Applications for the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize are currently being accepted. This esteemed awards ceremony, which takes place in Abu Dhabi, recognizes people and institutions for their creative and significant contributions to sustainability. The victors will be invited to the ceremony, which will take place in January 2026.
Flights, lodging, and domestic transportation will all be paid for by the Abu Dhabi Government for the selected individuals. Winners will get prize money to help their continued sustainability initiatives in addition to recognition.
Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools are just a few of the categories where the award seeks to recognize and honor leaders who have made noteworthy contributions to a sustainable future. All nationalities are welcome to participate in the program, and there is no application cost.
Below are further specifics about the application procedure, award perks, and eligibility.
Host Country: Abu Dhabi UAE
Organized by: Zayed Sustainability Prize, UAE
Opportunity Type: Awards
Financial coverage: Fully Funded
Program Categories
Health: Improving Healthcare Access
Food: Combatting Food Insecurity
Energy: Powering Communities
Water: Supply of Safe Drinking Water
Climate Action: Advancing Climate Migration and Adaption
Global High Schools: Inspiring Youth Leadership
Eligibility Criteria:
Innovation (40%):
- Solution must be novel or significantly improve existing solutions.
- Demonstrate a unique value proposition.
- Exhibit technical and commercial viability.
- Show evidence of potential or actual market adoption.
Impact (30%):
- Demonstrate a clear positive impact on quality of life.
- Address significant social, economic, technological, or environmental challenges.
- Exhibit organizational resilience to potential challenges.
- Demonstrate good governance and skilled personnel.
- Implement fair policies.
- Provide a detailed plan for effective use of prize funds.
Inspiration (30%):
- Embody core values of sustainability and human development.
- Reflect the legacy of Sheikh Zayed.
- Inspire further sustainable and human development actions.
- Influence community adoption of sustainable behaviors.
Benefits:
- Airfare Tickets: Fully covered round-trip flights for finalist candidates.
- Accommodation: Free lodging provided during the event in Abu Dhabi.
- Ground Transport: Local transportation expenses covered for finalists.
- No Application Fees: No cost required to apply for the prize.
Prize Value
- Health: US $1,000,000
- Food: US $1,000,000
- Energy: US $1,000,000
- Water: US $1,000,000
- Climate Action: US $1,000,000
- Global High Schools: US $900,000, with up to US $150,000 awarded to one school from each of the six global regions.
Deadline: 23rd June 2025
