Qatar’s Al Mana Holding has announced a $200 million investment to establish a large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone. The facility, situated in the Sokhna Integrated Zone, will produce 200,000 tonnes of SAF, BioPropane, and Bio Naphtha annually, sourced from refined used cooking oil. It is set to be operational by 2027, with Shell securing a long-term offtake agreement to purchase the entire output.
The project marks the first Qatari industrial investment in Egypt’s strategic economic zone and symbolizes deepening economic ties between Cairo and Doha. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted the initiative’s role in enhancing Egypt’s renewable energy profile and facilitating the country’s leadership in aviation decarbonization. The manufacturing site will cover 100,000 square meters, with direct port access to enable efficient export of the produced fuels.
Environmental benefits include the projected reduction of harmful emissions by 50-80%, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize aviation. Walid Gamal El-Din of SCZONE emphasized that the project underscores Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development and attracting energy-intensive industries. During the signing ceremony, both governments expressed optimism about future collaborations, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for innovative climate solutions and infrastructure investment that supports decarbonization efforts worldwide.
