t mean petrol cars will vanish overnight, but their resale trajectory will likely slope downward as EV infrastructure expands.
What Experts and Brands Are Saying
EV brands are already preparing for a post-petrol world. BYD UAE projects that by the early 2030s, petrol vehicles could face reduced privileges, like higher parking or toll fees.
Meanwhile, academic research such as the MDPI Analysis on UAE EV Adoption shows consumers across income levels are increasingly seeing EVs as “smart investments” rather than luxuries.
What Petrol Car Owners Should Do Now
If you currently own a petrol car in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you don’t need to panic — but you should plan ahead.
- Sell sooner if possible — before the EV market grows too dominant.
- Consider hybrid models — a balanced option for smoother resale value.
- Explore used EV options — prices are becoming competitive thanks to greater availability and government backing.
To understand how this might play out, read our related articles:
Verdict: Petrol Still Has Life, But the Clock Is Ticking
While petrol SUVs and sedans remain popular in Dubai, the zero-emission transition is irreversible. The resale market will increasingly reward fuel-efficient and electrified models as government policies tighten and infrastructure expands.
If you’re planning to sell or upgrade, timing matters. Explore verified used car listings across Dubai today at Auto Trader UAE — your trusted marketplace for both petrol and electric vehicles.
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