Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 in UAE (Fully Funded)

The Legacy of Sheikh Zayed

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE, was a man ahead of his time. He championed numerous initiatives that promoted environmental conservation, social development, and the overall well-being of people. His leadership was rooted in respect for nature and his belief that sustainable development was key to improving the lives of future generations. Under his guidance, the UAE transformed into a hub of economic and social progress, but it always remained mindful of its environmental footprint.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to honor his legacy, focusing on solutions that address pressing global challenges, including climate change, water scarcity, access to clean energy, and health care. The prize is a manifestation of Sheikh Zayed’s vision, fostering innovation that drives sustainable change in various sectors across the globe.

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Overview of the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is awarded annually in five categories: Health, Food, Water, Energy, and Global High Schools. Each of these categories is designed to recognize initiatives that have made significant contributions to sustainable development and have a lasting impact on communities, economies, and the environment. The 2026 edition of the prize will carry forward the UAE’s commitment to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inspiring a global movement toward a more sustainable future.

The prize is open to all, with particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. The applications are judged based on innovation, sustainability, impact, and scalability.

Prize Categories

1. Health: This category recognizes groundbreaking initiatives that address global health challenges, especially those related to maternal and child health, access to affordable healthcare, and the prevention of diseases. Winning projects can involve innovative medical treatments, health education campaigns, or the development of technologies that improve access to healthcare services in underserved communities.

2. Food: This category celebrates innovations in food security, sustainable agriculture, and solutions that improve nutrition. Projects that promote sustainable food production methods, reduce food waste, and enhance the resilience of food systems in vulnerable regions are recognized for their potential to create long-lasting positive impacts on global food sustainability.

3. Water: Water scarcity remains one of the world’s most critical challenges. This category focuses on solutions that provide access to clean, safe, and reliable water, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a persistent issue. It can include water purification technologies, efficient irrigation systems, and projects that help manage and conserve water resources more effectively.

4. Energy: Innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions are the focus of this category. Projects that advance solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies are vital in the global transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Energy storage solutions, smart grids, and decentralized energy systems are also recognized for their potential to drive significant change.

5. Global High Schools: The Global High Schools category is a unique aspect of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, which aims to inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders. The prize recognizes outstanding schools from around the world that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainable practices, integrating sustainability into their curricula, and taking action to address local and global environmental and social issues. Schools can submit projects that have made a tangible impact on the environment or their communities.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is open to individuals, organizations, and institutions globally. The eligibility requirements and application process are streamlined to encourage wide participation, ensuring that innovative solutions from all corners of the world are recognized and celebrated.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Individuals: Individuals who have pioneered innovative sustainability solutions, such as entrepreneurs or innovators, are eligible to apply. These individuals should be at the forefront of sustainable development in any of the five categories mentioned above.

2. Organizations: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profits, and social enterprises that have implemented impactful, scalable, and innovative solutions to address global challenges can apply.

3. Global High Schools: Schools worldwide can participate by submitting a project that demonstrates sustainability initiatives impacting their community, such as renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture initiatives, or community health improvements.

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Application Process

1. Online Submission: The application process is fully online, with an accessible and easy-to-follow submission platform. Applicants must complete a detailed form that outlines their sustainability project, its impact, and how it addresses one or more of the award’s categories.

2. Project Description: Applicants are required to provide a clear and concise description of their project, including its objectives, methods, outcomes, and long-term sustainability impact. The judges evaluate these submissions based on innovation, scalability, and the project’s alignment with global sustainability goals.

3. Review and Evaluation: After submission, the applications go through a thorough evaluation process. A panel of judges, consisting of sustainability experts, innovators, and thought leaders, carefully assesses each submission to ensure it meets the prize’s criteria. Shortlisted finalists may be invited for interviews or further discussions to evaluate the project’s potential.

4. Award Ceremony: The winners are announced at a prestigious award ceremony, which takes place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). This event gathers global leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates to celebrate the achievements of the winners and to further promote the importance of sustainability in all sectors.

Benefits of Winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize

Winning the Zayed Sustainability Prize is not just about receiving a cash award; it provides winners with a unique opportunity to scale their impact on a global level. The prize brings increased visibility to innovative sustainability projects and helps to drive further investment and partnerships. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Financial Support: The winners receive a significant financial award to help fund the expansion of their projects. This funding can be used for research and development, scaling the project to reach more people, or improving the sustainability of their solutions.

2. Global Recognition: The prize provides international recognition, offering winners a platform to share their successes with the world. This exposure can help attract additional funding, collaborations, and partnerships.

3. Networking Opportunities: Winners are invited to attend the prestigious Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where they can meet key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and sustainability experts, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.

4. Mentorship and Guidance: Along with the financial prize, winners often receive mentorship from leaders in the sustainability field, helping them refine and scale their initiatives even further.

5. Sustainable Impact: Most importantly, the Zayed Sustainability Prize fosters long-term, sustainable change. It empowers individuals and organizations to amplify their efforts in addressing critical global challenges and makes a lasting difference in the lives of people and the planet.

Conclusion

The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 is a beacon of hope for those dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that benefit society and the environment. By recognizing and rewarding excellence in innovation, the prize continues to inspire individuals, organizations, and institutions worldwide to take bold actions toward a sustainable future. As the world faces pressing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and health crises, the Zayed Sustainability Prize serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation, collaboration, and long-term thinking.

For those with groundbreaking solutions to global sustainability challenges, the Zayed Sustainability Prize offers a fully funded platform to amplify their work and make a meaningful impact on the world. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, or educator, the 2026 edition of the prize provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts and shape the future for generations to come.

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