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 128 winners and through them we have transformed the lives of over 407 million people. Our Prize Categories Our Winners Explore Our Global Impact 128 winners, over 407 million lives impacted 17 MILLION people reached with nutritious food 54.1 MILLION homes powered by renewable energy 11.4 MILLION people can access to clean and affordable drinking water 159 BILLION litres of water saved +1.2 MILLION people gained access to affordable healthcare 580,000 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 14 January 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize celebrates innovators driving global progress at 2025 Awards Today, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, recognised the 2025 winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. Celebrating the transformational impact of 11 pioneering organisations and high schools from across the world, the Prize reflects the UAE’s commitment... 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 February 2025 Present Submissions
Close June 2025 Shortlist
Submissions September 2025 Announce
finalists October 2025 Announce Winners At
Awards Ceremony January 2026 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.