Zayed Sustainability Prize Calls for Global Entries to Advance Transformative Solutions
The Zayed Sustainability Prize has officially opened submissions for its 2026 cycle, inviting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organizations and high schools worldwide to apply for funding to scale their innovative sustainability solutions.
With a total prize fund of $5.9 million, the prestigious award recognizes groundbreaking initiatives across six key categories including Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s leading award recognizing pioneering solutions to global challenges. Established as a tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize has supported 128 winners over 17 years, positively impacting millions of lives and inspiring a global movement towards a more sustainable future.
Celebrating 17 years of impact, the Prize an initiative of Erth Zayed Philanthropies has already improved the lives of 400 million people by supporting projects that address critical global challenges.
In 2024, a record 5,980 submissions from 156 countries underscored the increasing commitment to sustainable development worldwide.
Speaking during the Launch,Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, highlighted the Prize’s role in fostering innovation for global progress.
“The Zayed Sustainability Prize honors Sheikh Zayed’s vision of inclusive, sustainable and humanitarian development. By supporting projects that harness new technologies to improve lives and drive prosperity in local communities, the Prize places people at the heart of progress and demonstrates how innovation can accelerate global socio-economic growth,” he said.
The winners in each organizational category including Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action will receive $1 million to scale their initiatives, while Global High Schools will be awarded up to $150,000 to implement sustainability projects.
Over the years, this funding has delivered tangible change, from expanding healthcare access in Southeast Asia to combating food poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The most recent winners were recognized at a prestigious Awards Ceremony in Abu Dhabi, attended by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, alongside 11 Heads of State, Ministers and business leaders.
For the 2026 cycle, applicants must demonstrate,Impact , How their solution improves access to essential services in local communities, Innovation;The originality and effectiveness of their approach,Inspiration; A vision for long-term sustainability and positive societal change.
Global High Schools applicants must submit student-led projects showcasing creative solutions to sustainability challenges.
Application and selection process
To encourage widespread participation, the Prize accepts applications in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese.
The rigorous three-stage selection process includes:
1️⃣ Due diligence to assess submissions based on the Prize’s criteria.1
2️⃣ Selection Committee evaluations conducted by independent global experts.
3️⃣ Finalist review by the Prize Jury, who will unanimously select winners in all six categories.
The winners will be announced in 2026 at a high-profile Awards Ceremony, continuing the Prize’s mission to drive sustainable innovation worldwide.
For more details or to apply, visit the Zayed Sustainability Prize website.
