Masdar partners with Tadweer to launch Abu Dhabi’s first commercial waste-to-jet-fuel facility, advancing sustainable aviation and carbon reduction.
Masdar and Tadweer Group have announced plans to move forward with what could become Abu Dhabi’s first commercial-scale project converting waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The initiative comes after a detailed feasibility study confirmed the concept is viable at scale, with the plant expected to process around 500,000 tonnes of waste annually into clean jet fuel.
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The facility will combine several technologies, including renewable-powered electrolysis to produce green hydrogen and waste gasification to convert solid waste into syngas, which is then refined into aviation-grade fuel. While the technical setup is complex, this hybrid approach is increasingly being adopted globally as countries seek to reduce aviation emissions without disrupting air travel.
The project aligns with the UAE’s heavy reliance on aviation, a sector that accounted for over 18% of the nation’s GDP in 2023.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, stated that the project supports the UAE’s role in sustainable aviation while addressing one of the hardest-to-decarbonise sectors. Meanwhile, Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer, emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the value of waste as a resource, turning material that would otherwise go to landfills into a high-value product.
“The biggest breakthroughs often come from treating old problems with fresh eyes,” said Al Dhaheri, highlighting the innovative spirit behind the collaboration.
Once operational, the plant will serve multiple markets, thereby strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for SAF. It complements national strategies, including the UAE General Policy for SAF, hydrogen initiatives, and the Net Zero 2050 roadmap.
According to IATA, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel, providing a substantial environmental benefit while supporting the aviation industry’s economic significance.
While SAF projects require significant investment and years of development, Masdar’s extensive renewables experience and Tadweer’s waste management expertise give the partnership credibility and operational strength. Tadweer is also pursuing a broader goal of diverting 80% of Abu Dhabi’s waste from landfills by 2030, a target directly supported by this project.
For the UAE and regional innovators, this initiative signals emerging value chains around waste management, hydrogen production, and low-carbon fuels, highlighting the growing momentum of climate tech in MENA.
