A Green Step For A Sustainable Future: Gulf Green Mobility Forum Shines In Salalah
September 9, 2025By OSW News by Swathi Suresh
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Salalah, Oman – The Gulf Green Mobility Forum unfolded in Salalah on August 31, bringing together policymakers, innovators, industry leaders and the public under the theme “A Green Step for a Sustainable Future.” Organized by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and held under the patronage of Eng. Saeed bin Mohammed bin Salem Tabook, Director-General of Roads and Land Transport in Dhofar, the Forum marked a defining moment for the Gulf’s journey towards low-carbon transport solutions.
At the heart of the Forum was the Sustainable Mobility Expo, where visitors had the chance to experience the latest innovations in clean transportation. From electric vehicles and smart bikes to renewable-energy charging tools, the exhibition brought future-ready technologies into the public sphere. Entrepreneurs and startups also showcased pioneering solutions, sparking conversations with potential investors and partners, and reinforcing the Gulf’s capacity to lead in innovation. Beyond technology, the Forum served as a strategic dialogue platform. Policy discussions and workshops featured experts from across the GCC who shared insights on embedding sustainability into national transport strategies. These conversations strengthened the region’s alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and highlighted the economic opportunities linked to green infrastructure. Earlier virtual sessions with the GCC General Secretariat helped lay the groundwork for outcomes that balance environmental goals with economic growth.
Workshops further enriched the agenda, including programs such as “Gulf Youth Leading Change” and “Green Corridors for Gulf Ports,” which empowered young leaders and industry stakeholders to take ownership of the sustainability agenda. By fostering collaboration across communities, the Forum positioned green mobility not only as a technological transition but as a cultural shift driven by shared responsibility.
As the first event of its kind in the GCC, the Gulf Green Mobility Forum in Salalah showcased how innovation, policy, and community engagement can come together to create tangible change. It underscored the importance of public participation, demonstrated the power of new technologies, and reinforced the need for coordinated regional strategies. More than a forum, it was a milestone signaling that the Gulf is prepared to embrace a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient future of transportation. The discussions and demonstrations in Salalah have set the stage for what comes next: the rollout of infrastructure, policies, and services that make sustainable transport a reality. The Forum’s legacy will be measured not only in commitments made but in the way the Gulf countries collectively act to turn these green steps into lasting pathways toward net-zero mobility.
U.S. Tax Rules and Their Ripple Effect on GCC EV Markets The U.S. has reshaped its electric vehicle (EV) landscape through the Inflation Reduction Act and subsequent tax reforms, which tie consumer tax credits to strict conditions on vehicle assembly and battery sourcing. Only EVs produced in North America and with approved supply chains qualify, effectively excluding a large share of Chinese-made EVs. Parallel to this, Washington has imposed steep tariffs—up to 100 percent on Chinese EVs and 25 percent on lithium-ion batteries—further discouraging Chinese exports to the American market.
For manufacturers in China, which dominate global EV production, these measures have dramatically narrowed access to the U.S. consumer base. As a result, attention has shifted to alternative growth destinations where trade barriers are fewer and demand for clean mobility is rising. The Gulf region, with its expanding EV infrastructure, favorable taxation, and commitment to green growth, has become one of the most attractive options.
In markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this realignment is already visible. Auto companies are taking advantage of low local VAT rates and a supportive regulatory environment to bring competitively priced EVs into the region. The shift is also sparking new trade and supply chain relationships, with Chinese EV makers and battery producers increasingly looking at the GCC as a strategic foothold for global expansion.
The impact of U.S. tax rules therefore extends well beyond its borders. By closing off its market to Chinese EVs, the United States has indirectly accelerated the Gulf’s rise as a central player in the global green mobility transition. For forums such as the recent gathering in Salalah, this context highlights how international policy decisions are shaping opportunities for the region to position itself not just as a consumer, but as a hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable transport leadership.
