Big Leap from Concept to Construction
When Mena Biofuels unveiled its Sustainable Aviation Fuel concept at Adipec twenty twenty four, the idea looked bold. Only twelve months later bulldozers are preparing land inside the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. Surveys are complete, an internationally recognised technology provider is chosen, and environmental approvals are under way. Phase one investment of two hundred million United States dollars will turn used cooking oil and other waste into one hundred twenty five million litres of certified fuel every year. That single phase covers about eighteen percent of the UAE Sustainable Aviation Fuel target for twenty thirty.
Partnerships Drive Scale
The company has signed an offtake memorandum with Emarat, ensuring immediate local demand and giving airlines a clear pathway to cleaner operations. A second agreement will be announced during the upcoming Dubai Air Show. With phase two the plant will double output to two hundred fifty million litres, equal to thirty six percent of national demand and enough for meaningful exports across the wider Gulf. Importantly, policy expertise from former European Biofuels Association chief Robert Wright is embedded in the team to guarantee global certification and market access.
Non Obvious Advantage
Locating the refinery next to Mena Terminals and deep water port infrastructure means the plant can receive waste feedstocks and ship finished fuel using existing pipelines and berths. This logistical shortcut lowers transport costs and therefore the overall price of sustainable fuel, an often overlooked barrier to widespread airline adoption.
Conclusion
Mena Biofuels rapid progress highlights how decisive collaboration, infrastructure leverage and clear policy direction can translate climate ambitions into steel in the ground. Fujairah is positioning itself as a major supplier of affordable Sustainable Aviation Fuel, advancing both the UAE Net Zero twenty fifty agenda and regional economic diversification.