Deadline: June 1, 2025 23:59 CEST | Apply here
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Are you a changemaker with an innovative sustainability solution?
The new edition of the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize is now open for applications!
This global award from the United Arab Emirates is dedicated to recognizing and rewarding small and medium enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations (NPOs), and global high schools for their outstanding contributions to sustainability.
Since its inception in 2008, the Prize has empowered 128 winners, positively impacting the lives of over 400 million people worldwide. The initiative, backed by the Abu Dhabi Government, continues the humanitarian and sustainability legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father.
Winners receive funding to scale their solutions and a fully-funded invitation to attend the prestigious Awards Ceremony, with flights and accommodation covered.
Categories for Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025-2026
- Health
- Food
- Water
- Energy
- Climate Action
- Global High Schools
Total Prize Fund: $5.9 million distributed among all categories, supporting game-changing innovations in sustainability.
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Eligibility criteria
Are you ready to apply? Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for this prestigious international award.
Health
Recognizes organizations driving innovative and impactful solutions in healthcare, such as:
- Access to essential and affordable healthcare
- Maternal and new-born health services
- Eradication of epidemics (AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, etc.)
- Treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases
- Pollution and chemical hazard reduction
Food
Acknowledges organizations tackling global food security through:
- Hunger and malnutrition reduction
- Agricultural productivity enhancements
- Sustainable food production initiatives
Energy
Honors organizations promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions:
- Affordable and reliable renewable energy access
- Advancements in clean energy production
- Energy efficiency improvements
- New clean energy technologies
Water
Awards organizations working to ensure sustainable water solutions:
- Access to safe and affordable drinking water
- Sanitation and hygiene improvements
- Water use efficiency
- Water quality enhancemen.
Global High Schools
This category funds student-led sustainability projects in six global regions:
- Asia
- Africa
- The Americas
- Europe
- Oceania
- Middle East
Projects must propose innovative solutions in health, food, energy, or water. The focus is on empowering students to drive sustainability, rather than funding administrative costs.
Funding Breakdown
Total Prize Fund: $5.9 million
- Health: $1,000,000
- Food: $1,000,000
- Energy: $1,000,000
- Water: $1,000,000
- Climate Action: $1,000,000
- Global High Schools: $900,000 (Divided among six schools, each receiving up to $150,000)
Why Apply?
- Global recognition for your sustainability initiative
- Funding to scale your impact
- Networking opportunities with leading innovators and policymakers
- Fully-funded invitation to the Awards Ceremony in the UAE
Join the ranks of global sustainability pioneers and make a difference. Apply now for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025-2026!
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