Dubai: At the Low Carbon Fuels MENA Summit, Lootah Biofuels CEO highlighted the growing role of used cooking oil in sustainable biodiesel and SAF production, driven by regional net zero goals. Challenges include collection inefficiencies and quality variability, with tech innovations seen as vital to unlocking household waste streams.
At the recent Low Carbon Fuels MENA Summit held at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Mr. Yousuf Saeed Lootah, Founder and CEO of Lootah Biofuels, underscored the pivotal role of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) in the evolving landscape of low-carbon biofuels. This summit, which took place from 13 to 14 May 2025, brought together industry leaders to discuss the region’s potential as a global supply hub for sustainable fuels, highlighting key aspects such as market trends, technological innovations, and economic opportunities.
During his presentation on “Availability/Sustainability of Feedstocks Supply for Low Carbon Fuels Production in the Middle East,” Mr. Lootah elucidated how UCO, once considered mere waste, is now emerging as a vital feedstock for the production of biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This transformation is a crucial element of the region’s push towards sustainable energy solutions and positions MENA as a significant player in the global biofuels market. According to Lootah, the MEA used cooking oil market, valued at approximately $349.46 million in 2024, is projected to grow to $503.91 million by 2033, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate of 4.15%. Factors driving this growth include the expanding HORECA sector and increasing public awareness regarding environmental responsibility.
The discussion also pointed to strategic government initiatives propelling these developments, such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 framework and Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives are key drivers for both economic diversification and decarbonisation, aligning the region with global sustainability goals. The rise of biofuels, especially from UCO, aligns with global trends as highlighted by various reports indicating an increasing appetite for sustainable fuel sources, necessitating advancements in market infrastructure and consumer education.
However, challenges remain in harnessing UCO’s full potential. Mr. Lootah identified bottlenecks such as inadequate collection infrastructure, with collection rates in the UAE languishing below 50%, and logistical hurdles associated with gathering UCO from diverse sources. He noted the variability in UCO quality as another significant hurdle, necessitating robust pre-treatment processes. Moreover, there is a pressing need for increased market awareness among potential UCO generators, which includes households that can contribute substantially to UCO volumes.
Unlocking household UCO potential presents an unexplored opportunity. Mr. Lootah suggested solutions such as the establishment of designated collection points and leveraging technology, including smart applications aimed at simplifying the collection process. While these solutions would require initial investment and infrastructure development, they hold the key to transforming household waste into valuable energy resources. Public awareness campaigns are essential in educating citizens about the proper disposal of cooking oils and incentivising participation through financial rewards or convenience.
As MENA continues its energy transition, enhancing feedstock availability and sustainability through rolled-out UCO collection initiatives is crucial. The integration of advanced technologies and streamlined processes will not only support the region’s aspirations to lead in the bio-economy but also contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future, reinforcing commitments to environmental accountability. In essence, the shift towards UCO as a viable feedstock encapsulates the broader global trend of re-evaluating waste and resources in the context of advancing climate goals and fostering economic resilience.
This strategic emphasis on UCO resonates with broader narratives surrounding biofuels in the Middle East, showcasing a vibrant intersection of environmental consciousness and economic pragmatism. As the region innovates in this domain, it not only stands to benefit economically but also plays its part in the global fight against climate change.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://menews247.com/lootah-biofuels-ceo-highlighted-strategic-role-of-used-cooking-oilin-menas-low-carbon-fuels-summit/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54063859 – This BBC article discusses the growing global interest in biofuels, particularly in the context of sustainability and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. It highlights how used cooking oil (UCO) is emerging as a valuable feedstock in biofuel production, driving the development of markets like that in the Middle East. The piece emphasizes the environmental benefits and economic opportunities presented by increasing the use of UCO in biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uae-biodiesel-idUSKBN2FZ1FL – Reuters covers the rise of biofuels in the UAE, particularly focusing on how the nation is harnessing used cooking oil (UCO) as a critical resource for biodiesel and other low-carbon fuels. The article outlines the UAE’s strategic initiatives, aligning with its Net Zero 2050 goal. It presents statistics on the UCO market’s valuation and projected growth, emphasizing the economic and environmental impacts, and notes challenges surrounding UCO collection and processing.
- https://www.essentiaanalytics.com/sustainable-aviation-fuels-world-market/ – This report from Essentia Analytics explores the global market for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), detailing how used cooking oil serves as a significant feedstock. It discusses market dynamics, including challenges and growth projections. The report highlights the MENA region’s potential role in the SAF market as demand escalates and technology improves, signifying economic diversification strategies in response to environmental mandates.
- https://www.energy.gov/articles/biofuels-innovations-sustainability-2023 – The U.S. Department of Energy outlines innovations in biofuels, spotlighting the role of used cooking oil (UCO) in biofuel production. It discusses the sustainability of biofuels, economic benefits, and the overall impact on energy diversification efforts. The article outlines various successful initiatives across the globe, reaffirming the critical role UCO plays in advancing clean energy goals.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/02/15/how-used-cooking-oil-could-reshape-the-biofuels-industry/ – Forbes highlights the transformative potential of used cooking oil within the biofuels industry. It examines how UCO can reduce costs significantly compared to traditional feedstocks, showcasing its environmental benefits and market trends. The article addresses industry challenges and opportunities, including the importance of technological solutions and public awareness in maximizing UCO use in biofuels, particularly in regions like MENA.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331562722_Used_Cooking_Oil_Biodiesel_and_Its_Economic_Impact – ResearchGate presents an in-depth analysis of used cooking oil biodiesel, discussing its economic viability and sustainability. It outlines market growth, the benefits of utilizing UCO, and the challenges in feedstock collection and processing. The study emphasizes the importance of establishing efficient collection systems and regulatory frameworks to harness UCO as a legitimate fuel source, particularly relevant to the Middle East and its ambitions in the bio-economy.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references a summit that took place in May 2025, making it highly up to date. No indications of old or recycled news detected. Key figures, roles, and statistics are current. This would warrant a high freshness rating, especially as the content is not sourced from an older press release or repurposed article.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Several quotes and attributed statements are from Mr. Yousuf Saeed Lootah at the May 2025 summit. While the narrative does not provide full direct quotations, the summary of his presentation and specific points are unique to this coverage. No identical quotes found in earlier sources, suggesting originality.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative originates from MENews247, a regional business news outlet. While it covers local events and provides specific details, its reputation as a source is less established than globally recognised media outlets. No evidence of bias or misinformation, but the lack of broader recognition increases risk of uncertain reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about UCO as a feedstock, market projections, and regional initiatives align with recent trends, official reports, and reputable news coverage. Challenges and proposed solutions are contextually plausible and supported by industry discourse. No evidence of falsehood; low-risk for implausible claims.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, with credible, plausible content and no evidence of falsehood or recycling. While the source is not a global leader in news, the information is consistent with industry trends and recent developments. Verdict: PASS.
