Montreal: The UAE announced the winners of the third edition of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award (SMBR), with a total prize value of USD 1 million, honoring the main category winners.
According to Emirates News Agency, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), stated that the SMBR Global Aviation Award embodies the UAE's commitment to supporting research and innovation. The award encourages young talents and research institutions to develop practical and sustainable solutions that will shape the future of global civil aviation.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, expressed pride in hosting the event as a platform to honor innovators and showcase their achievements to global aviation leaders. The SMBR Global Aviation Award underscores the UAE's pioneering role in supporting the aviation industry and enhancing its position as an incubator for initiatives that inspire the world and advance sustainability.
The winners in the Academic Research and Development category hailed from universities in Brazil, the United States, and Kazakhstan. The winner in the Research Institutions category was the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Germany.
Launched in 2016, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Aviation Award is organized every three years in partnership with ICAO. The third edition concentrated on research and development in sustainability, particularly sustainable aviation fuel solutions. This aligns with international efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reflects the UAE's role in innovation and global collaboration.
The UAE marked a significant presence at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), where Abdulla Al Marri delivered an official statement during the plenary session. He emphasized that aviation serves as a bridge for human communication and a symbol of openness among nations. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to open skies through 189 air service agreements, more than 80% of which are fully liberalized.
Regarding sustainability, the UAE has made considerable strides, such as implementing a roadmap for sustainable aviation fuel production and developing initiatives like the digital platform for the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) programme. The UAE also established the Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace (GSAM).
Al Marri stressed that progress in aviation needs to include everyone, and sustainability can only be achieved through investment in human capital. The UAE has developed several initiatives to build sector competencies in collaboration with international partners.
He further mentioned that the UAE consistently opens its doors to hosting global events, serving as a hub for partners and supporting international cooperation. The UAE acts as a bridge between regions, fostering trust and constructive alliances.
Later in the evening, the UAE hosted its official state reception in Montreal, aligning with the customary protocol for participating countries in the ICAO assembly. The event was a distinguished celebration blending formal and cultural elements and was attended by Al Marri, Saif Al Suwaidi, ministers, civil aviation directors from ICAO member states, and officials from regional and international aviation organisations.