Zayed Sustainability Prize Closes 2026 Submissions with record-breaking global turnout
The UAE’s global award for innovation in sustainability, The Zayed Sustainability Prize, has just wrapped up submissions for its 2026 cycle, and the numbers are in: 7,761 entries from 173 countries!
Now in its 17th year, the Prize continues to spotlight creative, tech-driven, and community-powered solutions across six impact areas: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools.
From AI-powered health tools and agri-robots to low-energy water systems and youth-led upcycling projects, the ideas are as ambitious as they are inspiring.
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This year saw a 30 per cent jump in submissions, with developing and emerging economies leading the way; 85 per cent of entries came from regions where innovation is needed most
Countries like India, Ethiopia, Brazil, and Indonesia topped the charts, along with strong participation from the UAE and the US.
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The most popular categories? Climate Action and Food, followed closely by Health, which saw a 60 per cent spike in submissions (think smart diagnostics and wearable tech for care delivery).
Water solutions focused on accessibility and equity, while Energy saw exciting developments in thermal storage and low-carbon fuels.
Meanwhile, young changemakers from schools worldwide submitted everything from AI-powered climate tools to smart irrigation for school farms; proving that the future is bright (and sustainable).
Next up: a multi-stage evaluation process leading to the winner reveal on January 13, 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
inners in the main categories will take home US$1 million, while six regional schools will each receive US$150,000 to bring their green dreams to life.
The world’s biggest sustainability ideas are being shaped right now; and the Zayed Sustainability Prize is at the heart of it all.
For further information, visit Zayed Sustainability Prize
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