Zayed Sustainability Prize Opens Submissions for 2026 Cycle
Startups, SMEs, and non-profits can apply by June 23rd for a chance to win up to $1 million in sustainability-focused funding.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s flagship award for sustainability and innovation, has opened applications for its 2026 edition. Startups, SMEs, and non-profit organisations working in Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action are eligible to apply, with winners in each category receiving $1 million in funding.
Since its launch in 2008, the prize has supported over 100 organisations whose work has collectively impacted more than 400 million people worldwide. Previous winners include ventures tackling rural electrification, solar water access, and low-cost health diagnostics — many of them operating at the intersection of technology and sustainability.
The 2026 application cycle also includes the Global High Schools category, which offers six awards of up to $150,000 each to student-led sustainability projects across the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia & Pacific.
Submissions are evaluated based on innovation, impact, and inspiration. Applicants must show measurable results and the potential for scale, with particular emphasis on inclusive, community-led solutions. Applications are accepted in seven languages, including Arabic, English, and French.
The deadline to apply is June 23rd, 2025. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi in January 2026. Interested organisations can apply through the official portal at the Zayed Sustainability Prize website.
