Dubai Hosts the International Forum for Sustainable Bioenergy: Shaping a Greener Future

Dubai hosted an international forum on sustainable bioenergy that brought together decision-makers, experts, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss the future of biofuel and its role in building a low-carbon circular economy. The event focused on developing solutions for sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel, and renewable transport fuels while encouraging young scientists to advance research in this field.

The forum operated under the theme "From the UAE to the Green World" and was sponsored by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. It was jointly organized by the Arab Universities Union and the Yousuf bin Saeed Lootah Award for Young Scientists.

Engineer Saif Ghobash, Assistant Undersecretary for Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the UAE has made sustainability a core part of its national agenda. The country aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through advanced initiatives to reduce emissions, boost clean energy projects, and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

Ghobash explained that bioenergy represents an important path in the future energy mix, particularly sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon fuels. The UAE was among the first countries in the region to test flights using SAF fuel in collaboration with national companies.

He pointed to several key initiatives driving this transformation, including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, circular economy programs, and decarbonization projects. These efforts are speeding up the country's energy transition.

The official stressed the importance of partnerships between universities and the private sector to enhance innovation and develop technologies that support a low-carbon economy.

Professor Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Arab Universities Union, said this initiative boosts investment in Arab talent and capabilities. It encourages young scientists to innovate and supports the position of scientific research in contributing to sustainable development in the UAE and the Arab world.

Yousuf bin Saeed Lootah, founder of the award bearing his name, explained that the Young Scientists Award aims to strengthen integration between academic and industrial institutions across the Arab region. It supports sustainable solutions in green chemistry, renewable energy, and circular economy. He expressed pride in launching this award from Dubai to enhance the capabilities of Arab youth and partnerships between private, government, and academic sectors.

The forum included two working sessions featuring international experts. The first session included Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech USA, Professor Robert Spisak, Chairman of Envien Group Slovakia, and Engineer Maryam Al Matrooshi, Chair of the Environmental Protection Committee at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Dr. Hanifa Al Balushi from Khalifa University moderated this session.

The second session featured Julian Thiel, CEO of Diesel Switzerland, Shiji Wang, General Manager of Binao Group China, and Shin Ito from JGC Japan. Professor Maria Lourdes Fernandez from the RICH Center at Khalifa University moderated this discussion.

At the forum's conclusion, winners of the Yousuf bin Saeed Lootah Award for Young Scientists were honored in three categories: green chemistry, renewable energy, and circular economy.

Participants thanked the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for sponsoring this specialized international initiative, along with the Arab Universities Union and the Yousuf Award for Young Scientists. They confirmed their commitment to supporting scientific innovation and sustainable bioenergy, opening new horizons toward a green and bright future.