UAE to Open First Independent SAF Testing Lab in Fujairah

The UAE is set to take a major step forward in the clean-fuel sector as MENA Biofuels signs a landmark agreement with Saybolt International to build the country’s first independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) testing and certification laboratory in Fujairah. The announcement comes on the heels of key industry collaborations formed during ADIPEC 2025, underscoring the growing momentum behind the nation’s push toward aviation decarbonisation.

Planned inside the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, the facility will run under globally recognised testing and certification standards. Once operational, it will provide independent verification to ensure that every batch of SAF produced in the UAE complies with international aviation-fuel requirements for both domestic airlines and global export markets. This move is seen as a crucial piece of infrastructure in building a transparent and fully traceable SAF value chain in the country.

The agreement adds to a series of partnerships MENA Biofuels has secured with major national energy players throughout ADIPEC 2025 and the Dubai Airshow. Recent offtake MoUs with Emarat, ENOC, ADNOC and Evertree have already laid the groundwork for a complete ecosystem covering feedstock, production, testing, certification and delivery to airlines. Together, these developments reflect the UAE’s growing role in shaping the future of cleaner aviation fuel across the region.

With the new laboratory set to deploy advanced instruments for fuel analysis, lifecycle-emission verification and feedstock traceability, Fujairah is expected to emerge as a high-quality hub for SAF certification. The initiative also supports the country’s ongoing preparations to launch its first commercial SAF production facility in the emirate—an important milestone in positioning the UAE as a regional centre for sustainable-fuel innovation and export-grade quality assurance.

By establishing this independent lab, the UAE strengthens its ability to meet rising global demand for verified, reliable and sustainable aviation fuel—marking another decisive step toward cleaner skies and a more competitive aviation future.