Emaar, Lootah Biofuels introduce biobased yacht fuel at 2 Dubai marinas

Photo: Emaar Hospitality Group

Emaar Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Lootah Biofuels, announced Jan. 5 the rollout of a sustainable yacht fuel offering at Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Creek Marina Yacht Club in the United Arab Emirates, marking one of the first such initiatives within the Gulf Cooperation Council’s leisure-marine sector.

This initiative positions both DMYC and CMYC among the region’s early adopters of sustainable biobased yacht-fuel solutions for recreational vessels, reinforcing what Emaar said is its practical approach to sustainability and its alignment with the UAE net-zero 2050 vision.

Under this collaboration, DMYC and CMYC will begin supplying biobased yacht fuel produced by Lootah Biofuels, made from recycled cooking oil collected from hotels, residences and Emaar’s integrated developments.

The circular process converts waste oil into a marine-grade biofuel, offering yacht owners a more environmentally considerate fueling option directly at their home marinas.

“Sustainability is at the heart of how we operate across our marinas and hospitality assets,” said Nicolas Belleton of Emaar Hospitality Group. “By introducing sustainable bio yacht fuel, we are giving our members a tangible, responsible choice that aligns with the UAE’s net-zero 2050 goals, while setting a new standard for eco-innovation in the leisure-marine sector.”

The introduction of the yacht biofuel will follow a phased, operational rollout to ensure logistical reliability, consistent fuel quality and long-term sustainability across marina operations.

Yacht owners and club members will have access to the biofuel at dedicated refueling points within DMYC and CMYC, providing both convenience and a tangible step toward lower-carbon marine-leisure activity, Emaar stated.

By implementing this initiative across its marina portfolio, Emaar said it continues to take a measured, regionally relevant approach to decarbonization, focusing on actionable, locally sourced solutions rather than broad claims.

The collaboration highlights how circular-economy principles can be integrated into Emaar’s hospitality, leisure and marine operations.

Lootah Biofuels, a UAE-based company specializing in biodiesel blends derived from used cooking oil, will oversee the collection, processing and supply of the biofuel to both marinas.

Its solutions have demonstrated meaningful reductions in carbon emission compared with conventional marine fuel.

“We are proud to partner with Emaar to bring sustainable bio yacht fuel to Dubai’s leisure-marine sector,” said Lootah Biofuels CEO Yousif Saeed Lootah. “This initiative demonstrates how locally sourced waste materials can be transformed into high-value energy solutions, supporting both environmental and operational progress across the UAE.”

In its initial phase, sustainable fueling operations at DMYC and CMYC will take place on a scheduled basis, with potential expansion based on uptake and demand.

The move is expected to contribute incrementally to reducing CO2 emissions from the region’s leisure-marine activities.

By partnering with Lootah Biofuels at Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Creek Marina Yacht Club, Emaar said it aims to support the UAE’s climate goals while providing yacht owners and members with a practical, responsible fueling alternative.

“Our goal is to make sustainability actionable, not just aspirational,” Belleton said. “This partnership is a concrete step toward a cleaner, greener marine experience for all our guests.”