ENOC and Dubai Municipality Explore UCO Collection and Biodiesel Production

Emirates National Oil Co. (ENOC) and Dubai Municipality have signed an agreement to explore collaboration on used cooking oil (UCO) collection and biodiesel production, supporting Dubai’s circular economy and sustainable waste management goals.

Under the agreement, the partners will explore developing a UCO collection system covering restaurants, businesses and households across Dubai. The recovered oil would be transported to ENOC’s plant in Jebel Ali for conversion into biodiesel. Dubai Municipality will contribute its waste-management expertise and oversee collection efforts, while ENOC will provide its fuel production and supply capabilities.

The initiative aims to improve resource recovery, reduce environmental impacts associated with improper UCO disposal and support the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2031. By connecting waste collection with local fuel production, the partnership seeks to retain more economic value within Dubai while promoting cleaner energy alternatives.

ENOC introduced Biodiesel5 (B5), a fuel blend containing 5% biodiesel, to the UAE market in 2017. The company has since expanded its biodiesel offerings to customers in the transportation, logistics and construction sectors. It has also invested in local biodiesel production capabilities in Jebel Ali.

The proposed initiative could strengthen the connection between UCO collection and domestic biodiesel production, helping establish a more integrated local supply chain for alternative fuels.

The agreement remains at the exploratory stage. Details regarding collection volumes, investment requirements and implementation timelines have not yet been announced.