EU–UAE Dialogue on Sustainable Aviation and Renewable Fuels

Investment Pathways for the Green Transition

19 November 2025 | 14:35 – 16:20 | Aerospace 2050 Stage, Dubai Airshow, DWC, Dubai, UAE

About the Session

The European Union and the United Arab Emirates are coming together at the Dubai Airshow 2025 to co-host a strategic dialogue on the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable fuels as part of the official Dubai Airshow Sustainability Programme on the Aerospace 2050 Stage.

This special session — EU–UAE Dialogue on Sustainable Aviation and Renewable Fuels — takes place within the framework of the EU’s Green Diplomacy Weeks, a global initiative that promotes international cooperation on climate action. It places EU–UAE collaboration at the forefront of one of the world’s most influential aviation events, bringing together senior policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from both regions to exchange insights on regulatory frameworks, investment pathways, and innovations driving the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

Aviation lies at the heart of global connectivity — and at the centre of the net-zero challenge. The sector currently accounts for about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, and unlike other modes of transport, it has limited near-term alternatives to liquid fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), along with emerging renewable fuels for shipping, rail, and heavy transport, has therefore become an essential pillar in achieving climate neutrality.

Background

For the European Union, SAF and renewable fuels are core to the European Green Deal and the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which establishes binding SAF blending mandates — beginning at 2% by 2025, rising to 70% by 2050, with a sub-mandate for e-fuels starting in 2030. These policies directly influence flights operating between the UAE and EU Member States, strengthening sustainable connectivity between the two regions.

For the United Arab Emirates, these objectives are fully aligned with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, the General Policy for SAF, and the newly launched National SAF Roadmap, which aims to produce around 700 million litres of SAF per year by 2030 and requires 1% locally produced SAF at UAE airports by 2031.

Concrete progress is already under way. ENOC began supplying SAF at Dubai Airports in 2024, while Dubai Municipality–ENOC–Marubeni launched a waste-to-SAF feasibility study, and Masdar is advancing e-fuels projects linked to green hydrogen. National carriers Emirates and Etihad have successfully completed 100% SAF demonstration flights, partnering with leading producers such as Neste and TotalEnergies.

Globally, however, SAF still represents less than 1% of total jet fuel demand, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projecting the need to increase supply 20-fold by 2030 and 200-fold by 2050 to stay on track with climate goals. Bridging this gap requires collective action — precisely what this EU–UAE dialogue aims to accelerate.

Key Objectives

• Share EU perspectives on the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation and its implications for UAE–EU connectivity.

• Present the UAE’s SAF Roadmap and renewable fuel strategy, including ongoing projects.

• Explore investment pathways for SAF, green hydrogen, e-fuels, and RFNBOs in aviation, shipping, and heavy industry.

• Discuss certification systems, traceability frameworks, and enabling policies to scale renewable fuels.

• Support global COP30 ambitions to increase renewable and low-carbon fuel supply 20-fold by 2030 and 200-fold by 2050.

Why Attend

• Gain first-hand insights into the EU and UAE policy frameworks guiding the transition to sustainable aviation.

• Hear from leading innovators and investors advancing SAF and renewable fuels in both regions.

• Connect with decision-makers, airlines, airports, and energy companies shaping the sector’s future.

• Learn how public–private partnerships and cross-regional cooperation can accelerate scale-up and market uptake.

Audience Profile

Government and regulatory authorities • Airlines and airport operators • Energy and fuel producers • Investors and financiers • Technology developers • Industry associations • Research institutions • EU and GCC Member States.

Registration

Participation in this session is by registration only.
Seating is limited — please register early to secure your complimentary pass to attend the EU–UAE Dialogue on Sustainable Aviation and Renewable Fuels as part of the Dubai Airshow 2025 Sustainability Programme.