UAE - UK Collaboration in Waste-to-Value

• Sustainable Aviation Fuels – this theme showcased how UK-UAE collaboration in SAFs presents a strong pathway to decarbonising aviation while maintaining sector competitiveness. The scaling of SAF production (and its alternatives) through improved feedstock availability, supply-chain development, and advances in conversion technologies, supported by enabling regulatory and pricing frameworks. It also compared the UK’s mandated SAF targets with the UAE’s voluntary approach, highlighting how both countries can develop evidence-based incentive models that accelerate adoption, attract investment, and support the transition to commercially viable, scalable SAF production aligned with Net Zero 2050 goals.

• Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage – This theme explored partnerships in CCUS that could support the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors by combining the UK’s expertise in research, regulation, and deployment strategies with the UAE’s capacity to pilot, scale, and commercialise large infrastructure projects. UK-UAE Collaboration on enabling regulation, carbon pricing, and investment de-risking mechanisms could help move CCUS technologies from pilot to large-scale deployment, while expanding opportunities for carbon utilisation and value creation. Enhanced collaboration can also strengthen public confidence in CCUS as a credible, cost-effective pathway to achieving net zero. 

• Waste to Energy – this theme explored how UK–UAE cooperation in Waste to Energy can play a critical role in advancing circular economy objectives by converting waste streams into low-carbon energy and alternative fuels. Collaborative opportunities included improving waste sorting and processing technologies, scaling AI-driven waste management solutions, and exploring waste-to-hydrogen pathways. By aligning investment models, regulatory frameworks, and research partnerships, both countries have the opportunity to improve feedstock quality, enhance project bankability, and integrate WtE solutions into broader sustainability and resource-efficiency strategies.

The recommendations from this report were further discussed further during the University of Birmingham’s Sustainable Finance Conference at American University Sharjah on 31st October 2025, on derisking investment into CCUS, as well as during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi on the 13th January, 2026. Panellists included representatives from Tadweer, Beeah and the UK Department for Business and Trade.  We will also convene a panel session during the Bridging the Gap Energy Innovation Summit in London on 19th – 20th May, 2026, focusing on UK-UAE Innovations In Energy Transition. You can find out more about the Summit here: Bridging the Gap | Energy Innovation Deployed.