In a groundbreaking development for the aviation industry, Dubai-based Lootah Biofuels is gearing up to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) within the UAE. This initiative is a crucial component in the country’s broader strategy to decarbonise its aviation sector and will be officially unveiled at the highly anticipated Dubai Airshow later this year.
Founded in 2010, Lootah Biofuels takes pride in being the Middle East’s first commercial biofuel producer. The company has developed a comprehensive three-phase roadmap for SAF rollout in the market, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The initial phase involves importing SAF to meet immediate market demand. This approach not only supports the aviation sector but also sets the foundation for local advancements in sustainable energy solutions. The medium-term goal includes establishing a local production facility to foster sustainability within the UAE.
In the longer term, Lootah Biofuels aims to localise full-scale production, enhancing energy security, reducing reliance on imports, and creating green jobs in the process. This vision aligns with the UAE’s ambitions to become a global leader in sustainability.
Dedicated Production Plant
Lootah Biofuels has already completed essential feasibility and engineering studies for setting up a specialised SAF plant in the UAE. As they work towards this goal, the company is also partnering with international facilities to broaden its portfolio of bio-based products.
The SAF produced by Lootah Biofuels is derived from used cooking oil (UCO) and waste-derived fats, ensuring compliance with ASTM D7566-24 and ICAO CORSIA standards. This innovative approach allows for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Moreover, Lootah’s SAF can be blended with Jet A-1 fuel at ratios of up to 50%, providing a cleaner combustion process with ultra-low sulfur content. These features make it an attractive option for airlines striving to reduce their environmental footprint.
Yousif Lootah, CEO of Lootah Biofuels, stated, “As one of the first local suppliers of SAF, we are proud to launch SAF in the UAE market and showcase it at Dubai Airshow to local and international stakeholders and leading companies in the aviation industry.”
Aligning with the UAE’s Net-Zero Vision
Nationally, the UAE has prioritised sustainable aviation as part of its ambitious Net Zero 2050 strategy. Major airlines in the region, including Emirates and Etihad, have already made significant strides in SAF adoption. Emirates recently secured over 3 million gallons of blended SAF for the years 2024 and 2025 from Neste, along with 3,000 metric tonnes of neat SAF supplied by Shell Aviation at London Heathrow.
Etihad has also been a leader in this realm, spearheading the Boeing Greenliner Programme since 2019 to accelerate aviation sustainability initiatives. The continuous efforts by these airlines showcase a collective commitment to green aviation.
Lootah Biofuels’ entry into the SAF market reflects this broader momentum within the UAE, where the emphasis is not just on reducing carbon emissions but also on diversifying energy sources for future sustainability.
Yousif Lootah elaborated, “This initiative reflects Lootah Biofuels’ sustainable commitment to innovation, reinforces our alignment with the UAE’s sustainability vision, and brings us closer to our aspirations of collaborating with global aviation partners to accelerate decarbonisation.”
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