Experts, decision-makers, and industry leaders from around the globe gathered at the International Forum for Sustainable Bioenergy held in Dubai today, under the theme “From the UAE / To a Green World”. They discussed the future of sustainable bioenergy and its crucial role in fostering a low-carbon circular economy, as well as developing innovative biofuel solutions, including sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel, and renewable transport fuels. Additionally, the event aimed to inspire young scientists to advance research in this vital area.
The forum was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, with collaboration from the Arab Universities Union and the Yusuf Bin Saeed Lootah Award for Young Scientists.
Engineer Saif Ghobash, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for the Petroleum and Gas Sector, emphasized that the UAE has made sustainability a key focus in its national agenda, setting an ambitious target for climate neutrality by 2050. This includes advanced initiatives to reduce emissions, promote clean energy projects, and lessen reliance on fossil fuels.
He noted that bioenergy represents an important part of the future energy mix, particularly with sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon fuel. The UAE was among the first in the region to test flights powered by SAF in collaboration with national companies.
He highlighted that initiatives such as the “UAE Energy Strategy 2050”, circular economy programs, and carbon removal projects contribute significantly to accelerating the energy transition.
The importance of partnerships between universities and the private sector in enhancing innovation and developing technologies that support a low-carbon economy was also underscored.
Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Arab Universities Union, remarked that this initiative enhances investment in Arab talents and encourages young researchers to innovate and excel, thereby supporting the advancement of scientific research that contributes to sustainable development in the UAE and the Arab world.
Yusuf Bin Saeed Lootah, founder of the Yusuf Bin Saeed Lootah Award for Young Scientists, expressed that the award aims to promote collaboration between academic and industrial institutions in the Arab world, supporting sustainable solutions in green chemistry, renewable energy, and the circular economy. He expressed pride in launching this award from Dubai to empower Arab youth and strengthen partnerships among private, governmental, and academic sectors for a brighter future for all.
The forum included two working sessions, featuring a distinguished lineup of international experts. The first session had contributions from Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of Lanzatech, USA; Professor Robert Spisak, Chairman of the Inven Group, Slovakia; and Engineer Mariam Al-Matrooshi, Chair of the Environmental Protection Committee at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), moderated by Dr. Haneefa Al-Balooshi from Khalifa University.
The second session featured Julian Theil, CEO of Diesel, Switzerland; Shiji Wang, General Manager of the Binayo Group, China; and Shin Ito from JGC, Japan, moderated by Professor Maria Lourdes Fernandez from the RICH Center at Khalifa University.
The event concluded with the recognition of the winners of the Yusuf Bin Saeed Lootah Award for Young Scientists across three categories: Green Chemistry, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy.
Participants expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for sponsoring this specialized international initiative, as well as to the Arab Universities Union and the Yusuf Award for Young Scientists, along with all participants and supporters, reaffirming their commitment to fostering scientific innovation and sustainable bioenergy and opening new avenues towards a bright and green future.