The Middle East’s Growing Momentum for SAF and eFuels
The push to decarbonise aviation has never been stronger. As global airlines ramp up their net-zero commitments, the Middle East is emerging as a strategic hotspot for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and eFuel production. Well-known for world-class aviation hubs, the region also benefits from abundant renewable energy resources, ambitious policy frameworks, and a willingness to invest heavily in emerging clean technologies. This could position the Middle East as a critical player in reshaping aviation: an opportunity which will be showcased, supported, and developed at the upcoming Global Sustainable Aviation Markets (GSAM) from February 10-12 in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and supported by ICAO and Sustainable Aviation Futures.
The Middle East’s role as a global crossroads and aviation hub provides ample demand for low-carbon jet fuels. Carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad are already recognised as leaders in long-haul travel, creating a ready market for large-scale SAF and e-fuels. Meanwhile, government-driven programs (such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and Qatar’s National Vision 2030) continue to assign capital for solar, wind, and other green technologies. These expansive infrastructure projects can serve as the backbone for producing green hydrogen.
Concrete steps are already underway across the Middle East to translate these strategies into operational projects. While some remain in pilot or feasibility stages, several have moved toward commercial production:
Masdar, TotalEnergies, and Siemens Energy demonstrator plant project, Masdar City
TotalEnergies, Masdar and Siemens Energy signed a collaboration agreement at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2022 to act as co-developers on a green hydrogen project which aims to establish demonstrator plant at Masdar City for green hydrogen production to convert carbon dioxide into SAF
ADNOC’s Ruwais Refinery, Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company was the first company in the Middle East to receive International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC) for the production of SAF. The ISCC EU/CORSIA PLUS co-processing international certification enables ADNOC to supply its SAF to international airlines at Abu Dhabi Airport. It is produced from used cooking oil feedstock that is blended with jet fuel.
SATORP’s Jubail Plant, Jubail Industrial City
SATORP, a joint venture between Aramco and TotalEnergies, is producing SAF from used cooking oil, certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC+) and aims to produce 1.5m tons per annum of SAF by 2030.
These projects indicate a regional trend toward utilising existing infrastructure and expertise in the production of SAF, streamlining the production process and helping drive down costs.
Regulatory measures, such as the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate, are propelling demand for SAF, however global production still lags behind targets. As SAF and eFuels mature, the Middle East’s strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa could make it a vital export and transit hub, and as regional players already possess the refining capabilities, investment capacity, and international networks to ramp up supply faster than many other regions, MENA could plug supply gaps and help the industry meet targets,
Global SAF Sector Engagement in the MENA Region
For airlines, energy majors, and technology providers worldwide, the Middle East offers a gateway to the future of sustainable aviation. Partnering with regional firms provides access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong government support in line with the previously mentioned government programmes, and an established aviation market.
Set to bring together major aviation and energy stakeholders with global government, Global Sustainable Aviation Markets will be a critical forum for exploring these developments in the region and worldwide. Attendees will learn firsthand about production timelines, financing mechanisms, technological innovations, and the regulatory environment shaping SAF, LCAF, and eFuels. Through panel discussions and ample networking opportunities, the event provides the perfect backdrop to spark new partnerships and investments that will accelerate the aviation decarbonisation revolution.