ENERGY-

#1- MENA Biofuels + Saybolt to launch first SAF testing facility in Fujairah: MENA Biofuels, a subsidiary of Dubai-based Mercantile & Maritime Group, partnered with Netherlands-based Saybolt International to develop the UAE’s first independent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) testing and certification lab in Fujairah, state news agency Wam reports.

The details: The facility, located in Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, will enable precise evaluation of SAF properties, traceability of feedstock origins, and verification of lifecycle emissions.

ICYMI- MENA Biofuels started construction on the UAE’s first commercial SAF plant — also in Fujairah Oil Industry Zone — last month, which is set to produce 250 mn liters of SAF annually once the two phases are completed. The UAE is looking to produce 700 mn liters of the fuel per year by 2031. Masdar and Tadweer are also developing a commercial-scale waste-to-SAF project in Abu Dhabi, while Lootah Biofuels recently began supplying SAF in the UAE, produced from cooking oil and waste-derived fats.

#2- Mercantile & Maritime to develop cooking oil fuel system in Indonesia: Mercantile & Maritime also signed an MoU with Indonesia’s Cooperatives Ministry and the Indonesian Cooperatives Council (Dekopin) to develop a sustainable used cooking oil (UCO) ecosystem in the archipelago, Wam reports. Dekopin will be involved in cooperative mapping to facilitate financing, mentoring, and offtake contracts, while the project will also be a boost for the UAE’s own SAF production ambitions, though it’s not clear how. Used cooking oil can be refined for use as a biofuel.

AVIATION-

Etihad + Condor to launch new Germany-UAE daily routes in 2026: ADQ-backed Etihad Airways partnered with German carrier Condor to introduce daily flights from Frankfurt and Berlin to Abu Dhabi starting in summer 2026, according to a press release. Condor will launch daily flights between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi starting 1 May next year, followed by daily flights between Berlin and Abu Dhabi from 15 June. The two also inked a codeshare agreement to expand their network, giving passengers access to over 80 destinations.

DEBT-

Fitch Ratings affirms e&’s AA- rating with stable outlook: Fitch Ratings assigned Emirates Telecommunications Group’s (e&) a long-term issuer default rating and senior unsecured debt rating of AA-, with a stable outlook, according to a report. The rating aligns with the UAE’s stable rating at AA-, reflecting the close ties between e& and the state given the government’s 60% ownership stake. It also marks a two-notch rise from e&’s Standalone Credit Profile at A. The telco’s robust market presence, diversified portfolio of international assets mitigating foreign exchange fluctuations and risks, and strong financial position, were also cited as reasons behind the solid rating.

CRYPTO-

Dubai Customs, Binance partner on payments: Dubai Customs inked a strategic MoU with Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, to integrate crypto assets into commercial and logistical transactions, according to Dubai Media Office. The partnership will enable SMEs and global traders to access fast, transparent, and flexible payment solutions, and aims to boost operational efficiency in import and export activities.

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