The Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) announces the open application process for the Zayed Sustainability Prize, organized by the United Arab Emirates, with a deadline for submissions June 22, 2026.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is an international award established in 2008 that recognizes and supports innovative, sustainable, and practical solutions that have a real impact on people and communities around the world. The prize is aimed at organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and schools that develop and implement effective solutions in the field of sustainable development, including in the areas of water, climate, energy, and environmental education.

Among the 2025 awardees are projects focused on ensuring access to safe drinking water, sustainable water resource management, the implementation of renewable energy and decentralized energy systems, as well as environmentally focused educational initiatives involving the active participation of young people, with the organizers emphasizing real-world solutions that benefit vulnerable communities. The winning projects receive international recognition and opportunities for further development and expansion of their activities.

In the “Water” category, initiatives aimed at ensuring access to safe drinking water through low-energy and decentralized technologies are recognized, including projects for water purification and the improvement of water infrastructure in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The overall focus is on sustainable water resource management and reducing water losses through innovative technical solutions.

In the “Climate and Energy” category, awards were given to projects aimed at expanding access to renewable energy and implementing decentralized energy systems, including solutions for off-grid electrification, microgrids, and energy efficiency. The approach is geared toward decarbonization and providing sustainable energy to remote and vulnerable communities.

The “Global Schools” category recognizes educational and youth initiatives with a direct environmental impact, including projects for ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, aquaponics, and the integration of nature-friendly practices into the school environment. The overall focus is on engaging young people and fostering sustainable thinking through hands-on activities.

The Ministry of Environment and Water encourages potentially interested organizations and partners working in the field of sustainable development and environmental protection to review the eligibility criteria.

More information and application requirements are available on the award’s official website at https://www.zayedsustainabilityprize.com