The UAE's GCAA has launched the third edition of the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Global Aviation Award, promoting innovation and sustainability in aviation. This year's award, valued at one million dollars, aims to recognize contributions to sustainable aircraft fuel development.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE has announced the launch of the third edition of the "Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award." This prestigious award aims to promote innovation and sustainability within the aviation sector and is being held in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following a cooperation agreement signed during the Sustainable Aviation Market in February.

The award, valued at one million dollars, intends to encourage innovations and research contributing to the development of sustainable aircraft fuel and enhancing sustainability in aviation.

A Leadership Role

On this occasion, Abdullah bin Touq, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the GCAA, stated, "The UAE, guided by its wise leadership, is committed to bolstering its role in driving innovation and supporting a more sustainable prosperous future for the global aviation sector. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award is one of the UAE's prominent contributions toward achieving this aim. It facilitates the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector on a global scale." He further added, "Through this award cycle, we focus on encouraging scientific research and innovation activities, honoring individuals and institutions that contribute to the development of sustainable aircraft fuel solutions. We are confident that this award will be a key driver for expanding international collaboration in aviation, supporting our joint efforts toward a safer and more sustainable world."

Deep Commitment

Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, remarked, "The third edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award has been developed to reflect our deep commitment to a more sustainable aviation industry. The categories of this edition aim to stimulate positive competition among academic and research institutions in aviation to find innovative and executable solutions that enhance the sustainability of this vital sector. This aligns with the UAE's vision to support and develop the aviation sector on a global scale, and we look forward to receiving pioneering submissions that contribute to a more prosperous future for civil aviation."

Three Categories

The third edition of the award will honor individuals, organizations, and entities contributing to the aviation sector across three specific categories: 
- First category: Academic institutions - undergraduate students. This category focuses on accelerating the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel solutions. The first-place winner receives 250,000 dollars, the second 150,000 dollars, and the third 100,000 dollars.
- Second category: Academic institutions - graduate students. This category targets postgraduate academic institutions contributing to sustainable aviation fuel solutions, with identical prize distributions as in the first category: 250,000 dollars for first place, 150,000 dollars for second place, and 100,000 dollars for third place.
- Third category: Research institutions. This will honor research institutions contributing innovative sustainable aviation fuel solutions.

Sustainable Solutions

The award seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators in aviation sustainability while laying the academic groundwork for future sustainable aviation fuel solutions. It also encourages the development of solutions addressing pressing issues such as aviation's environmental footprint, economic feasibility, policy support, and integration into existing aviation ecosystems. All prizes are based on six essential criteria: innovation, practical applicability, sustainability, economic cost, impact on policy development and regulatory frameworks, and the potential integration of solutions into current infrastructure.