Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a prestigious UAE award in the fields of sustainable development and humanitarianism, has officially opened applications for its 2026 awards cycle.

Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations (NGOs), and secondary schools implementing initiatives that address global challenges. Applications can be submitted via the Prize’s official website until 23 June 2025.

The Prize is awarded in six key categories:

Health

Food

Energy

Water

Climate Action

Global High Schools

Winners in the first five categories will each receive US$1 million to scale up their projects. In the Global High Schools category, six schools (one from each world region) will be selected, with each receiving up to US$150,000 to implement their proposed initiatives.

According to H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Prize:

“The Zayed Sustainability Prize reflects the vision of Sheikh Zayed to promote inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development. By supporting innovative, tech-driven projects that improve people’s lives, we place humanity at the heart of progress and showcase the power of the next generation of solutions to drive global socio-economic growth.”

The 2025 awards ceremony took place during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). Winners were personally congratulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Distinguished guests included heads of state such as President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Prize Jury and former President of Iceland, commented:

“This year’s laureates demonstrated outstanding innovation in tackling major global issues — from climate change to access to healthcare, food, energy, and water for vulnerable populations.”

Founded in honor of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize is one of the initiatives of Erth Zayed Philanthropies. It aims to inspire and support sustainable development worldwide. Since its inception 17 years ago, 128 winning projects have positively impacted the lives of more than 400 million people across all continents.