This year’s theme focused on Aviation Trends: Advancements, Regulations, and Sustainability, showcasing the industry’s evolution and how it was adapting to meet rising challenges. More than 300 researchers and specialists from a host of aviation entities, regulatory bodies, academia and leading universities attended, all keen to explore the latest research insights and advancements, and to tackle key challenges.

Professor Dr Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor Emirates Aviation University delivered the opening address, and said: “Fuelled by demand, advances in sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology, our industry is on the brink of rapid transformation. By uniting leaders and scholars under one roof, we aim to showcase aviation’s boldest and most imaginative ideas. We’re thrilled to be able to host this conference for the fifth year and look forward to growing, evolving, and continuing it for many years to come.”

Keynote speakers included Colonel Engineer Marwan Mohammad Singel, Director of Dubai Civil Aviation Security Centre at Dubai Police, Mohamed Abubaker Farea, ICAO Middle East Regional Director, Kashif Khalid, Regional Director, OSS Africa and the Middle East IATA, Professor Paul D. Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Reading and Professor Bijan Vasigh, Professor of Economics and Finance, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

From the Emirates Group, keynote speakers included senior executives: Steve Allen, Chief Executive Officer dnata, Oliver Grohmann, the Emirates Group’s Executive Vice President Human Resources, John Walker Emirates’ Vice President Base Maintenance and Kieran Dowd, Vice President of Sourcing Solutions, Emirates Flight Catering and General Manager Emirates Bustanica.

Hot topics involved airline operations and management, air traffic management innovations, AI applications in aviation, and aviation safety and security.

A series of presentations outlined a bold strategy to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030 and highlighted the growing impact of climate change, extreme weather events and shifting wind patterns on flight routes. IAMC explored the transformative technology in Human Resources with AI-driven tools and virtual platforms streamlining recruitment, and how cutting-edge innovations like drone aircraft inspections eliminated the need for scaffolding and dramatically reduced completion time and human effort.

The aviation industry is on a continuous growth trajectory, with IATA projecting industry revenues to reach a milestone of US$996 billion in 2024. The conference demonstrated the university's success in embracing seamless collaboration between academia and the aviation industry.

About Emirates Aviation University

Since its founding in 1991, EAU, the education arm of the Emirates Group, has established itself as the leading university for aviation studies in the region. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes in aeronautical engineering, aviation management, logistics & supply management, AI & data science, aviation safety, and aviation security studies. Over the past three decades, EAU has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its facilities, faculties, learning resources, and earning global accreditations, including recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, UK. EAU also provides a one semester internship programme with the Emirates Group for undergraduate students. For more information, please visit https://www.eau.ac.ae/en.

The Emirates Group’s annual innovation platform, ForsaTEK brings together the organisation’s formidable technology and industry partnerships, start-up ecosystem, highly sought after thought leaders and speakers, youth, plus new concepts and ideas. This year, a new partnership, a robotics zone, and demos of futuristic tech stole the spotlight.

ForsaTEK was officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group in the presence of His Excellency Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE’s Minister of Youth Affairs and the first Arab to perform a spacewalk. Also present at the event were dignitaries  and senior Emirates Group executives. 

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “With technology and innovation having such a transformative impact on our industry and lives every day, launching ForsaTEK was absolutely the right thing to do. It aligns with our vision and our role, both in the industry and globally. Last year’s event proved to be a powerful learning and networking opportunity for our stakeholders and our employees.

“On a much larger scale this year, a key focus for ForsaTEK is displaying innovation in action. More than ever, our industry needs to collaborate and partner with key stakeholders – from government entities and tech partners to start-ups and industry titans from different fields. ForsaTEK weaves together different strands, technology, ideas, concepts, commitment and intent to bring brave and revolutionary new solutions to the table.”

Keynotes and panels

HE Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi delivered the first keynote speech, which was centred around the importance of youth to innovation. This was followed by thought-provoking panel discussions on the corporate venture world, humanoid robots and aviation, the collision of AI with other technologies, Dubai’s role in shaping the future, innovation proximity, and the relentless march of robotics.

Senior executives and thought leaders from Dubai Future Foundation, Meta, Microsoft, Block Gemini, Boardwalk Robotics and prestigious universities articulated their vision, perspectives and challenges at the event. The Emirates Group’s senior leadership addressed how innovation will shape the travel industry. 
 
Partners and partnerships  

At ForsaTEK, the Emirates Group announced its agreement with Onyx by J.P. Morgan, the firm’s blockchain business unit, and the first organisation to come under the Group’s recently launched Blockchain Development Centre. The collaboration will focus on research and development, education, and implementation of blockchain technology. It will provide the Group with cutting-edge finance blockchain solutions tailored to the aviation industry, enhancing its financial operations and customer experiences.

The Group’s Blockchain Development Centre has four pillars: collaboration and advocacy; R&D; education and coaching; and innovation.

This year, the Emirates Group’s partners enthralled visitors with an eclectic and engaging mix of innovation and technology. Demos included AI-centred activations by AWS, caged drone by e&, Gen AI Avatar by Microsoft, and Smart Trolley by Airbus. EasyMile showcased its drones and autonomous vehicles, HiveRobotics its cleaning bot for aircraft seats, Holoplot its innovation audio technology, SITA its Flexbox, and the Technical University of Munich its futuristic robotic skins. Web3 demos included spatial computing, blockchain and biometric payments.

Start-up souk 

Start-ups from the Aviation X Lab and Intelak accelerator programmes came in full force in a souk-style space to demonstrate their ideas and cool tech. They pitched their POCs (proof of concept) and their vision to revolutionise aviation and travel to a large audience of VIPs, investors, and the wider tech industry.

Youth

ForsaTEK also serves to inspire and educate youth with university and secondary school students attending the event in large numbers. Prizes were awarded to students who best addressed a challenge launched in April on how wearable technology can be used to support baggage handlers at Dubai airport.

*ForsaTEK is derived from ‘Forsa’, which means ‘your opportunities’ in Arabic, and is also a play on ‘technology’ and Emirates (code ‘EK’). 
 
About Intelak 
The Emirates Group created Intelak, a start-up incubator and accelerator programme in collaboration with partners Amadeus, Microsoft, Accenture, and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. The programme is designed to identify and support start-ups in the travel, tourism, and aviation sectors, and to provide mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities to help them grow and succeed. The incubator is helping drive innovation and disruption in these sectors and is contributing to the growth and development of the broader start-up ecosystem in the UAE and beyond. Intelak has nurtured and supported a number of start-ups that have gone on to achieve significant growth and success. Visit: https://intelak.com/ 
 
About Aviation X Lab 
Aviation X Lab is a visionary partnership between the Emirates Group, Collins Aerospace, Thales, Airbus, and GE Aerospace that aims to transform the aviation industry by enhancing the customer journey. Through a series of moonshots launched in every cycle, Aviation X Lab brings together start-ups, corporations, governments, and academia to develop breakthrough solutions that push the boundaries of possibilities in aviation. The platform focuses on diverse themes – from sustainability to safety and efficiency – with the ultimate goal of creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for customers. By leveraging the latest technologies, data analytics, and cross-disciplinary expertise, Aviation X Lab is revolutionising air travel and shaping the future of the industry in alignment with the UAE's visionary national agenda, 2071.  Visit: https://www.theaviationxlab.com/

Ebdaa was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group in the presence of H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and dignitaries from Dubai Future Foundation, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police, General Civil Aviation Authority, Department of Economy and Tourism Dubai, and flydubai, partners from technology companies, and senior Emirates Group executives. 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “The aviation ecosystem is changing at a phenomenal pace, driven by technology and human ingenuity. Ebdaa will continuously evolve and tap into these drivers – the latest tech, R&D and insights; customer feedback; our people’s expertise; and our thriving community of partnerships and start-ups. It will help us design amazing experiences for our customers and employees, create tailored solutions for the Emirates Group and reaffirm Dubai’s status as a hub for commercial aviation.

“Ebdaa has been designed to help foster strategic collaboration with corporate leaders and VIPs, forge new partnerships and inspire our own people. Our intent is to excite hearts, engage minds, and explore the future of aviation together. Ebdaa has repurposed our Expo pavilion, leveraging the considerable investments we made at the time, making it a sustainable and an enduring legacy for aviation and Dubai.”

Spacious, at over 35,520sqft and spread across three storeys, Ebdaa focuses on three key technologies – Robotics, AI and Web 3.0. Here are some highlights:

Region’s first XR theatre

The 55-seater XR theatre is a first of its kind within a corporate entity in the Middle East. Here, a potent combination of an LED powered stage, XR capabilities, camera tracking and real-time 3D renders enables presenters to connect and immerse global audiences in simulated worlds – from inspirational destinations to creative, learning or operational environments.

Aviation robotics lab

In partnership with Dubai Future Labs and other global leaders in robotics, this space is both a showcase and a workspace for design, development and experimentation in social and industrial robots. This includes the first AI-powered customer support robot developed in-house by the robotics team, giving a glimpse of the future of customer-robot interactions.

VR chamber

In this space, all future immersive experiences built on MIRA, the Group’s new extended reality (XR) platform which was showcased at Dubai Airshow 2023, will be trialled and showcased using the latest wearables – from headsets to haptic gloves. The first phase for MIRA included the virtualisation of all Emirates cabins and galleys for crew learning.

AI-powered Executive Boardroom

Dubbed as a conference room of the future, this purpose-built hybrid meeting space with AI technologies allows executives to connect and collaborate with teams and audiences worldwide.

The IX studio

In this circular, multifunctional room with hi-fi video, audio and presentation tech, teams can co-design new products or tap into the extensive content library to transport guests into bespoke worlds – whether deep diving into Emirates’ global destinations, touring below-the-wing cargo and logistics elements, or even practising mindfulness and meditation.

Innovation heritage, Insights wall

Guests can explore and interact with the decade-wise milestones of the Emirates Group’s history centred on innovation. They can discover little known facts, new insights, projects and achievements of the different facets within the Group, with every experience tailored for the audience.

Partnership showcase area

This space is dedicated to the Group’s extensive strategic partnerships across the aviation and technology ecosystems, providing partners an opportunity to showcase their latest projects and products that will help shape the future of aviation.

Besides these key spaces, Ebdaa also features:

• a robotics café where guests can relax, connect with others and enjoy a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or tea, or even ice-cream
• airport of the future and innovation challenges – this interactive zone enables guests to understand how their choices in technology can impact aviation operations and passenger journeys. There are six challenges ranging from sustainability (making skies cleaner) to improving the onboard experience (design the cabin of the future).
• a smart collaboration room for brainstorming and co-creation. The stylish room is equipped with the latest in smart devices where content, lighting, privacy and climate can be controlled at the click of a button.

Ebdaa embraces the legacy of the Emirates Pavilion – the design and façade are modelled around an aircraft’s wings taking flight, with 24 aluminium cladded fins that curve around two sides of the building structure. It was built using the latest fabrication technologies, building techniques and sustainable design elements, including integrated solar arrays, sustainable off-site construction, responsive solar shading and a verdant landscape indoors and outdoors. The pavilion followed a number of sustainability principles, including using reusable and recyclable materials, and design solutions to reduce energy and water consumption. The interior’s bright, ultramodern design lets in ample natural light and serves as a backdrop for immersive experiences.

As a platform to foster deeper research and development, and greater exchange of cutting-edge ideas, the Innovation Majlis will showcase the latest in robotics, hyper-reality, holograms, 3D printers and other advanced technologies. It will serve as the social space to co-create proof-of-concepts that will benefit customers, communities and the aviation industry. Partnerships with industry leaders and universities, sustainable initiatives, and exploring alternate energies will be some of the other key drivers for the majlis.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “The Emirates Group has always been a trailblazer in the aviation industry, and innovation is fundamental to our core values, our culture and our mindset. The Innovation Majlis, with its latest tools and tech, is designed to empower our employees to explore new horizons, discover innovative solutions, and drive the future of the aviation industry. It will bring our partners, top tech companies and entities together in one space to address key challenges affecting our industry today.”

In its initial phase, the Innovation Majlis will include:

• Autonomous mobile manipulator: developed by Dubai Future Labs for order deliveries as well as picking and placing objects from shelves, bins and table-tops.
• AI-enabled wearable glasses for AR experiences: transforms the way we perceive and interact with other people, products or services
• Haptic gloves for natural XR interactions: enables touch interaction in virtual reality to feel the weight, vibrations and resistance of virtual objects
• 3D holographic display with generative AI: elevates the experience of interacting with digital signage by providing advanced conversational capability through natural language processing
• Automatic wireless charging: next era of charging devices autonomously from a distance using infrared technology
• 3D printing solutions: exploring next generation printers that can handle a greater range of materials to provide an additive manufacturing capability for new areas
• Optimised videoconferencing: all-in-one device providing advanced sensor and environment optimisation technology for video communications
• Next generation water filtration: reverse osmosis and carbon filtration purification system that turns any tap water into mineralised water. 

The Emirates Group has a long history of spearheading innovation in the industry. The Innovation Majlis comes hot on the heels of launching Sara, the world’s first ever check‑in robot assistant, and hosting the first edition of ForsaTEK, an annual event that brings together start-up programmes, high-profile tech and industry partners, and key players in the ecosystem. The Emirates Group and Dubai Future Foundation have signed a significant partnership to launch the Emirates Centre of Excellence for Aviation Robotics (ECEAR). Emirates has dedicated US$ 200 million to finance research and development initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. 

The four-year programme is designed to draw young, talented Emiratis to the world of aviation and information technology. Students will be equipped with knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, bio-robotics, embedded systems, and renewable energy – topics of keen interest to the Emirates Group as it continues to invest in cutting-edge technology and sustainability.

As they progress through their programmes, students will also intern at the Group as a stepping stone to their planned careers. Once students graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, they will have the opportunity to join permanent roles at the Group. 

For more information and to apply for the IT Scholarship programme, interested candidates can click here.

The new partnership with RIT is part of Rehlaty – the Emirates Group’s strategy to inspire, attract, develop, reward and retain UAE Nationals. It is the latest in Rehlaty’s long history of scholarships, graduate and development programmes, and collaborations with leading organisations and educational entities. 

Other fully sponsored scholarships specifically designed for UAE Nationals to complete their undergraduate degrees or obtain special licenses include programmes for national cadet pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, technologists, and specialisations in aviation management and finance. 

The Emirates Group is specifically recruiting Emiratis across several exciting job roles spanning the organisation. For more info, Emirati job seekers are advised to visit www.emiratesgroupcareers.com or click here. 

About RIT

Established in 2008, RIT Dubai is a not-for-profit global campus of the esteemed Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, one of the world’s leading technology focused universities with a storied 185-year history. RIT Dubai offers highly valued Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in business and leadership, engineering, and computing.

The curriculum provides students with relevant work experience through an innovative cooperative education program that helps students stand out in today’s highly competitive job market. RIT Dubai offers American degrees, and all of RIT’s programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education, UAE. Students of RIT Dubai also have the unique opportunity to choose to study abroad at the main campus in New York or at one of its other global campuses.

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