Honoring Excellence in Sustainability: The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026
Celebrating Innovation at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Today, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honored the winners of the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize during a prestigious awards ceremony as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This notable event attracted various dignitaries, including sheikhs, heads of state, and ministers, all gathered to recognize the significant contributions made towards sustainable development.
A Legacy of Empowerment Through Sustainability
Now in its 18th year, the Zayed Sustainability Prize serves as a pioneering initiative from the UAE aimed at discovering innovative solutions for global challenges. The Prize rewards those who have demonstrated remarkable efforts in advancing sustainable practices that uplift communities and promote inclusive progress.
In his address, His Highness emphasized the UAE’s enduring commitment to enhancing people’s wellbeing and reinforcing stability and growth. The Prize aims to foster innovative and practical solutions that positively impact communities, aligning initiatives with the values instilled by Sheikh Zayed, which emphasize compassion, unity, and shared prosperity.
Recognizing Groundbreaking Achievements
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, applauded the winners for their innovations that yield both social and environmental benefits. He highlighted how this year’s laureates exemplify practical approaches to significant challenges, from health and food systems to access to clean energy and water.
According to Dr. Al Jaber, the UAE believes in merging capability with need to create meaningful change. The Zayed Sustainability Prize embodies this belief, channeling resources into scalable solutions that prioritize human welfare.
Impact Through Innovation
Launched in 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has evolved into a catalyst for impactful change. It honors small and medium enterprises, nonprofits, and educational institutions tackling pressing issues across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. So far, 128 winners have collectively affected over 411 million lives.
This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 7,761 submissions from 173 countries. Each submission underwent a thorough multi-stage evaluation process handled by experts and a distinguished jury led by Ólafur Ragnar GrÃmsson, former President of Iceland.
The Insights of the Jury Chair
Ólafur Ragnar GrÃmsson emphasized that this year’s winners demonstrate significant advancements in sustainability innovation, indicating a maturity in the way technology, local knowledge, and execution coexist. These selected solutions are built with real-world applicability in mind and promise sustained growth over time.
Outstanding Contributions in Key Categories
Health: A New Approach to Neurodevelopment
In the Health category, UAE-based Jade was recognized for its innovative approach to neurodevelopmental screening using AI and gamification. Their cutting-edge platform, which is already employed in over 450 institutions across 179 countries, has transformed the lives of over 180,000 children by decreasing diagnostic wait times and enhancing engagement.
Food: Tackling Waste Efficiently
N&E Innovations from Singapore was awarded in the Food category for its revolutionary biodegradable antimicrobial packaging that minimizes food waste while extending shelf life. Crafted from upcycled food waste and plant-based ingredients, this eco-friendly technology boasts 99.9% antimicrobial effectiveness, making it a sustainable choice for consumers.
Energy: Affordable Cooling Solutions
Switzerland’s BASE Foundation received accolades in the Energy category for its innovative Cooling-as-a-Service model. This initiative eliminates upfront costs and promotes efficient, low-carbon cooling solutions. By operating across 68 countries, BASE has created 2,500 jobs and saved significant amounts of energy and COâ‚‚ emissions annually.
Water: Smart Leak Detection Technology
Brazil’s Stattus4 was recognized in the Water category for its pioneering AI and IoT technology that enables utilities to swiftly identify and repair leaks. Their system currently monitors over 5,000 kilometers of distribution networks and plays a crucial role in optimizing water security for millions.
Climate Action: Reinventing Brickmaking
Build up Nepal, a nonprofit from Nepal, claimed the award in the Climate Action category for its eco-friendly brick production. This unique approach not only produces earthquake-resistant eco-bricks but also generates green jobs and helps construct resilient homes, thereby significantly reducing COâ‚‚ emissions.
Empowering the Next Generation
The Zayed Sustainability Prize also aims to foster a new generation of sustainability leaders through its Global High Schools category. This initiative allows students to transform local challenges into impactful solutions. Six high schools worldwide were awarded grants to implement student-led projects that drive social, economic, and environmental change.
The recent winners are Mamawi Atosketan Native School (Canada), Kyanja High School (Uganda), Al Rajaa School for the Deaf (Jordan), Bodrum Anatolian High School (Türkiye), Faafu Atoll Education Center (Maldives), and Ruamrudee International School (Thailand).
A Vision for Sustainable Development
As the global community intensifies its commitment to sustainable development, the Zayed Sustainability Prize exemplifies the UAE’s vision—a comprehensive strategy centered on technological innovation and enduring growth. This initiative reflects the UAE’s belief in empowering others, fostering collaboration across various sectors to craft a more equitable and prosperous world.
