Page 280 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

pioneering role in supporting innovation and achieving a more prosperous and sustainable future
for the global aviation sector. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award
is one of the UAE's prominent contributions in this context, as it strengthens and drives the
transformation toward more sustainable aviation worldwide."

He continued, "Through this edition of the award, we focus on encouraging activities and fields of
scientific research and innovation, and honouring individuals and institutions that contribute to the
development of sustainable aviation fuel solutions. We are confident that this award will be a key
driver in expanding the horizons of international collaboration in aviation, supporting our joint
efforts toward achieving a more sustainable and safer world."

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, said that this edition has been developed to
reflect the deep commitment to a better future for the aviation industry. It aims to stimulate healthy
competition among academic, research, and scientific institutions related to the aviation sector, to
produce innovative and actionable solutions that contribute to the sustainability of this vital
industry.

This aligns with the UAE's vision to support and develop the aviation sector on a global scale, he
noted.

Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of ICAO, said, "The path to net-zero aviation is achievable,
and initiatives like the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award help prove
it. Every day, researchers and innovators are demonstrating that sustainable aviation is within our
reach, developing solutions that were considered impossible just a few years ago."

This year, the award will honour outstanding individuals, organisations, and institutions in three
specific categories. The first category: Academic Organizations - Undergraduates focuses on
advancing research that accelerates the development and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(SAF) solutions. The first-place winner will receive US$250,000, second place US$150,000, and
third place US$100,000.
The second category: Academic Organisations - Postgraduates similarly target postgraduate
academic organisations that contribute to the field of SAF solutions, offering the same monetary
values as in the first category: US$250,000 for first place, US$150,000 for second place, and
US$100,000 for third place.
In the third category: Research Institutions, research institutions contributing to innovative SAF
solutions will be recognised with trophies and certificates for the top three places.

These categories are designed to inspire the next generation of aviation sustainability innovators
while building the academic foundation for future SAF solutions. The award encourages the
development of solutions that address critical issues such as the environmental footprint of
aviation, economic viability, policy support, and integration into existing aviation ecosystems.
The award is based on six key criteria: Innovation, Feasibility, Sustainability, Economic Potential
and Cost-effectiveness, Business & Policy Impact, and finally, Infrastructure & Market Readiness, to
ensure successful integration into existing aviation ecosystems.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bjc8msc-uae-launches-3rd-edition-mohammed-bin-rashid