Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Zayed Sustainability Prize, affiliated with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, announced the opening of applications for its 2027 session.
This is within the framework of its ongoing efforts to support efforts aimed at building a more inclusive and sustainable world in line with the vision and legacy of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul.
It is a pioneering global award launched by the UAE in the field of sustainability and human innovation.
In its 18th year, the award, which has been raised to $7.2 million, invites SMEs, nonprofits, and high schools to present their innovative solutions in six categories, including health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools.
The award contributed to improving the lives of more than 400 million people around the world.
By supporting projects that provide tangible benefits in the long term.
Starting with expanding access to renewable energy and affordable healthcare.
To enhance food and water security and increase the resilience of communities in areas most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The winner of each of the five categories designated for institutions will receive one million US dollars.
While 6 winners in the global high school category receive $150,000 each to implement or expand their student projects in their schools and communities.
In addition, starting with the 2026 session, the Zayed Sustainability Prize launched an improved financing model that includes honoring the finalists and providing them with financial support.
With the aim of providing the opportunity for more innovations to grow and expand their tangible impact.
Under this new approach, the award awards US$1.3 million to finalists.
At a rate of 100 thousand US dollars for each institution within the categories of health, food, energy, water and climate action.
And 25 thousand US dollars for each school in the global secondary school category.
conditions for nomination
To participate in the award, submitted solutions must demonstrate proven results and meet the award eligibility criteria, namely impact, innovation, and inspiring ideas.
Applications are accepted in seven languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, to ensure broad global participation.
All entries undergo a rigorous three-stage evaluation process.
You begin by carefully reviewing all applications to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
The members of the selection committee, which includes independent international experts in each category, then conduct a detailed evaluation process and prepare a shortlist of candidates.
This is done to select the finalists and share them with the jury, which unanimously selects the winners within the six categories.
Applications close on June 15, 2026, and the winners will be announced during the 2027 awards ceremony.
More details can be found on the website www.ZayedSustainabilityPrize.com.
