The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 is now open for applications, inviting international innovators, organizations, and schools to showcase sustainable solutions in the fields of health, energy, food, water, climate action, and youth development. Hosted annually in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this prestigious global award recognizes and supports forward-thinking initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable future. The application process is completely free, and candidates from all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Summary of Key Details:
- Program Name: Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026
- Location: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Host Organization: Zayed Sustainability Prize
- Award Ceremony: January 2026, Abu Dhabi
- Application Deadline: 23 June 2025
- Eligibility: Open to all nationalities
- Funding Type: Fully Funded (Airfare, Accommodation, Transport)
- Prize Amount: Up to USD 1,000,000 per category
What is the Zayed Sustainability Prize?
Established in 2008 to honor the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, the competition supports global efforts to drive sustainable development and humanitarian progress. This fully funded award promotes transformative, innovative, and inclusive projects that improve lives around the world.
Since its inception, the prize has impacted over 400 million people globally, awarding nonprofit organizations, small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and high schools that demonstrate excellence in solving sustainability challenges.
Prize Categories & Award Values
Each winning project receives a significant cash award to further its goals:
- Health: $1,000,000
- Food Security: $1,000,000
- Energy Solutions: $1,000,000
- Climate Action: $1,000,000
- Global High Schools: $900,000 (Up to $150,000 per region)
Global High School Regions Covered:
- The Americas
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Middle East & North Africa
- Europe & Central Asia
- South Asia
- East Asia & Pacific
Financial Benefits of the Zayed Sustainability Prize
- Fully funded participation in the award ceremony
- Airfare tickets to Abu Dhabi
- Free accommodation
- Domestic ground transportation
- No application fees required
Core Evaluation Criteria of Zayed Sustainability Prize
Submissions are evaluated based on the following three pillars:
1. Innovation (40%)
- Unique or enhanced solution
- Technical and financial viability
- Clear market demand and application
2. Impact (30%)
- Measurable improvements in quality of life
- Address key environmental and social issues
- Sustainable and scalable outcomes
3. Inspiration (30%)
- Alignment with Sheikh Zayed’s vision of human and environmental development
- Demonstrated commitment to sustainability education and outreach
- Influence on communities and policy development
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the competition:
- Applicants must submit a project or solution with proven impact.
- Only one category can be entered per applicant.
- Must align with one of the core themes: healthcare, food systems, energy access, climate change adaptation, or youth empowerment.
How to Apply for Zayed Sustainability Prize
Interested applicants must submit their entries through the official online application portal available on the competition website. Only one application per category is allowed.
