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SAF MENA Forum 2026
April 2, 2026
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​As a pivotal part of Connecting Hydrogen MENA 2026 (#CHM2026), the SAF MENA Forum 2026 serves as the region’s premier platform dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and decarbonizing the aviation industry. With global air travel demand rising and net-zero commitments tightening, the forum brings together airlines, fuel producers, policymakers, and investors to drive scalable SAF solutions and solidify MENA’s role as a leader in clean aviation.
The push to decarbonize aviation is gaining momentum worldwide. As airlines step up their net-zero commitments, the Middle East is becoming a key hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and eFuel production. With world-class aviation infrastructure, abundant renewable energy, and strong government support, the region is well-positioned to lead in clean aviation technologies.
The UAE's General Policy for Sustainable Aviation Fuel aims to decarbonize the sector while establishing the country as a regional SAF hub. Key objectives include:
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Developing local SAF production capacity to reach 700 million liters annually
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Supplying 1% of fuel to UAE airlines with locally produced SAF by 2031 (voluntary target)
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Advancing aviation technology and innovation through a national SAF regulatory framework
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Supporting long-term SAF production by exploring economic policies and boosting local expertise​
Video Message Remarks by Maryam Al Balooshi, Chief Environment Lead, UAE General Civil Aviation Authority
[Panel] Identifying Viable Feedstock Pathways for SAF: What Works for MENA?
Day 2: SAF
09:00 - 09:10
10 mins
[Opening Keynote] SAF Market Landscape in MENA
09:10 - 10:00
50 mins
[Industry Roundtable] Building the Partnerships to Unlock MENA’s SAF Potential
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What types of partnerships are essential to build a functional SAF ecosystem in MENA?
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How can regional collaboration between airlines, producers, and regulators de-risk early-stage deployment?
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What lessons can MENA draw from early SAF alliances globally?
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How do government policies and offtake agreements shape confidence in early partnerships?
10:00 - 10:20
20 mins
[Keynote] Reserved for Sponsor
Morning Coffee and Networking Break
10:50 - 11:10
20 mins
[Keynote] Reserved for Sponsor
11:10 - 11:50
40 mins
[Panel] Identifying Viable Feedstock Pathways for SAF: What Works for MENA?
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How can MENA overcome limited local biomass to expand its technically available SAF feedstock pool?
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How to certify MENA’s unconventional feedstocks under EU RED II and CORSIA?
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How much of MENA’s feedstock is truly sustainable after deducting environmental and social trade-offs?
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How can policies ensure these sustainable feedstocks are allocated to SAF, not competing sectors?
11:50 - 12:30
50 mins
[Panel] Breaking Barriers to SAF Accessibility: Driving Innovation and Cost Reduction in MENA
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What are the key cost drivers for SAF in MENA, and how can they be addressed?
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Which SAF production pathways are most viable for MENA in the near to mid term?
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What policy, financing, and offtake mechanisms are needed to make SAF price-competitive for airlines?​
Lunch & networking break
Day 2 Afternoon: Future Fuels Infrastructure & Investment
14:00 - 14:50
50 mins
[Panel] Achieving Deployment Targets for Low Carbon Fuels Infrastructure Innovations in Storage, Transport, and Distribution
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How can MENA SAF, hydrogen exporters align infrastructure, fuel conversion, and market strategy to stay competitive in global hydrogen trade?
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How do we build flexible, resilient storage and distribution systems for a diverse SAF, hydrogen market?
14:50 - 15:10
20 mins
[Keynote] Reserved for Sponsor
Afternoon Coffee and Networking Break
15:40 - 16:30
50 mins
[Panel] Practical Financing Strategies for Low Carbon Fuel Projects in the Middle East: Bridging Early-Stage Risk and Long-Term Growth
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What financing models and policy mechanisms are proving most effective in today’s SAF, H2 market?
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What are the mian finance concerns in MENA: Long construction timelines, unclear offtake signals, high CapEx, and evolving CI methodology?
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How to secure long term saf off-take?