Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2027 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies and the UAE’s pioneering global award for sustainability and humanitarian innovation, has opened submissions for its 2027 cycle.

With a total of $7.2 million in funds in its 18th year, the Prize invites small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organisations, and high schools to submit innovative solutions across six categories: health, food, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools.

Over nearly two decades, the Prize has improved the lives of more than 400 million people worldwide, supporting projects that deliver real and lasting benefits, from expanding access to renewable energy and affordable healthcare to increasing food and water security and strengthening resilience in vulnerable regions.

Entries are accepted in seven languages, including  Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, ensuring broad accessibility and global participation.

Winners in each of the five organisational categories receive $1 million, while Global High Schools winners will receive $150,000 to implement or expand student-led projects in their communities.

All finalists will also receive financial support, with $100,000 provided for each organisation across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, and Climate Action categories, and $25,000 for each school in the Global High Schools category.

The evaluation process begins with a submission review through a comprehensive due-diligence step to ensure it meets the Prize’s core criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This is followed by detailed assessments conducted by the Selection Committee, comprising category-specific panels of independent international experts.

From their shortlist, finalists are identified and shared with the Prize Jury, who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories.

Commenting on the launch, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: “By championing innovation in all its forms, from community-led approaches to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, the Prize supports solutions that improve lives and reach the most vulnerable.”

Applications can be submitted at the Prize's official website, which will be open until June 15.

Winners will be announced during the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony in January 2027.