The Zayed Sustainability Prize has announced the opening of applications for its 2027 edition. This initiative continues its mission to foster efforts towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable world, in line with the vision and legacy of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
In its eighteenth year, the prize, which has increased its total value to $7.2 million, invites small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organizations, and high schools to submit their innovative solutions across six categories: health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, stated that the prize reflects the UAE’s commitment to support solutions that deliver measurable impact. Guided by the humanitarian values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the prize continues to empower innovations and community initiatives, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to enhance lives and serve vulnerable communities.
The prize has positively impacted the lives of over 400 million people globally by supporting projects that provide long-term, tangible benefits. Initiatives range from expanding access to renewable energy and affordable healthcare to improving food and water security and enhancing resilience in areas most affected by climate change.
Winners in each of the five categories designated for institutions will receive $1 million, while six winners in the global high schools category will each be awarded $150,000 to implement or expand their student-led projects within their schools and communities.
Starting from the 2026 cycle, the Zayed Sustainability Prize introduced an enhanced funding model that includes recognizing finalists and providing them with financial support to allow more innovations to grow and extend their tangible impact. A total of $1.3 million will be allocated to finalists, with $100,000 awarded to each institution within the categories of health, food, energy, water, and climate action, and $25,000 for each school in the global high schools category.
To participate, submitted solutions must demonstrate proven results and meet the prize’s eligibility criteria, which include impact, innovation, and inspiring ideas. Applications are accepted in seven languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring wide global participation.
All entries will undergo a rigorous three-stage evaluation process, beginning with a thorough review to ensure eligibility criteria are met. Members of the selection committee, comprising independent international experts in each category, will conduct a detailed assessment and prepare a shortlist of nominees, ultimately collaborating with the judging panel to select winners by consensus across the six categories.
The application deadline is set for June 15, 2026, with winners to be announced at the awards ceremony in 2027.