Honoring Global Water Innovators: A Look at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
A Prestigious Ceremony in Dubai
On June 10, 2025, Dubai witnessed a significant event that showcased the commitment of the UAE to humanitarian efforts. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, honored the winners of the fourth edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award at the iconic Emirates Towers. The ceremony, attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated innovative solutions aimed at combating water scarcity.
The Goal of the Award
Overseen by the UAE Water Aid Foundation, known as Suqia UAE, this award is a cornerstone of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. With total prize money amounting to $1 million, this year’s edition recognized 12 winners from eight different countries. The awards are divided into four key categories: Innovative Projects, Innovative Research and Development, Innovative Individual, and Innovative Crisis Solutions.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision
In his address during the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed articulated the pressing global issue of water scarcity, asserting that the UAE aims to leverage innovation for sustainable solutions. He stated, "Humanity today faces numerous challenges, and the scarcity of clean water is among the most pressing." His remarks highlighted the UAE’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for millions by delivering innovative technologies that address this fundamental need.
Acknowledging Comprehensive Efforts
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of Suqia UAE’s Board of Trustees, echoed Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, expressing gratitude for the continued support of humanitarian efforts. Al Tayer emphasized that the award mirrors the UAE’s commitment to addressing the critical global need for water sustainability. Notably, the United Nations reported that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. This statistic underscores the importance of the initiatives recognized by the award.
Celebrating Innovation
Al Tayer further elaborated on the significant achievements of Suqia UAE, revealing that over the past decade, they have successfully implemented more than 1,000 sustainable water projects, positively impacting around 15 million lives across 37 countries. These efforts exemplify how innovation is critical to tackling the global water crisis.
Insights on the Award Process
This year’s award attracted applications from 46 countries, making it a truly global initiative. With an impressive track record, the previous three editions recognized 31 winners from 22 countries. The fourth edition showcased the breadth and depth of ingenuity in the water sector, drawing some of the brightest minds and organizations dedicated to solving pressing issues.
Categories of Recognition
Innovative Projects Award – Large Projects
First place for large projects was awarded to Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC from the UAE for its LANDCO Tech project, a revolutionary system converting organic waste and wastewater into renewable energy and clean drinking water, utilizing solar energy and AI technologies. The second and third positions went to projects from Vietnam and Belgium, respectively, further illustrating a diverse range of innovative solutions aimed at addressing water scarcity.
Innovative Projects Award – Small Projects
The Kumulus SAS from France won first place for its atmospheric water generation system, producing drinking water from air. Other notable projects included initiatives from China focusing on seawater desalination and a project from Hong Kong providing a sustainable water solution powered by renewable energy.
Innovative Research and Development Award – International Institutions
This category saw the STEM SAS from France take home the top honor for its AQUAHIVE technology, designed to enhance water purification processes using solar energy. Other impressive submissions came from Saudi Arabia, focusing on efficient extraction methods while recovering desalinated water.
Innovative Crisis Solutions Award
The SkyJuice Foundation Inc from Australia received accolades for its portable ultrafiltration system, proving crucial in emergency situations, providing over 5,000 liters of safe drinking water daily.
Innovative Individual Awards
The awards also recognized individual contributions. Professor Guihua Yu from the USA received accolades for his pioneering work in solar water purification, while young innovator Zhenyuan Xu from China was celebrated for his highly efficient passive solar distillation system.
The Global Impact of the Award
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award serves as a testament to the UAE’s leadership in humanitarian initiatives, fostering a collective effort to inspire transformative change in global water accessibility. As global challenges evolve, initiatives like this one remain crucial in steering the world toward sustainable solutions. The award encapsulates Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of innovation, knowledge, and compassion serving humanity, aiming to extend support to those in dire need.
