Page 288 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 1)

4/25/25, 1:32 PM UAE launches 3rd edition of ‘Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award’ – UAE Business and Travel Insights – Tota…
aviation sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of GCAA, said, “In
line with the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE is committed to enhancing its 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.

The GCAA invites all interested parties to submit their entries for consideration. The application details and
further information are available on the official Award website.
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