What is Zayed Sustainability Prize ?
Zayed Sustainability Prize is part of Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation and a leading global award launched by the UAE.
It has positively impacted 400 million people worldwide by supporting innovative solutions to urgent global challenges.
Now, the prize has officially opened applications for its 2026 cycle.
Zayed Sustainability Prize completed 17-year in the empowerment of the next generation sustainability pioneers.
Who Can Apply to the Prize ?
The prize accepts submissions from the following:
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Nonprofit organizations
- High schools
Under six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
In the previous cycle, the prize received 5,980 applications from 156 countries.
This reflects the growing global commitment to sustainable development.
With the launch of 2026 application phase, the prize aims to build on this momentum.
By fostering achievements that integrate technological innovation, human creativity, and strategic vision to accelerate progress on a global scale.
Prize Structure & Impact
- Each winner in the institutional categories receives $1 million.
- In Global High Schools category, the $600,000 prize is divided among six schools representing different world regions.
Each winning school receives up to $150,000 to implement or expand its proposed project.
The prize’s financial support has made a tangible impact in improving living conditions in vulnerable communities worldwide.
For instance:
- Expanding healthcare access in Southeast Asia
- Reducing food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa
Recognition and Application Process
The latest Zayed Sustainability Prize winners honor ceremony was in Abu Dhabi.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the ceremony.
Along with 11 heads of state, ministers, and business leaders.
The event focused on the positive impact of each winner.
It also reinforced the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovative, sustainable solutions.
For 2026 cycle, applicants in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories must demonstrate:
- A measurable impact on improving essential services in their communities.
- A long-term vision for improving living and economic conditions.
For Global High Schools category, only student-led projects can apply.
The projects must also demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainability challenges.
Zayed Sustainability Prize Accepts Submissions in 7 Languages
To encourage broad participation, the prize accepts submissions in multiple languages.
Those languages include: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Ishige Hiroyuki, Secretary General of Japan International Expo Osaka 2025, confirmed that Expo 2020 Dubai will play a major role in the success of Expo Osaka, through the experiences learned and the distinguished organization that has impressed the world. pic.twitter.com/YV5x7LK2F6
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) February 10, 2025
Applications will go through a rigorous three-stage evaluation process:
- Eligibility Review – Ensuring projects meet criteria such as impact, innovation, and inspiration, leading to the selection of qualified candidates.
- Selection Committee Evaluation – A panel of independent international experts assesses projects and shortlists finalists.
- Jury Decision – The final selection of winners is made unanimously by the Prize Jury.
The announcement of Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 winners will be at the official awards ceremony in 2026.
