emirates7 - The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has officially launched the third edition of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award, a prestigious international initiative aimed at promoting innovation and sustainability within the aviation industry.
This year’s edition is being organized in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) event held in February.
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 first place, USD 150,000 for second, and USD 100,000 for third.
2. Academic Organizations – Postgraduates: Mirroring the first category, this one is aimed at postgraduate-level institutions and offers the same prize structure.
3. Research Institutions: This category will honor research bodies making significant contributions to SAF development, awarding trophies and certificates to the top three.
The award structure is intended to inspire emerging talents in the field of sustainable aviation while building a robust academic and research foundation for SAF advancements. Entries are evaluated based on six core criteria: Innovation, Feasibility, Sustainability, Economic Potential and Cost-effectiveness, Business & Policy Impact, and Infrastructure & Market Readiness—ensuring that winning solutions are viable for real-world implementation.
The GCAA encourages eligible participants to submit their entries, with full application details available on the award’s official website.
This year’s edition is being organized in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM) event held in February.
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 first place, USD 150,000 for second, and USD 100,000 for third.
2. Academic Organizations – Postgraduates: Mirroring the first category, this one is aimed at postgraduate-level institutions and offers the same prize structure.
3. Research Institutions: This category will honor research bodies making significant contributions to SAF development, awarding trophies and certificates to the top three.
The award structure is intended to inspire emerging talents in the field of sustainable aviation while building a robust academic and research foundation for SAF advancements. Entries are evaluated based on six core criteria: Innovation, Feasibility, Sustainability, Economic Potential and Cost-effectiveness, Business & Policy Impact, and Infrastructure & Market Readiness—ensuring that winning solutions are viable for real-world implementation.
The GCAA encourages eligible participants to submit their entries, with full application details available on the award’s official website.