About SAFA
Born from a simple yet revolutionary idea: What if the Middle East’s greatest environmental
challenge could become its greatest economic opportunity? Safa BioWorks transforms 450,000 tons of agricultural waste annually into $875M worth of sustainable materials, proving that the region that powered the fossil age can lead the regenerative age.
Our Mission & Vision
OUR MISSION
To transform the UAE from fossil fuel exporter to circular economy sustainability leader by 2030, creating a replicable model for planetary healing while generating extraordinary economic value.
Our Vision
A world where waste becomes wealth, pollution becomes possibility, and the Middle East leads the global transition to regenerative prosperity.
OUR VALUES
• Innovation: Pioneering breakthrough technologies for global impact
• Sustainability: Every decision measured by environmental benefit
• Excellence: World-class execution in everything we do
• Integrity: Transparent, ethical leadership in all our operations
• Partnership: Collaborative approach to transformation
The Birth of Revolution
THE MOMENT OF INSPIRATION
In the heart of Al Ain’s date palm groves, our founder Nima Vakili witnessed a sight that
would change everything: thousands of tons of date palm waste being burned, releasing
harmful emissions while valuable biomass literally went up in smoke.
“Here was abundant, renewable feedstock being treated as worthless waste,” Nima recalls.
“At the same time, the UAE was importing billions of dollars worth of petroleum-based
plastics. The solution was hiding in plain sight.”
THE BREAKTHROUGH REALIZATION
What followed was 18 months of intensive research, partnerships with leading universities,
and the development of proprietary AI-optimized bioprocessing technology. The result:
conversion rates that exceed industry standards by 30% and a business model that turns
environmental problems into economic opportunities.
THE TRANSFORMATION BEGINS
Today, Safa BioWorks stands ready to process 450,000 tons of agricultural waste annually,
creating:
• 200,000 tons of premium bioplastics
• $875M in annual revenue
• 8,000+ green jobs
• 1.2 billion tons of CO₂ emissions avoided
But this is just the beginning. Our technology is scalable across the entire MENA region,
with potential to process 3+ million tons of waste and generate $7+ billion in revenue.
Our Impact
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION
• 1.2B tons CO₂ emissions avoided annually
• 450,000 tons waste diverted from landfills
• 90% water recycling rate achievement
• Marine-safe biodegradable product alternatives
• Desert land restoration through sustainable agriculture
SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT
• 8,000+ direct green jobs created
• 20,000+ indirect jobs across supply chain
• $8-12M additional annual income for date farmers
• 2,000+ specialists trained in biotechnology
• Rural community economic revitalization
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
• $875M annual revenue at full UAE capacity
• $15B+ industry creation potential regionally
• 0.8% contribution to UAE's non-oil GDP
• $2.3B annual export revenue by 2030
• Technology licensing creating additional revenue streams
NIMA VAKILI
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Mission-driven entrepreneur with a background in strategic ventures at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and global business innovations. As the Founder of Safa
BioWorks, Nima is leading the UAE’s first large-scale initiative to convert date palm biomass into high-performance, compostable bioplastics.
Nima is committed to transforming the UAE into a global leader in regenerative materials and closing the loop between agriculture, industry, and the environment. His vision extends beyond business success to creating a replicable model for planetary healing that proves sustainability and profitability are not just compatible—they’re inseparable.
“We’re not just building a biorefinery,” Nima explains. “We’re creating the blueprint for a post-petroleum civilization.”
Our Professional Team
John Doe
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Target: Ph.D. in bioprocess engineering with fermentation expertise
Background: Former DSM, BASF, or similar biotech industry veteran
Focus: Scaling laboratory innovations to commercial production
Focus: Scaling laboratory innovations to commercial production
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Target: MENA operations experience with PE/consulting background
Background: Proven track record in industrial facility scaling
Focus: Facility construction, operations optimization, supply chain
Focus: Facility construction, operations optimization, supply chain
John Doe
CHIEF SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
Target: ESG expertise with regulatory and compliance background
Background: Sustainability consulting, government relations, or corporate ESG
Focus: Environmental impact measurement, regulatory compliance, ESG reporting
Focus: Environmental impact measurement, regulatory compliance, ESG reporting
John Doe
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Target: Series A+ fundraising experience with biotech/sustainability focus
Background: Investment banking, private equity, or CFO at growth companies
Focus: Capital raising, investor relations, financial strategy