UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honors the winners of the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize on January 13, 2026. ARCHIVE

The Zayed Sustainability Prize has officially opened submissions for its 2027 cycle, inviting innovators from around the world to present solutions that improve lives and strengthen global sustainability efforts. The award, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is one of the UAE’s most prominent global initiatives supporting sustainability and humanitarian innovation. It carries forward the legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision focused on inclusive growth and human development. Now in its 18th year, the Prize offers a total of $7.2 million in funding. Small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organisations, and high schools are encouraged to apply across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s long-standing commitment to practical solutions with real impact. “Guided by Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian values, the Zayed Sustainability Prize reflects the UAE’s commitment to advancing solutions that deliver real, measurable impact,” Al Jaber said. “By championing innovation in all its forms, from community-led approaches to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, the Prize supports solutions that improve lives and reach the most vulnerable.” Over the past two decades, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of more than 400 million people worldwide, supporting projects that expand access to renewable energy, affordable healthcare, food security, clean water, and climate resilience. Entries must demonstrate proven results and will be evaluated based on impact, innovation, and inspiration. Submissions are accepted in seven languages, including Arabic, English, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, to encourage broad global participation. Winners in each organisational category will receive $1 million, while Global High Schools winners will be awarded $150,000 to implement or expand student-led projects. Beginning with the 2026 cycle, the Prize introduced an enhanced funding model that provides financial support even at the finalist stage. Under this approach, $1.3 million is committed to finalists, with organisational finalists receiving $100,000 each and Global High Schools finalists receiving $25,000. All submissions undergo a rigorous three-stage evaluation process, including due diligence, expert review by international selection committees, and final approval by the Prize Jury. The deadline for submissions is June 15. Winners will be announced during the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards ceremony. More details are available on zayedsustainabilityprize.com. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page