Emirates Biotech and United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have launched a two-year project to develop the UAE’s first integrated organic-waste valorization pilot plant in Al Ain.
The facility will process up to 40kg of food waste and compostable packaging per day, converting the material into renewable biogas and nutrient-rich compost. The project will run from August 2026 to August 2028, with installation and commissioning expected to be completed by August 2027.
The system will combine anaerobic digestion and composting. Researchers will also conduct a laboratory-scale study to assess whether the biogas can be converted into renewable hydrogen.
The project will evaluate the system’s technical, environmental and economic performance, while generating data to support potential expansion across the UAE and other markets. UAEU students and researchers will participate in the work.
Partners include the Emirates Environmental Group, Hotpack, AW Rostamani Group’s VerraPak, Tadweer Group, the University of Sharjah and Pacogreen.
Food waste makes up nearly 40% of the UAE’s daily municipal solid waste, with much of it sent to landfills. According to the project partners, a scaled facility could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 89% compared with landfilling.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
