Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction as the aviation industry's most viable route to decarbonization. The Global Project Tracker by the Mission Possible Partnership reports 22 operational SAF plants globally, with 144 projects in the pipeline. Despite progress, the transition from announcement to construction is slow, hindering decarbonization targets. Policy support, including mandates in Europe and incentives in the U.S., is advancing momentum, but challenges like securing feedstock persist. The Middle East, identified as a potential game-changer, aims to leverage its abundant solar energy for synthetic SAF production. However, policy frameworks in the region are fragmented, posing risks to large-scale production. The region's focus on green hydrogen and infrastructure development signals alignment with future fuel supply chains, though domestic SAF demand remains nascent. The aviation sector's potential for SAF production is substantial, with the completion of announced projects capable of meeting EU airport fuel needs by 2030. To realize this potential, increased financing, policy clarity, and demand certainty are crucial. The next years will determine aviation's decarbonization trajectory, with the Middle East having the opportunity to establish itself as a SAF production hub, provided necessary regulatory and financial conditions are met.