The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, through Anjal Z, has opened applications for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Youth Challenge, a UAE-wide program focused on water sustainability and innovation.
The challenge is open to people aged 18 to 35 of all nationalities who are based in the UAE. Participants can apply individually or with a team, with the program designed to support innovators, students, founders, engineers, designers and others working on practical water solutions.
This year’s themes cover water for healthy communities and families, climate and nature, smart communities, and action and impact. Participants will develop and test their ideas, build prototypes and receive feedback during a three-day bootcamp running from November 13 to 15.
Selected teams will then enter a post-program phase before presenting their solutions at Demo Day on December 9 during the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. Three winners will share an AED 40,000 prize pool, with AED 20,000 for first place, AED 13,000 for second and AED 7,000 for third.
Applications close on November 10, 2026.
