The UAE is steadily advancing its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ambitions, with policymakers signalling that a voluntary 1% blend requirement may soon give way to a mandatory target.

The shift reflects the country’s intention to accelerate the adoption of cleaner fuels as part of its wider SAF roadmap, a cornerstone of national decarbonisation efforts for the aviation sector.

During an Airbus event at the opening of the Dubai Airshow, Sharif Al Olama, undersecretary for energy and petroleum affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said that a full economic assessment now underway will shape future regulation.

This review, expected to be completed within the next year, will determine whether the UAE formalises a compulsory blending mandate. He noted the urgency of progress, emphasising that “we in the UAE have the power to drive this at a global scale.”

The coming months will see intensified coordination between major aviation stakeholders. Al Olama confirmed that he will meet representatives from Abu Dhabi Airport, Dubai Airport, Etihad Airways, and Emirates to discuss timelines for moving to what he described as the “next phase” of implementation.

Attracting capital

Feedback from these entities, he said, has so far been encouraging, with the SAF and LCAF Committee already facilitating discussions between producers and fuel offtakers.

Al Olama believes the UAE’s position as an investment hub gives it a unique advantage in scaling up SAF deployment.

The country’s ability to attract capital, provide financing, and maintain a streamlined regulatory environment has long underpinned its success in major energy transition projects.

He also pointed to global examples, such as a Hong Kong initiative that converts airport waste into SAF, as models that can be adapted for the UAE’s larger and more interconnected aviation ecosystem.

Beyond infrastructure and investment, government agility remains a central factor in the roadmap’s momentum.

The UAE has repeatedly demonstrated that policy frameworks can be developed and enacted at speed, supporting emerging technologies and sustainability-focused industries.

In this case, officials see an opportunity not just to meet international expectations but to shape them, positioning the UAE as a leader in low-carbon aviation.

Maryam Ali AlBalooshi, environment manager at the General Civil Aviation Authority, underscored the pressure to achieve meaningful progress by 2028.

She said the UAE is “trying to build our model in a different way,” adding that while policies and strategies are already in place, several supporting elements are still evolving. 

At Dubai Airshow 2025, sustainability stepped firmly into the spotlight as three of Dubai’s leading aviation figures unveiled an initiative poised to redefine how the industry approaches environmental responsibility.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, Steve Allen, CEO of dnata and Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai came together to introduce the world’s first Sustainability Showcase, a groundbreaking demonstration of how a fully sustainable aircraft turnaround can be achieved through innovation, technology and cross-sector collaboration.

More than a display of equipment, the showcase presents a complete reimagining of what an aircraft turnaround can look like when every component is optimised for environmental performance. Conceived by Dubai Airports, dnata and flydubai in partnership with more than 30 industry collaborators, the project offers a tangible snapshot of aviation’s journey towards net zero. From advanced electric ground support equipment to energy-efficient operational processes, the Showcase demonstrates how coordinated industry action can drive meaningful, measurable progress.

Visitors to Dubai Airshow are invited to walk through the Sustainability Showcase themselves, with guided tours hosted daily by Dubai Airports. Running from 10 AM to 1 PM between 17 and 21 November at the Dubai Airshow Site in the Static Park, the experience gives attendees a close look at the technologies and solutions shaping the future of greener aviation. No pre-booking is required, ensuring accessibility for all.

For Paul Griffiths, the Showcase represents both a milestone and a message. “Dubai Airshow has long been a global stage for innovation, and this year’s theme, ‘The Future is Here’, perfectly captures the spirit of what we’re unveiling,” he said. “The world’s first Sustainable Turnaround Showcase is a real-world example of progress in action and symbolises what can be achieved when we align ambition with collaboration. Sustainability is not an individual pursuit – it is a shared responsibility.”

That philosophy is echoed by Steve Allen, who emphasises the importance of partnership and technology in accelerating change. “We’re proud to present the latest generation of our advanced ground support equipment fleet in a unique display,” he said. “Our approach is clear: green first. Innovation and sustainability advance together.”

For Ghaith Al Ghaith, the initiative reinforces the airline’s role within the oneDXB alliance and its long-term sustainability goals. “A sustainable future is a shared goal, one that requires collaboration, innovation and collective action,” he said. “Together with our partners, we are focused on exploring how investing in technology and operational efficiency can support a greener tomorrow.”

Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems. (Image source: Hitachi Rail)

Hitachi Rail has secured a major contract from the Hassan Allam Construction and Arab Contractors joint venture to modernise and upgrade the historic Alexandria Raml Tram, transforming it into a modern, efficient and digitally connected transport system.

Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail will deliver an advanced suite of systems designed to enhance safety, reliability and operational performance. These include state-of-the-art signalling and communications technologies (both fixed and wireless), an Operational Control Centre, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, security solutions with CCTV and access control, as well as passenger information and on-board equipment.

This comprehensive modernisation aims to bring Alexandria’s tram system in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development by significantly improving efficiency, reducing emissions and enhancing passenger comfort.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram, the oldest in both the Middle East and Africa, first began operations in 1863 and was last upgraded in the 1960s. Despite its age, it remains one of the few tramways in the world that still operates double-deck trams in regular service.

The current rehabilitation project will include the reconstruction of 24 stations and 13.2 km of tram track. Once completed, the upgraded line is expected to reduce travel time from 60 to 35 minutes, double the operating speed from 11 km/h to 21 km/h, and decrease headway from nine minutes to just three. Passenger capacity will also triple from 4,700 to 13,800 passengers per hour per direction, easing congestion and contributing to a greener, more efficient public transport network across Alexandria.

The Alexandria El Raml Tram Rehabilitation marks a significant milestone for Hitachi Rail, further solidifying its position in the region’s growing metro and railway markets. The project follows a contract signed earlier this year between Hassan Allam Construction, Arab Contractors JV, and the National Authority for Tunnels for the tram’s rehabilitation.

Investing in digital innovation

Hitachi Rail continues to deepen its presence in Egypt through strategic localisation and technological investment. The company has developed local teams across engineering, finance, legal, and other disciplines to deliver projects and support customers effectively. Its Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems now include local Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification (IVVQ) activities, while its Automated Fare Collection (AFC) initiatives are creating high-tech jobs and promoting workforce diversity. These efforts align with Egypt’s national development strategy and strengthen the country’s role as a regional hub for rail innovation.

Through its digital solutions, Hitachi Rail is focused on improving the passenger journey by integrating public information systems and AFC platforms that facilitate seamless travel across metro, LRT, and monorail networks. In Alexandria, the Abu Qir Metro will feature Hitachi’s TRANSCITY AFC technology, enabling multiple payment options such as QR codes, contactless cards, EMV bank cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Joaquim Santos, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) OPPS – ICS, said, “Hitachi Rail has a long-standing presence in Egypt, built on trust, collaboration and shared ambition. Our commitment goes beyond delivering advanced technologies—we are deeply invested in developing local capabilities, supporting innovation, and contributing to the country’s sustainable mobility goals.”

Carlo Piacenza, Signalling and Rail Solutions (SRS) MEA Regional Director, said, “We are proud to announce that we have been awarded a contract by Hassan Allam joint venture and The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.) to modernise and upgrade the oldest electric tram system in Africa, transforming it into a reliable, efficient, and digitally enhanced transportation system. This contract marks an important milestone, showing the capacity of Hitachi Rail technologies in the rehabilitation and modernisation of tramway systems.”

IVECO and its long-term partner MTT, through EuroMT Srl bodybuilder, have begun delivering 20 Eurocargo units to the Directorate of Civil Defense in Iraq.

The first batch of Eurocargo ML180E28 4x2 models marks the debut of firefighting water tankers in Iraq. Each vehicle is equipped with a EuroMT Srl 10,000-litre water tank and a high-performance firefighting pump system, designed to offer flexibility, efficiency, and rapid emergency response capabilities.

Machine Technology Trading Co. (MTT), an official IVECO dealer for several years, is headquartered in Baghdad with a secondary branch in Erbil, Kurdistan Region. The company provides full coverage across Iraq, offering the complete range of IVECO trucks.

Khalid O. Mawlood, general manager of MTT, said, "We are proud that our local Governorate has chosen our company together with IVECO brand for the fleet of firefighting vehicles and we hope to serve this mission as always we did in the past and we will continue to do."

Ali Sheikholmoloki, IVECO business manager for Iraq, added, “In this special year, which IVECO is turning to 50 years, we are celebrating together with our historical partner MTT the delivery of 20 Eurocargo units firefighting water tankers equipped to Al Diwanya Governorate in Iraq. I can proudly say that Eurocargo is the most versatile vehicle in its category which surely will bring us many more achievements in this market for different segments.”

Eurocargo: a multi-mission truck

Eurocargo stands out as a symbol of reliability, flexibility, and versatility. Designed for a fast-changing and competitive market, the model combines strength and agility with a refreshed design that enhances both aesthetics and performance.

Available in over 11,000 variations, the Eurocargo range includes seven gross vehicle weight options, four power ratings, seven gearboxes, and three cab types to meet any operational requirement. Its bumper design allows easy access to the windscreen, while LED Daytime Running Lights and optional Xenon headlights ensure safer night driving. Every design detail, from the reshaped deflector to the UV-filtered windscreen, improves aerodynamics and comfort.

Cab options for every mission

Eurocargo offers three cab types — Day, Sleeper, and Crew — each available with two roof heights. The Day cab is suited for urban use, balancing width and length for ease of manoeuvrability. The Sleeper cab, available in standard or high roof versions, offers overnight accommodation with one or two bunks and up to 260 litres of internal storage. The Crew cab, ideal for construction and emergency services, carries up to six passengers plus the driver, along with essential tools and equipment.