Dubai Municipality joins hands with firms to produce SAF from waste

Dubai Municipality announced that it has entered in an agreement with N.V.Besix S.A., Marubeni Middle East and Africa Power Limited (MAMEA), and ENOC Marketing to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from waste.

“[The project] will play a significant role in advancing UAE’s national objectives by expediting carbon removal from the aviation sector and enhancing the country’s stature as a regional hub for low-carbon aviation fuel. It will also assist in the waste management operations in Dubai, aligning with the strategic targets of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, and the 2031 National Hydrogen Policy,” said Dawoud Al Hajri, director general, Dubai Municipality.

The planned project will utilise technologies to treat mixed solid municipal waste, organic waste and green hydrogen produced from sewage treatment processes to produce SAF.

This includes carbon removal from the waste sector (zero waste) and cutting emissions associated with waste management operations.

“The success of the project under study, set for implementation in July 2025, hinges on having the necessary technology and essential materials within Dubai Municipality to produce SAF. These materials include waste and treat sewage water. The project will also involve several investors and other supportive and strategic partners,” added Al Hajri. 

Moreover, Saif Al Falasi, group CEO, ENOC, said: “As the UAE aims to supply 1% of fuel to national airlines at UAE airports using locally produced SAF by 2031, this milestone agreement with Dubai Municipality, Marubeni and BESIX brings us one step closer to producing SAF through innovative processes and the use of green energy.”

Under the MoU, Dubai Municipality is required to supply a specific amount of municipal solid waste per day, which may include a combination of organic waste and green hydrogen produced from sewage treatment.