The prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize has officially opened its call for submissions for the 2026 edition, inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organizations, and high schools worldwide to compete for a share of its $5.9 million fund.
The Prize, which has positively impacted over 400 million lives globally, aims to recognize and support transformative solutions in six key categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
Now in its 17th year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to honor the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by empowering sustainability pioneers who drive meaningful change in their communities.
In 2024, the Prize received a record-breaking 5,980 submissions from 156 countries, demonstrating an increasing global commitment to sustainable development.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, emphasized the Prize’s role in advancing innovation and social progress.
“The Zayed Sustainability Prize honors Sheikh Zayed’s vision of inclusive and sustainable humanitarian development. By supporting projects that harness new technologies to improve lives, the Prize places people at the heart of progress and accelerates socio-economic growth worldwide,” he stated.
Funding and Impact
Winners in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories will each receive $1 million to scale their initiatives. Meanwhile, the Global High Schools category, which is divided into six regions, will award up to $150,000 per school to implement or expand their sustainability projects.
Over the years, the Prize has funded initiatives that have enhanced healthcare access in Southeast Asia, addressed food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa, and improved energy and water solutions in vulnerable regions worldwide.
Rigorous Selection Process
Submissions undergo a three-stage evaluation process, assessing their Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. A Selection Committee, composed of international experts, reviews and shortlists entries, which are then forwarded to the Prize Jury for final selection. The winners will be announced during an awards ceremony in 2026.
The Prize is open to applicants in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese, to ensure broad global participation.
For more details or to submit an application, visit the Zayed Sustainability Prize website.
About the Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is the UAE’s leading award for innovative solutions addressing global challenges. Since its inception, the Prize has recognized 128 winners, driving sustainable development and inspiring innovators worldwide.