Emirates and ENOC Partner to Develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Dubai

Emirates and ENOC Group Partner to Explore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Supply in Dubai

In a significant development for the aviation sector within the Middle East, Emirates and the ENOC Group have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at establishing a robust supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Signed during the Dubai Airshow 2025, this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents a critical step toward integrating low-carbon fuel solutions directly into the operations of Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world’s busiest international hub. We view this collaboration as a pivotal moment that aligns the operational needs of a major global carrier with the logistical capabilities of a leading integrated energy player.

The agreement brings together two of the United Arab Emirates’ most influential entities: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, and ENOC Group, a global energy provider. The primary objective of this collaboration is to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies. These studies will focus on the infrastructure, supply chains, and local production capabilities required to make SAF a commercially viable reality for the airline. By focusing on local supply, the partnership aims to reduce reliance on imported biofuels and secure a dedicated energy stream for the region’s aviation sector.

This initiative is not merely a corporate agreement but a direct response to the UAE’s broader environmental strategies. The partnership supports the national goal of supplying 1% of fuel to national airlines from locally produced SAF by 2031. As the industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonize, we see this move as a necessary transition from voluntary demonstration flights to establishing the permanent infrastructure required for consistent daily operations.

Strategic Framework and National Goals

The core of this MoU involves the establishment of a joint steering committee. This body will be responsible for guiding the assessments and navigating the complex logistics of introducing a new fuel type into an established ecosystem. The scope of the agreement covers the entire value chain, from assessing potential local production facilities to determining how the fuel will be blended, stored, and delivered to aircraft. This structured approach ensures that every technical and commercial aspect is evaluated before physical implementation begins.

Contextually, this partnership is anchored in the UAE’s General Policy for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The government has set ambitious targets, including a goal to produce 700 million liters of SAF annually by 2030. Furthermore, the region is actively developing a Power-to-Liquid (PtL) roadmap. This strategy seeks to leverage the UAE’s abundant solar energy resources to produce synthetic fuels, positioning the nation as a potential leader in the next generation of clean energy production. The collaboration between Emirates and ENOC is a practical application of these high-level government policies.

For Emirates, securing a supply of SAF at its home base is a strategic priority. While the airline has previously uplifted SAF at various international outstations, including Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Paris, Lyon, and Oslo, establishing a supply line in Dubai is essential for scaling its sustainability efforts. This agreement signals a shift from sporadic international procurement to developing a self-sufficient domestic ecosystem.

“Establishing reliable SAF supply in our Dubai hub is a key priority, and this collaboration allows us to assess the most viable pathways for integration. We recognize there’s significant work ahead to address supply constraints and infrastructure requirements, but partnerships like this are essential to identifying practical solutions.”, Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates

Technical Pathways and Infrastructure Challenges

A major component of the feasibility studies will be the technical integration of SAF into existing airport infrastructure. SAF is known as a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be blended with conventional Jet A-1 fuel, currently up to a limit of 50%, without requiring modifications to aircraft engines or airport fueling systems. However, the logistics of blending and transporting this fuel to the hydrant systems at Dubai International Airport require meticulous planning to ensure safety and efficiency.

The partnership is expected to explore multiple production pathways. In the short term, the focus is likely to be on HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, which utilizes cooking oil and animal fats. This is currently the most mature and commercially available method for producing biofuels. ENOC Group has already demonstrated activity in this space, having signed agreements to establish SAF production plants in Fujairah and supplying SAF to private aviation sectors during the Airshow.

Looking toward the longer term, the feasibility studies may also encompass Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technologies. PtL involves using renewable electricity and captured carbon dioxide to create synthetic kerosene. While this technology is still in developmental stages compared to HEFA, it is viewed by industry experts as the “holy grail” for aviation in arid regions where biomass for traditional biofuels is scarce. We anticipate that the joint steering committee will evaluate the commercial viability of these advanced technologies as part of their roadmap.

“This MoU with Emirates reflects our shared commitment to developing local SAF production and the infrastructure needed to make low-carbon aviation a reality. As the UAE works toward supplying 1% of jet fuel to national airlines from locally produced SAF by 2031, we believe this collaboration brings us a step closer to that goal.”, Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO, ENOC Group

Concluding Section

The collaboration between Emirates and ENOC Group marks a definitive step toward maturing the sustainable aviation fuel market in the Middle East. By moving beyond simple procurement and focusing on the development of local infrastructure and production, the partnership addresses the core challenges of availability and scalability that have historically hindered the widespread adoption of SAF. The success of this initiative will depend on the findings of the feasibility studies and the subsequent speed at which physical infrastructure can be deployed.

As the 2031 deadline for the UAE’s national SAF targets approaches, the industry will be watching the outcomes of this MoU closely. If successful, this partnership could serve as a blueprint for how national carriers and energy providers can collaborate to de-risk investment in low-carbon technologies. We expect that the results of these studies will likely influence future regulatory frameworks and investment strategies across the region’s aviation and energy sectors.

FAQ

What is the main goal of the partnership between Emirates and ENOC Group?
The primary goal is to conduct feasibility studies to establish a framework for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Emirates’ hub in Dubai, focusing on infrastructure, blending, and local production.

What is the UAE’s target for Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2031?
The UAE government has set a voluntary target to supply 1% of fuel to national airlines at UAE airports using locally produced SAF by 2031.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
SAF is a “drop-in” fuel produced from sustainable resources such as waste oils or synthetic processes. It can be blended with conventional jet fuel without requiring modifications to aircraft or engines.

Sources

• Emirates Media Centre