UAE's ‘Global Sustainable Aviation Marketplace' institutionalised as ICAO annual event
First launched in Abu Dhabi in February 2025 on the sidelines of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS), the GSAM initiative aims to accelerate sustainable practices in global aviation by bringing together stakeholders from across the ecosystem, including airlines, manufacturers, regulators and investors, to drive the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), low-carbon aviation fuels (LCAF), and climate finance solutions under the ICAO (Finvest Hub).
ICAO's decision reflects the country's dedicated efforts to establish the event and secure its formal integration into the organisation's global calendar. It reflects the UAE's growing influence in shaping the future of sustainable aviation and its ability to deliver scalable, institutional solutions to global challenges.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said, 'Thanks to the guidance of our wise leadership, the UAE continues to lead the civil aviation sector both regionally and internationally. This achievement reflects the UAE's prominent position on the global civil aviation map and reaffirms its excellence in developing future solutions and creating sustainable and innovative global initiatives that drive the growth and competitiveness of this vital sector while keeping pace with global development needs.
"We have succeeded in transforming a national idea into a global institutional platform that supports ICAO's goals and contributes to building a more efficient and resilient aviation ecosystem, in line with the world's best practices.'
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, stated, 'We are proud that the GSAM initiative, once a national vision, is now a formal ICAO-backed global event. This milestone is a testament to the UAE's strategic focus on sustainability and our belief in inclusive, multilateral collaboration to drive progress."
The ICAO Council members praised the UAE's leadership and vision, noting the UAE has a forward-looking vision in taking decisive steps towards achieving sustainability and promoting innovation, presenting a model for the world in how to turn vision into tangible reality.
The initiative was proposed by the UAE in 2024 through its permanent mission to ICAO, with a clear goal: to establish a global marketplace that connects policy, technology, and finance to support aviation's transition to net-zero emissions. The idea quickly gained traction and was brought to life by a coordinated effort between the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, the UAE Permanent Mission team in Montreal, and various local and international partners.
Preparations are now underway for the second edition of GSAM, and the event is expected to attract a wide range of global participants and serve as a practical forum for advancing ICAO's Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 minutes ago
- Zawya
Etihad Airways targets 21.5mln passengers, 18 new aircraft in 2025
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, unveiled the airline's ambitious plans for 2025, aiming to carry approximately 21.5 million passengers by the end of the year, more than double the number recorded in 2022. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Neves said the growth is underpinned by a major fleet expansion, with 18 new aircraft expected to be delivered before the year ends. Two aircraft have already joined the fleet, with 16 more scheduled for delivery in the coming months. Having transported more than 10 million passengers during the first half of the year, the airline is on track to close 2025 with a fleet of between 115 and 120 aircraft. Neves reviewed the airline's upward performance trajectory, noting that Etihad Airways reached financial break-even in 2022, achieved a profit margin of 3 percent in 2023, and increased that to around 6 percent last year. This year, profit margins are expected to range between 7 and 8 percent. He said the company is following a strategy of 'gradually expanding margins each year' and is funding its growth through internal cash flows, contributing to sustainable financial performance. On its global network, which is approaching 100 destinations, the CEO explained that the airline's growth strategy is not limited to adding new routes, but also includes increasing frequencies on existing routes. Flights to destinations such as Frankfurt and Barcelona have doubled to twice daily, while Bangkok now receives five daily flights during peak periods. He noted that around two-thirds of the increased capacity is allocated to existing destinations, with only one-third targeting new routes, highlighting the airline's focus on strengthening its market position in established regions. Atlanta, for instance, launched with five weekly flights and now operates daily. New York, which had one daily flight 18 months ago, now operates two, and all western destinations are now served with daily flights. Neves confirmed that Etihad Airways' strategy through to 2030 focuses on strengthening its presence, particularly in markets within a four-hour flight radius, including India, Pakistan and the Middle East. The airline currently operates four daily flights to key destinations such as Colombo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai and Muscat, offering competitive flexibility in schedules that caters to diverse traveller segments. He added that the airline aims to offer at least two daily flights to all its destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe and the eastern United States. In a step to redefine regional travel, Neves revealed that Etihad will take delivery of its first A321 Long Range aircraft this week in Hamburg. This will be the first narrow-body aircraft in the fleet to feature a first-class cabin with fully flat luxury seats, which he described as 'the world's best travel experience on a narrow-body aircraft.' He affirmed that Zayed International Airport has the capacity to support this growth, with plans to grow the fleet to around 200 aircraft and serve between 38 and 39 million passengers by 2030, effectively doubling the company's size over the next five years. Neves praised the rapid development in Abu Dhabi, calling it an exceptional place to live and work. He noted that the capital's population is growing at an annual rate of 7 percent – five to six times the global average – which is driving demand for travel and services. International events hosted by Abu Dhabi, including exhibitions and conferences, along with its expanding tourism and cultural sectors, are also contributing to increased travel demand to and from the capital. He said, 'We have doubled our flight capacity in Abu Dhabi in just two and a half years. This positions us as a major contributor to development, while also benefitting significantly from government investment in infrastructure and tourism.' In response to a question on aircraft delivery challenges, Neves explained that Etihad had anticipated delays from manufacturers and structured its operational plans accordingly by accelerating the induction of leased aircraft and reintroducing seven A380 aircraft into service. He concluded by stating that the airline is now more agile and better positioned to respond to market dynamics, as it continues advancing towards its vision of becoming the preferred airline for travellers by offering exceptional service, flexibility and smart expansion.
Zawya
3 minutes ago
- Zawya
BUiD expands Master of Education Programme with new specialised concentrations to meet evolving educational needs
Dubai, UAE — The British University in Dubai (BUiD) launched new concentrations in its Master of Education (MEd) programme, designed to meet the changing demands of the UAE's education sectors. The expanded curriculum empowers education professionals to pursue targeted expertise in key areas shaping today's learning environments. As education systems worldwide undergo rapid transformation, there is an increasing demand for professionals equipped with focused expertise and adaptable skill sets. BUiD's enriched MEd programme is designed to empower educators, administrators, and aspiring leaders with advanced knowledge and research-informed practices that address key contemporary challenges in education. The five newly introduced concentrations include: Educational Management, Leadership and Policy Diversity and Inclusive Education Applied Linguistics and Language Learning STEM Education. Educational Psychology and Counselling. These concentrations are thoughtfully aligned with the UAE's national education priorities, including the promotion of inclusive practices, digital transformation, and the cultivation of leadership that is capable of navigating future educational landscapes. Professor Eman Gaad, Dean of the Faculty of Education, said: 'This expansion supports our mission to develop reflective, research-informed educators who can lead meaningful change across diverse learning contexts. Each concentration offers a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared to address current and future challenges in education." Through this expanded programme, BUiD continues to demonstrate its leadership in the higher education sector by offering programmes that are both academically strong and closely connected to real-world needs. By providing specialised study paths, the University helps drive innovation in education and supports the development of effective policies and practices across the UAE and beyond. The British University in Dubai The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is a not-for-profit institution, which was established in 2003 to be the region's leading research-based university, facilitating excellent education, training and research. It provides an important and growing community and resource for young professionals, leading academics, corporate managers and aspiring leaders of all description. The UAE Ministry of Education – Higher Education Affairs licenses BUiD to award its own degrees. BUiD achieved global quality accreditation through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). BUiD's qualifications are also recognised internationally by NARIC. BUiD's internal quality assurance include processes that ensure our programmes and students' achievements are of standards on a par with those of our UK Universities Alliance partners (the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Manchester). The UK Universities Alliance collaborates with BUiD within a Concordat agreement that provides a comprehensive framework for the strategic directions and governance of the Alliance. BUiD offers full and part-time research-based Doctorate and PhD programmes, Masters and MBA programmes, and Postgraduate Diplomas, in the fields of education, business, law, engineering, finance, construction, and IT. BUiD also offers undergraduate programmes in the fields of computer science, AI, engineering, architecture, finance, and business. The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (now Dubai Holding), Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group, and the National Bank of Dubai (now Emirates NBD). The University is governed by a Council under the chancellorship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. BUiD works in collaboration with leading organisations and institutions including its major contributing partner the Knowledge Fund Establishment, Atkins, the UAE Ministry of Education, and government and associated bodies across the UAE's public and private sector
Khaleej Times
3 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
'World tour, Labubu for daughter': Dubai's Indian expat wins $1 million, reveals plans
Dubai's newest millionaire, Sabish Peroth, plans to buy a 'cute Labubu' for his daughter and take his family on a world tour. The Dubai-born and raised Indian expat shared this in his first comment to Khaleej Times after winning $1 million Dubai Duty Free draw, which he had been participating for the past six years. The 42-year-old senior operations supervisor at a logistics company has been pooling money with his colleagues to buy raffle tickets regularly. 'There were 20 of us when we started, but only 10 have continued for the last two years. This time, we got lucky,' said Sabish, who hails from Thrissur in Kerala. The winning ticket (4296) was purchased online on July 4, and when Sabish received the call, he couldn't believe it. 'I thought it was a prank or some promotional call. When they asked for my details and announced that I had won, my hands began to shake. I couldn't breathe,' he said. Sabish, who has been working in the same company for 17 years, said the group plans to divide the money equally. 'Each of us will get approximately Dh370,000. Most of us are settled here. We will continue working, but this will also help us start a small business. It's a great boost,' he said. He said his wife, who works in Sharjah, and his young daughter were equally excited. 'My daughter was shocked, but now she just wants her toys, especially Labubu. She keeps reminding me.' After years of hoping for a win, Sabish believes the wait was worth it. 'We were not expecting it, but somewhere in our hearts, we believed one day it would happen.' First-ever Russian winner Joining Sabish in the millionaire ranks is Maen Saleh, a 57-year-old Russian based in Doha, Qatar. He won in Series 509 with ticket number 1184, becoming the first Russian national to take home the $1 million prize. 'This win will help me build a house in my village in Suzdal and support my son's education in Malta,' he said. The Dubai Duty Free draw also saw four others win luxury vehicles. Czech national Alice Semianova won a Mercedes-Benz S500, while Indian expat Sridhar Ankam Bhikshapathi, a porter at Dubai Airport, won a Bentley Bentayga V8. Indian national Roby Devassy won a Ducati Multistrada motorbike, and British expat Robert Miggels, based in Ras Al Khaimah, rode away with a BMW S 1000 R.
