UAE's first independent SAF testing lab in Fujairah aims to accelerate sustainability commitments

Abu Dhabi , MENA Biofuels and Saybolt International have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to set up the UAE’s very first independent testing and certification lab dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Fujairah. This move could really help improve quality control across the emerging domestic SAF industry and could even enhance the emirate’s export credentials.

From what I’ve read, the plan is for this lab to be situated within the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ), and it will follow internationally recognized standards. Its purpose is to offer independent testing, verification, and lifecycle-emissions certification specifically for SAF produced in the UAE. The partnership was formalized after a series of strategic discussions during ADIPEC 2025. Industry sources say this initiative is part of a broader national strategy aligned with the UAE’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap 2030 and the Net Zero 2050 Vision.

Basically, the goal is to support both local demand and regional exports. The idea is to provide third-party assurance that the fuels meet global aviation standards, plus making sure that any claimed emissions reductions are traceable. As H.E. Mohamed Saeed Al Raqbani, Chairman of MENA Biofuels, put it, “This partnership with Saybolt International underlines our dedication to creating an open and globally trusted SAF ecosystem. Establishing this lab in Fujairah guarantees that every litre of SAF made in the UAE will be tested, verified, and certified following top international norms.”

You see, independent testing and lifecycle verification are becoming more and more crucial for turning SAF into a commercial success. Airlines, regulators, and corporate buyers are increasingly demanding reliable chain-of-custody proof and solid emissions data before they commit to long-term purchase agreements or credits. By having this analytical center in FOIZ, MENA Biofuels and Saybolt hope to reduce turnaround times, streamline logistics, and boost confidence in SAF sourced from the UAE.

Gati Al Jebouri, CEO of MENA Biofuels, added that this collaboration is a concrete example of the progress made since ADIPEC 2025. It’s a real integration of technology, expertise, and shared purpose, aiming to ensure that the UAE’s SAF meets both quality and sustainability standards globally. According to the report, the lab will be fitted with advanced instruments capable of precisely characterizing SAF properties, tracking feedstock origins, and verifying lifecycle emissions.

Saybolt International, which is the fluids testing arm of Core Laboratories Inc., says this move will strengthen analytical capabilities in the region. Peter Boks, president of Saybolt, mentioned, “Our partnership with MENA Biofuels marks a significant step in establishing a strong analytical framework for SAF in this region. The new Fujairah lab will feature state-of-the-art equipment and adhere to globally recognized standards, allowing us to accurately analyze SAF properties, trace feedstock origins, and verify lifecycle emissions. By providing independent certification and quality assurance, we aim to support regulatory compliance, facilitate international trade, and uphold the integrity of the UAE’s SAF supply chain.”

This announcement also coincided with several other commercial partnerships MENA Biofuels announced at ADIPEC 2025 and the Dubai Airshow, including offtake agreements with companies like Emarat, ENOC, ADNOC, and Evertree. The company states that its Fujairah plant will transform used cooking oil and other waste-based feedstocks into low-carbon fuels. The project is expected to make up between 18% and 36% of the UAE’s SAF target for 2030.

For players involved in climate tech in the UAE, there are a couple of practical implications worth noting. First, onshore testing capacity means dependence on overseas labs is reduced, which can speed up certification processes. This could help get SAF to market faster and cut costs for producers and buyers. Second, having local lifecycle emissions verification along the supply chain boosts the credibility of sustainability claims used in corporate reporting and emerging SAF credit markets.

That said, setting up the lab isn’t the only challenge. Certification regimes depend heavily on solid feedstock traceability, accepted lifecycle analysis methods, and clear regulations for emissions accounting. Industry insiders mention that harmonizing lifecycle rules internationally would make UAE-certified SAF easier to trade globally. The report notes that Saybolt’s role is to address these technical and compliance needs, but broader policy alignment will be needed if exports are to significantly scale up.

There are some real-world constraints to keep in mind, too. Waste-based feedstocks like used cooking oil are limited and face competition from other uses. Growing SAF output to meaningful levels often requires a more diverse feedstock base or investment in more advanced, “drop-in” production pathways. Industry data suggests that near-term volume potential from waste lipids may be capped unless new feedstocks are developed or innovative inputs are utilized.

Interestingly enough, the timing of this Fujairah lab is pretty notable. The UAE has signaled ambitions to become a regional SAF hub, and onshore testing and certification capabilities are key enablers for that. By integrating production, testing, and established off-take agreements within the same industrial ecosystem, MENA Biofuels seems to be aiming for vertical integration, controlling quality and shortening the overall commercial cycle.

The original report mentions that Mercantile & Maritime Group, which is the parent company of MENA Biofuels, works across energy trading, logistics, and terminal assets. It frames this initiative as part of its support for the UAE’s energy transition. The Fujairah project is seen both as a domestic decarbonization effort and as a way to bolster export prospects.

For regulators and buyers, the immediate questions will likely revolve around how well the lab’s testing approaches align with international sustainability standards, and how quickly certified SAF volumes can be verified and rolled out into airline supply chains. Industry players in the UAE’s climate tech space should expect further updates on certification processes, testing packages, and the exact scope of the lab’s services as the project advances.

All in all, the MENA Biofuels–Saybolt MoU marks a concrete step toward localizing vital infrastructure for SAF. It directly tackles a known barrier, namely, the need for independent, rapid certification, while leaving open larger questions around feedstock availability, global harmonization of standards, and how quickly certified SAF can start flowing into commercial aviation markets. It’s closely watched by producers, airlines, and policymakers keenly tracking the UAE’s progress under its SAF Roadmap 2030 and Net Zero 2050 commitments.

Source: Noah Wire Services