Inside the Dubai factory converting used cooking oil to biofuel

  • Lootah Biofuels opened its factory in Dubai Industrial City last year. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Lootah Biofuels opened its factory in Dubai Industrial City last year. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Yousif Lootah set up the company in 2010
    Yousif Lootah set up the company in 2010
  • Previously, about 500 tonnes of used cooking oil were collected by Lootah Biofuel from the UAE's local market each month
    Previously, about 500 tonnes of used cooking oil were collected by Lootah Biofuel from the UAE's local market each month
  • The company produces an average of 106,000 litres of biofuel a month at DIC factory
    The company produces an average of 106,000 litres of biofuel a month at DIC factory
  • It takes one day to complete a production cycle that converts waste cooking oil into biofuel
    It takes one day to complete a production cycle that converts waste cooking oil into biofuel
  • About 920ml of biofuel are produced from a litre of used cooking oil
    About 920ml of biofuel are produced from a litre of used cooking oil
  • Lootah Biofuels plans to open another factory in Abu Dhabi in April
    Lootah Biofuels plans to open another factory in Abu Dhabi in April
  • Mr Lootah hopes the UAE will soon introduce mandatory biofuel blends at fuel stations
    Mr Lootah hopes the UAE will soon introduce mandatory biofuel blends at fuel stations
  • The company estimates it offset about 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide last year
    The company estimates it offset about 700 tonnes of carbon dioxide last year
  • Along with biodiesel, the company also produces bio-racing fuel for 'supercars'
    Along with biodiesel, the company also produces bio-racing fuel for 'supercars'
  • The company currently has more than 100 active customers
    The company currently has more than 100 active customers
  • Lootah Biofuels has also diversified into other products such as soaps and sanitisers using glycerine, a by-product
    Lootah Biofuels has also diversified into other products such as soaps and sanitisers using glycerine, a by-product