Emirates and ENOC Group Sign MoU to Explore SAF Supply in Dubai
Emirates and ENOC Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential collaboration to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Emirates’ hub in Dubai.
The MoU, signed during the Dubai Airshow by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, and Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group, establishes a framework for feasibility studies to assess SAF supply opportunities in the UAE. The studies will cover infrastructure requirements, potential production capacity, and commercial considerations. A joint steering committee will oversee the evaluation and guide the next steps.
Adel Al Redha said that the partnership supports Emirates’ ongoing efforts to understand how SAF can be integrated into its operations. He noted that developing access to reliable SAF supply in Dubai remains a priority, while acknowledging the challenges related to global supply and production.
Hussain Sultan Lootah highlighted ENOC’s interest in supporting the development of a local SAF value chain. He noted alignment with the UAE’s objective to supply 1% of jet fuel to national airlines from locally produced SAF by 2031, and with the country’s broader Net Zero by 2050 pathway.
SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel at up to 50%. It offers lower lifecycle carbon emissions and can be used within existing aircraft and airport systems. In recent years, Emirates has worked with government entities and industry partners on SAF-related initiatives, including contributions to the development of national SAF policy, participation in technical working groups, and support for the UAE’s power-to-liquid fuels roadmap.
The airline has also operated SAF demonstration flights, including a Boeing 777 flight in 2023 using 100% SAF in one engine and an A380 demonstration flight the same year. Emirates has sourced SAF at several international airports, including Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Oslo, Singapore, Paris, Lyon, and Nice, amounting to 7,519 tonnes during the 2024–25 financial year.
The MoU with ENOC aims to evaluate further the viability of establishing SAF supply in Dubai and to explore the steps required to support future production and distribution.
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