The UAE’s Zayed Sustainability Prize has closed its submissions for the 2026 cycle with a record-breaking 7,761 entries from 173 countries, marking a 30% increase from the previous cycle. Now in its 17th year, the global award continues to spotlight pioneering innovations in sustainability that have already impacted over 400 million lives around the world.
This year’s surge in participation, particularly from developing economies such as India, Ethiopia, Brazil, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia, underscores the growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions in health, food, energy, water, climate action, and education.
According to early analysis, 85% of entries originated from developing and emerging nations. The Prize continues to attract nonprofits, SMEs, and high schools working on locally adapted models—many infused with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, direct air carbon capture, and fintech.
UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Prize Director-General H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the record numbers reflect “a growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact.”
“The increased use of AI and other advanced technologies highlights how innovation is being harnessed to drive inclusive, community-led progress,” Dr. Al Jaber added.
Submissions in the Food (1,630) and Climate Action (1,880) categories led the numbers, revealing the urgency around food security, disaster resilience, and ecosystem protection. The Health category saw a 60% jump in entries, with many projects featuring AI-enabled diagnostics, decentralised care, and tech-driven logistics for healthcare delivery.
The Energy category showcased thermal storage systems and clean fuel innovations, while Water entries explored desalination, atmospheric water generation, and fintech-powered access models.
In Climate Action, nature-based solutions, community-based conservation, and predictive tools for disaster preparedness featured prominently. Youth engagement also surged, with over 1,000 submissions in the Global High Schools category showcasing AI-powered climate monitoring, smart irrigation, and waste management solutions.
The Prize will now enter its evaluation phase. An independent consultancy will first review and shortlist the submissions. A global Selection Committee will then evaluate the finalists before the Jury convenes in October to select the winners.
Awardees will be announced at a ceremony on 13 January 2026 during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Winners in the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories will each receive US $1 million, while six winning high schools, one from each world region, will receive US $150,000 to bring their ideas to life.
With innovation and inclusion at its heart, the Zayed Sustainability Prize continues to shape a more equitable and sustainable future—one community at a time.
