The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s flagship global award for recognizing impactful innovation, has announced a record-breaking number of submissions for its 2025 cycle. The prize has solidified its position as a critical platform for sustainable development, drawing an unprecedented 7,761 entries from innovators across 178 countries.
By the Numbers
- Prize Fund: US$5.9 million
- Total Entries: 7,761
- Year-Over-Year Growth: 20% increase from 2024
- Global Reach: Submissions from a record 178 countries
- Core Categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools
Record-Breaking Global Reach
The surge in applications represents a significant 20% increase compared to the previous year, signaling a growing global urgency and commitment to addressing climate change and sustainability challenges. The diversity of submissions, spanning a vast number of nations, underscores the Prize’s expanding international influence and its success in mobilizing a global community of change-makers. This milestone reflects the vision of the UAE’s leadership in fostering a worldwide movement towards sustainable solutions.
The Evaluation Process Begins
With the submission window now closed, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has entered its rigorous evaluation phase. An independent research and analysis firm has already vetted all entries to ensure they meet the strict criteria of impact, innovation, and inspiration. The shortlisted candidates will now be passed to the Prize’s Selection Committee, a panel of international experts, who will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the finalists in each category.
Inside the $5.9 Million Prize
The Zayed Sustainability Prize distributes a substantial US$5.9 million fund annually. The prize is structured to support a wide array of innovators, targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations (NPOs), and high schools with impactful projects. The core categories—Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action—are designed to address the world’s most pressing sustainability issues. A dedicated Global High Schools category also aims to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders by supporting student-led projects.
About the Zayed Sustainability Prize
Inspired by the humanitarian and sustainability legacy of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is the nation’s pioneering global award. For over 16 years, it has recognized and rewarded organizations and high schools driving innovative and scalable solutions that accelerate sustainable development. To date, the Prize has celebrated 117 winners whose work has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Looking Ahead
The culmination of the 2025 cycle will be the announcement of the winners at an official awards ceremony held during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). This continued success reinforces the UAE’s role as a global convener for sustainability dialogue and action, providing a powerful platform for MENA-based and international startups to gain visibility, funding, and support for solutions that can shape a more sustainable future.
Source: MEA TechWatch
