"Zayed Sustainability" It opens applications globally for its 2027 session and raises the value of the award to $7.2 million
ABU DHABI, 26 JANUARY / WAM / The Zayed Sustainability Prize, affiliated with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, which is the leading global award launched by the UAE in the field of sustainability and humanitarian innovation, announced the opening of applications for its 2027 session, as part of its continuing endeavors to support efforts aimed at building a more inclusive and sustainable world in line with the vision and legacy of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.
Now in its 18th year, the award, which has raised its value to US$7.2 million, invites SMEs, non-profit organizations and high schools to submit their innovative solutions in six categories including health, food, energy, water, climate action and global high schools.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said that the award embodies the UAE’s commitment to supporting solutions that achieve a tangible, measurable impact, guided by the humanitarian values of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and the vision of the wise leadership to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development.
He added that by supporting innovations, community initiatives, and the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, the award continues to enable solutions that improve people’s lives and serve the most vulnerable communities.
The award has contributed to improving the lives of more than 400 million people around the world by supporting projects that provide tangible long-term benefits, from expanding access to renewable energy and affordable health care, to enhancing food and water security and increasing the resilience of communities in areas most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The winner in each of the five categories allocated to institutions will receive US$1 million, while six winners in the global high school category will receive US$150,000 each to implement or expand their student projects in their schools and communities.
In addition, starting from the 2026 cycle, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has launched an enhanced funding model that includes honoring finalists and providing them with financial support, with the aim of allowing more innovations to grow and expand their tangible impact.
As part of this new approach, the award awards US$1.3 million to finalists, with US$100,000 per institution in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, and US$25,000 per school within the Global High Schools category.
To participate in the award, submitted solutions must demonstrate proven results and meet the award’s eligibility criteria, which are impact, innovation, and inspiring ideas.
Applications are accepted in seven languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, to ensure broad global participation.
All entries are subject to a rigorous three-stage evaluation process, which begins with a meticulous review of all applications to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
Then, members of the selection committee, which includes independent international experts in each category, conduct a detailed evaluation process and prepare a shortlist of candidates to select the final candidates from and share it with the judging committee, which unanimously selects the winners within the six categories.
Applications close on June 15, 2026, and the winners will be announced during the 2027 awards ceremony.
More details can be found at www.ZayedSustainabilityPrize.com.
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