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What is the Prize? The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE's pioneering global award that recognises and rewards small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs), and global high schools with impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions.

The Prize honours the humanitarian and sustainability legacy of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. To date, we have awarded 117 winners and through them we have transformed the lives of 384 million people. Our Prize Categories Our Winners Explore Our Global Impact 117 Winners, 384 million lives impacted 3.5 MILLION people reached with nutritious food 54 MILLION homes powered by renewable energy 11+ MILLION people can access to clean and affordable drinking water 157 BILLION litres of water saved 728,000 people gained access to affordable healthcare 432,000 women and newborns that received safe maternal healthcare Sheikh Zayed A Visionary Leader for the Benefit of All Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, a visionary leader who transformed the nation through his dedication to unity, sustainability and humanitarian values. His passion for the environment, social welfare and education laid the foundation for the UAE’s growth as a modern, prosperous country.

In 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize was established in his honour to continue his legacy of promoting sustainability, inclusivity and global development. The Prize recognises and rewards pioneers who create solutions that benefit communities around the world, echoing Sheikh Zayed’s lifelong commitment to the well-being of humanity. Find out more about Sheikh Zayed’s life Quick Facts Uniting a Nation In 1971, Sheikh Zayed established the United Arab Emirates, transforming the seven Emirates into a thriving modern nation Extending Aid During his leadership, the UAE sent humanitarian aid to over 117 countries affected by natural disasters and wars. Revolutionising Sustainability He transformed 280,000 hectares of desert into thriving gardens, farms and forests, with vegetable production meeting 55% of the country’s needs as early as 1990. Inspiring Youth He believed in educating and inspiring young people, seeing them as key to the nation’s future. Unlocking Potential He advanced women’s empowerment, leading to women holding 50% of UAE Federal National Council seats, and 9 women currently serving in the UAE Cabinet OUR LATEST NEWS 09 October 2024 Zayed Sustainability Prize Announces 2025 Finalists Pioneering Global Solutions 33 finalists selected from 5,980 submissions across 156 countries Focused on impact, the finalists are leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to capture and remove carbon emissions, promote environmental sustainability and ensure essential access to clean energy, water, food, and healthcare... Read More January 2024 Be A Force For The Futire NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. Get updates on our issues. Read More January 2024 Be A Force For The Futire NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. Get updates on our issues. View More January 2024 Be A Force For The Futire NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. Get updates on our issues. Read More View All Awards Cycle Stay updated on the current Prize cycle. Submissions
Open December 2023 Submissions
Close June 2024 Shortlist
Submissions September 2024 Announce
finalists October 2024 Announce Winners At
Awards Ceremony January 2025 Present Inspiration delivered to your inbox Get all the latest updates from the Zayed Sustainability Prize and learn about the impact our finalists, winners and partners are making globally.