The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 is a global sustainability award hosted in the United Arab Emirates that recognizes and funds innovative solutions across critical sectors like health, food, energy, water, climate action, and youth-led projects. It invites small and medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs), and high schools from around the world to apply. The prize offers significant grant funding, international exposure, and opportunities to scale impact on global sustainability challenges.
About the Program
- Host Organization: Zayed Sustainability Prize (initiative of the Government of the United Arab Emirates)
- Location: United Arab Emirates
- Duration: Project implementation period varies by winner
- Program Dates: Submissions open January 2026, close June 2026; finalists announced August–September 2026; awards presented January 2027 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
- Financial Coverage: Grant funding for winning organisations and schools
- Deadline: Submissions close June 2026 (confirm exact date on official website)
Financial Benefits
- Up to USD 1,000,000 grant for winners in organisational categories (Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action)
- USD 150,000 for each winning high school project
- Grant funds for finalists in certain streams (e.g., USD 100,000 for organisations, USD 25,000 for schools at finalist stage)
- Invitation to awards ceremony in UAE
- Global recognition and media exposure
Additional Benefits
- International networking with sustainability leaders and partners
- Enhanced visibility and credibility for project scaling
- Access to new collaborations and investors
- Participation in global sustainability forums and events
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to all nationalities
- Age Limit: No specific age limit; high school category for secondary schools
- Academic/Professional Background:
- SMEs, startups, social enterprises, NGOs/NPOs with tested, impactful sustainability solutions
- High schools with student-led sustainability projects
- Interest Required: Demonstrated measurable impact and alignment with one of the prize categories (Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, Global High Schools)
How to Apply
- Create an account on the official Zayed Sustainability Prize Portal
- Select the appropriate prize category
- Fill out the online application form and complete all required sections
- Upload supporting documents and details of your solution or project
- Submit your application through the portal before the deadline
- You may save progress and return later before submission closes
Application Steps
- Register on the prize portal
- Complete the form for your selected category
- Submit your application online
Submission Notes
- There is no application fee
- Applications can be submitted in multiple languages (e.g., English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin)
- Only online portal submissions are accepted
