Turning National Ambition into Action: Leading the MENA Region in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has shifted from being a hopeful goal to an urgent necessity. The aviation sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions and meet ambitious climate targets by 2030. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, governments and industry leaders have announced bold plans for SAF, eSAF (electro-fuels), and lower-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF). Yet, ambition alone will not create the scale needed to transform the industry. The key challenge is turning these national goals into real projects, tangible fuel volumes, and measurable emissions reductions.

At the Sustainable Aviation Futures Conference held on 12 February 2026 in Dubai, Zest's Managing Director Jeffrey Beyer moderated a panel discussion focused on this very challenge. The session brought together experts from across the region and industry to explore what it will take for MENA to lead in sustainable aviation fuels and shape the future of global aviation markets.

Balancing Mandates and Incentives to Accelerate SAF Deployment

Kevin Czok, Senior Manager for Strategy and Programmes at Frontier25, opened the discussion by addressing the debate between mandates and incentives as tools to speed up SAF adoption. Around the world, policymakers are weighing these options to meet 2030 targets. Kevin emphasized that a balanced mix of both is essential for the MENA region.

• Mandates create clear demand signals by requiring airlines or fuel suppliers to blend a minimum percentage of SAF. This guarantees market pull but can be challenging to implement uniformly across countries.

• Incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or carbon pricing encourage voluntary uptake and investment in production infrastructure.

  
  

Kevin highlighted that regional collaboration is critical to avoid market fragmentation. If countries act independently without alignment, it risks creating barriers to trade and inconsistent standards. Instead, MENA nations should work together to harmonize policies, share best practices, and build integrated supply chains.

Individual countries can still move quickly by piloting SAF projects, investing in local feedstock development, and partnering with global players. These efforts can demonstrate feasibility and build momentum while regional frameworks catch up.

Navigating the Global Regulatory Landscape

Dimitrios Orfanidis, Division Head at Saudi Aramco, discussed the role of international regulations, particularly ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). He noted that while CORSIA provides a baseline for emissions reduction, it currently lacks strong incentives for SAF production and use.

Dimitrios argued that MENA countries have an opportunity to influence global rules by:

• Engaging actively in ICAO working groups to advocate for SAF-friendly policies

• Developing national standards that exceed global minimums

• Demonstrating leadership through large-scale SAF projects that can serve as models

  
  

He stressed that regulatory certainty is vital to attract investment. Clear, stable policies reduce risk for producers and airlines, encouraging long-term commitments to SAF supply chains.

Building Regional Production Capacity and Infrastructure

Eng. Maryam AlBalooshi, Senior Manager of the Environmental Affairs Office at the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and Chair of ICAO’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection, shared insights on the region’s efforts to develop SAF production capacity. The UAE is investing in advanced technologies such as eSAF, which uses renewable electricity to produce synthetic fuels.

Key factors for success include:

• Access to abundant renewable energy sources like solar and wind

• Development of feedstock supply chains, including waste oils and biomass

• Partnerships between governments, oil companies, and technology providers

  
  

Maryam emphasized the importance of infrastructure, such as blending facilities and distribution networks, to ensure SAF can reach airports efficiently. She also highlighted the need for workforce training and regulatory frameworks that support innovation.

Key Takeaways for MENA’s Path Forward

The panel discussion made clear that turning ambition into action requires coordinated efforts across policy, regulation, infrastructure, and finance. The MENA region has unique advantages, including:

• Strategic location as a global aviation hub

• Access to renewable energy resources

• Strong government commitment to sustainability

  
  

To lead in sustainable aviation fuels, MENA countries must:

• Align policies regionally to create a unified market

• Influence global regulatory frameworks to support SAF growth

• Invest in production facilities and supply chains

• Engage private sector partners and investors early

• Build capacity through training and innovation support

  
  

The next few years will be critical. By moving beyond targets to tangible projects and partnerships, the MENA region can become a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel, reducing emissions and supporting the future of air travel.