Dubai: The Sustainable Bio International Forum, hosted by Dubai under the theme ‘From the UAE. to a Greener World’, discussed the future of sustainable bioenergy and its role in supporting a low-carbon circular economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum brought together decision-makers, experts, academics, and industry leaders from around the world to explore innovative biofuel solutions, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marine fuel, and renewable transport fuels. The event also aimed to encourage young scientists to advance scientific research in this field.
The forum was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and was jointly organised by the Association of Arab Universities and the Yousuf Award for Young Scientists. Eng. Saif Ghubash, Assistant Undersecretary for the Petroleum, Gas, and Mineral Resources Sector at the MoEI, emphasized that the UAE has made sustainability a key pillar of its national agenda, with an ambitious goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through initiatives to reduce emissions, expand clean energy projects, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
Ghubash highlighted that bioenergy represents an important pathway in the future energy mix, particularly sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon fuels. He noted that the UAE was among the first in the region to test flights powered by SAF in collaboration with national companies. He also mentioned that the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, circular economy programmes, and decarbonisation projects are accelerating this transition, stressing the importance of partnerships between universities and the private sector to strengthen innovation and develop technologies supporting a low-carbon economy.
Prof. Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, stated that this initiative enhances investment in Arab talent and competencies, encourages young scientists to innovate and create, and elevates the role of scientific research in supporting sustainable development in the UAE and the Arab world.
Yousuf bin Saeed Lootah, Founder of the Yousuf Award for Young Scientists, remarked that the Young Scientists Award aims to strengthen integration between academic and industrial institutions across the Arab world and to support sustainable solutions in green chemistry, renewable energy, and the circular economy.
The forum featured two sessions with participation from international experts. The first session included Dr. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO of LanzaTech, USA; Prof. Robert Spisak, Chairman of Envien Group, Slovakia; and Eng. Maryam Al Matroushi, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection at the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The session was moderated by Dr. Hanifa Al Blooshi from Khalifa University. The second session included Julian Thiel, CEO of Desyl, Switzerland; Shige Wang, General Manager of Benayu Group, China; and Shin Ito from JGC Corporation, Japan. It was moderated by Prof. Maria Lourdes Fernandez from the RICH Centre, Khalifa University.
At the conclusion of the forum, winners of the Yousuf bin Saeed Lootah Award for Young Scientists were honoured across three categories: Green Chemistry Category, Renewable Energy Category, and Circular Economy Category. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing scientific innovation and sustainable bioenergy, and to opening new horizons toward a greener, brighter future.