General Civil Aviation Authority reaps 3 wins at GovMedia Awards 2025

GCAA is setting new standards for safety, education, and strategic growth in global aviation.

General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) triumphed at the GovMedia Awards 2025, with three recognitions for its efforts in strengthening civil aviation cybersecurity, taking aviation awareness to new heights, and empowering future organisation leaders.

It was recognised in the United Arab Emirates Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Aviation, United Arab Emirates Campaign of the Year - Aviation, and United Arab Emirates Training Program of the Year - Aviation categories for its Cybersecurity Enhancement Initiative, ‘Love Your Sky’ campaign, and Leadership Development Program, respectively.

Cybersecurity Enhancement Initiative

To protect the aviation sector from rising global cyber threats, the GCAA has launched a comprehensive Cybersecurity Enhancement Initiative aligned with both UAE Cybersecurity Council requirements and international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

This initiative established a national framework focussed on collaboration, rapid threat response, and continuous innovation.

The GCAA recognised the growing risks to critical infrastructure; therefore, it designed a sector-specific cybersecurity strategy in partnership with national cybersecurity entities, aviation stakeholders, and global experts. 

At the heart of the initiative is the UAE National Civil Aviation Cybersecurity Strategy, which rests on key pillars such as proactive threat detection, robust incident response, and ongoing improvement of policies and technologies.

The GCAA supported this strategy by forming specialised committees, including the National Cybersecurity Threat and Risk Committee and the National Cybersecurity Committee.

This comprehensive framework includes the development of National Aviation Cybersecurity Policies and Guidelines tailored to the sector; the launch of a real-time Incident Reporting System to track and respond to threats quickly; the creation of the GCAA Cybersecurity Webpage, a centralised online resource offering the latest tools, updates, and guidance for aviation stakeholders; and the implementation of regular training and awareness campaigns to build a culture of cybersecurity in the industry.

Within the first year of implementation, the initiative delivered a 30% reduction in attempted cyberattacks on aviation systems, 50% faster response times to cybersecurity incidents, an increased industry participation in voluntary threat reporting, and stronger alignment with international best practices.

Elements from the initiative were also adopted by several countries for their own civil aviation cybersecurity programmes.

As the UAE continues to invest in cybersecurity innovation, the GCAA remains committed to maintaining the nation’s leadership in secure and world-class aviation.

‘Love Your Sky’ campaign 

“Love Your Sky” (LYS) campaign is a nationwide awareness initiative that brings the UAE’s world-class aviation sector closer to the public. 

Despite the UAE’s global status as a leading aviation hub, public understanding of the industry’s vital role in economic growth, sustainability, and passenger safety remained limited. LYS was developed to change that.

The campaign brings the achievements and innovations of the aviation sector into the public spotlight. It simplifies complex aviation topics and highlights real contributions from airports, airlines, training academies, and aviation professionals.

To build awareness, more than 41 organisations actively contributed to LYS. It used social media, gamified experiences, and video storytelling, and has reached millions of people online.

Additionally, unlike traditional industry campaigns, LYS targets students, travellers, and families, making aviation accessible to all.

The campaign also addressed topics like sustainable air travel, passenger safety, and aviation technology, which kept the content relevant and engaging throughout the year.

As a result, “Love Your Sky” generated millions of impressions and high engagement across digital platforms. In-person activations drew over 1,000 attendees that included students, aviation professionals, and officials.

LYS gained significant national and international media attention as well, with stakeholders praising the campaign as a new benchmark for public engagement in aviation.

Most importantly, it improved public understanding of aviation safety, regulations, and sustainability.

With a design to grow and evolve, upcoming plans for LYS include new content tailored for school children and youth, the launch of the LYS website, and the use of AI, immersive storytelling, and experiential marketing to take the campaign even further.

By making aviation approachable, exciting, and relevant, it is building a stronger connection between the UAE’s skies and the people who depend on them.

Leadership Development Program

GCAA’s Leadership Development Program is a strategic initiative that nurtures a new generation of forward-thinking leaders within the organisation.

Recognising that strong leadership is vital to achieving long-term success, the programme focusses on developing strategic thinking, decision-making, crisis management, communication, and team-building skills. 

The initiative offers a structured path for employees to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Through a series of interactive workshops and real-world case studies, participants are equipped with the tools to lead in today’s fast-paced environment.

The programme teaches leaders to think long-term, assesses complex challenges, and develops sustainable strategies. It enhances one’s ability to make sound decisions in a variety of business situations.

It also prepares leaders to act decisively under pressure and manage unexpected disruptions effectively.

The programme is more than just a training initiative—it is an investment in the GCAA’s future. By developing the leadership potential within its workforce, the organisation has the right people in place to shape strategy and drive innovation.

GovMedia Awards gives recognition to the trends and best practices that transform the public sector in the Asia Pacific. The awards programme promotes excellence and provides a platform for exemplary government initiatives.

The Gov Media Awards is presented by Gov Media Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be recognised for your organisation's government projects and initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].