The Zayed Sustainability Prize has opened submissions for its 2027 cycle, continuing the mission of the Zayed Sustainability Prize to support global innovators. The award focuses on solutions that improve lives and promote sustainable development worldwide.
Now in its 18th year, the prize offers a total of $7.2 million in funding. It invites small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and high schools to submit projects across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
The prize encourages innovations that deliver measurable results and help vulnerable communities. Organizers emphasize real impact, creativity, and inspiration as the core evaluation criteria. Entries are accepted in seven languages, including Arabic, English, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Winners in each of the five organizational categories receive $1 million. High schools in the Global High Schools category receive $150,000 to develop or expand student-led projects in their communities. The prize also supports all finalists with funding: $100,000 per organization and $25,000 per school.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the prize, said the initiative reflects UAE’s commitment to humanitarian and sustainable development values. The award champions innovation, from local community approaches to advanced technologies such as AI.
Over nearly two decades, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has improved the lives of more than 400 million people globally. Projects supported include renewable energy expansion, affordable healthcare programs, food and water security initiatives, and resilience-building in vulnerable regions.
The selection process involves three stages. First, submissions undergo due diligence to verify impact, innovation, and inspiration. Next, category-specific expert panels conduct detailed assessments. Finally, a jury selects winners from the shortlisted finalists.
The closing date for entries is June 15, 2026. Winners will be announced during the 2027 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, celebrating solutions that transform lives and the planet.
By highlighting creativity, measurable results, as well as global participation, the Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to inspire innovators and expand the reach of high-impact solutions worldwide.
