MENA Biofuels Partners With Saybolt To Establish UAE's First Sustainable Aviation Fuel Testing Laboratory In Fujairah

MENA Biofuels has entered into a significant agreement with Saybolt International to set up the UAE's first independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) testing and certification lab in Fujairah. This collaboration follows strategic meetings at ADIPEC 2025, highlighting MENA Biofuels' commitment to developing a comprehensive SAF value chain, from sourcing to certification.

The laboratory will be situated in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. It will adhere to internationally recognised standards, ensuring that SAF produced in the UAE meets global aviation fuel requirements for both local use and export. Mohamed Saeed Al Raqbani, Chairman of MENA Biofuels, emphasised the importance of this partnership in building a transparent and globally trusted SAF ecosystem.

Gati Al Jebouri, CEO of MENA Biofuels, noted that this collaboration signifies tangible progress since ADIPEC 2025. He highlighted the integration of technology and expertise to ensure that UAE's SAF aligns with global quality and sustainability benchmarks. The initiative underscores the UAE's leadership in sustainable-fuel innovation.

Peter Boks, President of Saybolt, remarked on the significance of this collaboration in establishing a robust analytical framework for SAF in the region. He stated that the new lab would feature advanced instrumentation and operate under international standards. This setup will allow precise characterisation of SAF properties and verification of lifecycle emissions.

The agreement is part of MENA Biofuels' broader strategy announced during ADIPEC 2025 and the Dubai Airshow. It includes partnerships with Emarat, ENOC, ADNOC, and Evertree for feedstock, production, certification, and distribution. These initiatives collectively reinforce the UAE's role in global aviation decarbonisation efforts.

By providing independent certification and quality assurance, Saybolt aims to support regulatory compliance and facilitate global trade. The lab will also ensure traceability of feedstock origins. This step is crucial for underpinning the integrity of the UAE’s SAF value chain.

This milestone advances MENA Biofuels’ mission to operationalise the UAE’s first commercial SAF production facility in Fujairah. It positions Fujairah as a regional hub for clean-fuel innovation and certification excellence. The emirate is set to become a leader in export-grade quality assurance for sustainable fuels.

The establishment of this laboratory marks a significant step forward for both MENA Biofuels and Saybolt International. Their partnership aims to create a reliable framework for SAF testing and certification within the region. This development supports ongoing efforts towards sustainable aviation fuel solutions globally.

With inputs from WAM