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4/25/25, 1:33 PM UAE launches 3rd edition of 'Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award' | Business | emirates7
With a total prize pool of USD 1 million, the award is designed to motivate innovative
research and cutting-edge solutions that advance the development of Sustainable

Aviation Fuel (SAF) and foster greater sustainability in the aviation sector as a whole.

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, stated:

“Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, the UAE remains steadfast in its efforts to
support innovation and build a more sustainable future for global aviation. The Sheikh

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award is a key national initiative
that reinforces our commitment to accelerating sustainable aviation practices

worldwide.”

He added, “This edition of the award places strong emphasis on scientific research and

innovation, recognizing individuals and institutions that contribute meaningfully to
SAF development. We believe this award will play a pivotal role in enhancing global

cooperation in aviation and driving progress toward a safer and more sustainable
future.”

GCAA Director-General Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi emphasized that the updated
award framework reflects a profound dedication to shaping a better future for aviation.

It aims to encourage healthy competition among academic and research institutions to
practical, impactful solutions that support the industry's sustainability goals.

This vision aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to lead and shape the global

aviation sector, he noted.

Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of ICAO, remarked, “Achieving net-zero

aviation is within reach, and initiatives such as the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Global Aviation Award demonstrate that possibility. Innovators and

researchers are proving daily that sustainable aviation is not just a dream, but a reality
taking shape through groundbreaking solutions.”

This edition will recognise excellence across three categories:

1. Academic Organizations – Undergraduates: This category encourages undergraduate

institutions to conduct SAF-related research. The top three prizes are: USD 250,000 for

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