Abu Dhabi: MENA Biofuels has signed a landmark agreement with Saybolt International, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, to set up the UAE’s first independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) testing and certification laboratory in Fujairah. The deal follows a series of strategic meetings and collaborations held during ADIPEC 2025, reports Zawya.
The partnership highlights the growing momentum from ADIPEC 2025 and marks another step in MENA Biofuels’ plan to build a fully integrated SAF value chain — covering feedstock sourcing, production, testing, certification and offtake.
The new laboratory will be located in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone and operate under internationally recognised standards. It will provide independent verification and certification to ensure that SAF produced in the UAE meets global aviation-fuel requirements for both domestic use and export.
Mohamed Saeed Al Raqbani, chairman of MENA Biofuels, said the partnership strengthens the company’s commitment to creating a transparent and globally trusted SAF ecosystem. “Establishing this laboratory in Fujairah ensures that every litre of SAF produced in the UAE is tested, verified and certified to the highest international standards,” he said.
Gati Al Jebouri, CEO of MENA Biofuels, called the collaboration a clear sign of progress since ADIPEC 2025, bringing together technology, expertise and shared purpose to help the UAE’s SAF meet global quality and sustainability benchmarks.
Saybolt president Peter Boks said the partnership marks an important step toward establishing a strong analytical framework for SAF in the region. He said the Fujairah lab will feature advanced instruments and internationally recognised procedures to precisely assess SAF properties, trace feedstock origins and verify lifecycle emissions.
By providing independent certification and quality assurance, Saybolt aims to support regulatory compliance, promote global trade and strengthen the UAE’s SAF value chain, he added.
The agreement follows other major partnerships revealed by MENA Biofuels during ADIPEC 2025 and the Dubai Airshow, including offtake MoUs with Emarat, ENOC, ADNOC and Evertree. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive framework covering feedstock, production, certification and distribution, further solidifying the UAE’s leadership in sustainable fuel innovation and aviation decarbonisation.
The new laboratory also supports MENA Biofuels’ mission to launch the UAE’s first commercial SAF production facility in Fujairah, positioning the emirate as a regional centre for clean-fuel innovation, certification excellence and export-grade quality assurance.
