Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE's pioneering global award that recognises and rewards small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs), and global high schools with impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions. The Prize honours the humanitarian and sustainability legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

The Purpose of this program is to recognize the efforts and honor the Leaders for their innovative, inspiring, and groundbreaking contributions to a sustainable future. There is no application fee and the program is open to citizens of all nationalities. Below are more details about the program Requirements, award details, and application process.

Details About Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026

• Host Country: UAE
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Organized by: Zayed Sustainability Prize, UAE
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 23rd June 2025

Financial Benefits

The Program Covers:

• Airfare Tickets
• Acommodation
• Ground Transport
• No Application Fees

Program Categories

• Health: Improving Healthcare Access
• Food: Combatting Food Insecurity
• Energy: Powering Communities
• Water: Supply of Safe Drinking Water
• Climate Action: Advancing Climate Migration and Adaption
• Global High Schools: Inspiring Youth Leadership

Prize Value

• Health: US $1,000,000
• Food: US $1,000,000
• Energy: US $1,000,000
• Water: US $1,000,000
• Climate Action: US $1,000,000
• Global High Schools: US $900,000, with up to US $150,000 awarded to one school from each of the six global regions.

Eligible Regions

Candidates from the following regions can apply:

• The Americas
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Middle East & North Africa
• Europe & Central Asia
• South Asia
• East Asia & Pacific

General Eligibility Criteria for All Categories

• Innovation (40%):
  • Solution must be novel or significantly improve existing solutions.
  • Demonstrate a unique value proposition.
  • Exhibit technical and commercial viability.
  • Show evidence of potential or actual market adoption.
• Impact (30%):
  • Demonstrate a clear positive impact on quality of life.
  • Address significant social, economic, technological, or environmental challenges.
  • Exhibit organizational resilience to potential challenges.
  • Demonstrate good governance and skilled personnel.
  • Implement fair policies.
  • Provide a detailed plan for effective use of prize funds.
• Inspiration (30%):
  • Embody core values of sustainability and human development.
  • Reflect the legacy of Sheikh Zayed.
  • Inspire further sustainable and human development actions.
  • Influence community adoption of sustainable behaviors.

How to Apply for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026?

Applications must be submitted through the online submission portal on the Zayed Sustainability Prize website. Each applicant can only enter one category. The Link to the official website is below. Read ZSP FAQs.