ABU DHABI: UAE strengthens leadership in sustainable aviation at CAAF/3

Maryam Al Balooshi, the UAE’s state lead negotiator for climate change at the GCAA, emphasised the nation’s long-standing commitment to sustainability in aviation. “Aviation is a major contributor to global GDP, and the UAE has been at the forefront of innovation in the sector. From the early adoption of aviation climate resolutions in 2010 to influencing international policy today, we continue to be a hub for progress,” she said.

The UAE has been actively engaged in SAF discussions since 2009, recognising its importance for decarbonising the aviation industry. Al Balooshi highlighted the nation’s strategic approach to transitioning toward SAF, initially advocating for Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) alongside Saudi Arabia. This approach ensures a gradual and feasible shift away from conventional jet fuel.

“If we want to change the game, it’s not just about producing a new energy source. We need major oil sectors to transition with us, moving from jet fuel to LCAF and eventually to SAF using existing refineries,” she explained.

The UAE has made significant regulatory and policy investments, including conducting the first Power-to-Liquid (PtL) feasibility study and launching its SAF roadmap in 2023. These efforts culminated in the endorsement of a SAF policy during COP28, positioning the UAE as a leader in the global transition to sustainable fuels.

A key milestone in the UAE’s aviation sustainability agenda was the endorsement of the Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) framework in 2023. The framework includes four pillars—policy, implementation, regulation, and finance.

Al Balooshi emphasised that finance remains the most critical enabler. “No matter how ambitious our policies and regulations are, without proper financing, we won’t achieve our net-zero emissions target of 5% by 2030. Investments are essential to scale SAF production at pace and integrate cleaner energy into the aviation industry,” she said.

With this week’s Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), which is being held in Abu Dhabi, spearheading initiatives such as Finvest, a financing hub aimed at attracting investors to support sustainable aviation projects, Al Balooshi added: “Finvest is key to signalling our commitment to sustainability. We need investors to back our vision and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place.” 

Recognising that sustainable aviation is a global effort, the UAE is pushing for collaboration with other developing nations, including Latin American and African nations to ensure equitable progress. “Our airlines fly worldwide, so we need the right quantity of sustainable fuel available everywhere,” she noted.

With the inaugural SAF MENA Congress already fostering crucial discussions at GISS, the UAE remains committed to leading the way in sustainable aviation. Through continued investment, policy development, and international cooperation, the country aims to solidify its role as a driving force in decarbonising the aviation industry.