DUBAI, 24th April, 2025 (WAM) -- The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the launch of the third edition of The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award, a prominent global award aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in the aviation sector.

This edition is held in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities during the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) event in February.

With a total prize value of one million US dollars, the award seeks to encourage groundbreaking solutions and research that contribute to the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the overall advancement of 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.