Abu Dhabi’s Groundbreaking Step in Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Abu Dhabi has recently witnessed a significant development in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector. MENA Biofuels has entered into a landmark agreement with Saybolt International, a distinguished leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. This partnership aims to establish the UAE’s first independent SAF testing and certification laboratory in Fujairah, setting the stage for enhanced sustainability in aviation fuel.
The Significance of the Agreement
This partnership is not merely a formality; it follows a series of strategic dialogues held during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025). The collaboration is emblematic of the growing momentum in the region’s energy transition, positioning MENA Biofuels as a key player in building a comprehensive SAF value chain. This includes everything from sourcing feedstock to the final stages of production and distribution.
Location and Operational Standards
The new laboratory will be strategically located within the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, ensuring easy access to essential resources for SAF testing. It will operate under internationally recognized standards, thus providing independent verification and certification. Such measures are crucial to guarantee that the SAF produced within the UAE adheres to global aviation fuel requirements, both for local consumption and international markets.
Commitment to Transparency and Trust
Mohamed Saeed Al Raqbani, chairman of MENA Biofuels, emphasized the importance of transparency in creating a globally trusted SAF ecosystem. “Establishing this laboratory in Fujairah ensures that every litre of SAF produced in the UAE is tested, verified and certified to the highest international standards,” he stated. This commitment is vital for fostering a transparent supply chain that stakeholders can rely on.
Advancing Technology in SAF Analysis
Gati Al Jebouri, CEO of MENA Biofuels, shared his insights on the progress since ADIPEC 2025. He noted that this partnership brings together the necessary technology and expertise to elevate the UAE’s SAF offerings. The intention is to meet rigorous global quality and sustainability benchmarks, making this collaboration a significant leap for the region’s aviation sector.
Building a Strong Analytical Framework
Saybolt’s president, Peter Boks, sees this partnership as a crucial move towards establishing a robust analytical framework for SAF in the region. The lab will feature cutting-edge instruments and internationally recognized procedures to evaluate SAF properties accurately. It will also trace feedstock origins and verify lifecycle emissions, ensuring that the UAE’s SAF production aligns with global sustainability mandates.
Supporting Regulatory Compliance
The independent certification and quality assurance offered by Saybolt are designed to enhance regulatory compliance, promote global trade, and strengthen the UAE’s SAF value chain. This is essential as countries worldwide ramp up their efforts to transition to more sustainable fuel alternatives. By adhering to global standards, the UAE positions itself as a credible player in the international aviation market.
Expanding MENA Biofuels’ Strategic Partnerships
This agreement is just one of many that MENA Biofuels revealed during ADIPEC 2025 and the Dubai Airshow. The company has also secured offtake memoranda of understanding with major stakeholders like Emarat, ENOC, ADNOC, and Evertree. Together, these partnerships build a comprehensive framework that encompasses feedstock sourcing, production, certification, and distribution, reinforcing the UAE’s stature as a leader in sustainable fuel innovation.
Fujairah’s Role in Clean Fuel Innovation
Looking ahead, the laboratory supports MENA Biofuels’ mission to launch the UAE’s inaugural commercial SAF production facility in Fujairah. This initiative positions the emirate as a regional hub for clean-fuel innovation and certification excellence, paving the way for the UAE to meet both domestic and export-grade quality assurance.
The establishment of this laboratory and its subsequent operations mark a pivotal moment in the journey towards sustainable aviation fuels in the UAE, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility and economic growth in the aviation sector. This step is not just about aviation; it resonates with the broader goals of sustainability and innovation that are increasingly shaping the global energy landscape.