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Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Zayed Sustainability Prize sees surge in global participation with 7,761 entries
30% surge in global entries highlights the Prize's growing impact in advancing transformative solutions across health, food, water, energy, and climate action AI-powered solutions, disruptive innovations, and technologies that expand access to essential services emerged as defining trends across all categories, reflecting a global shift toward inclusive, locally adapted development Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The UAE's Zayed Sustainability Prize, a pioneering global award that has transformed the lives of over 400 million people, has officially closed submissions for its 2026 awards cycle. A total of 7,761 entries from 173 countries were received across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools, reflecting the Prize's continued role in advancing impactful solutions to pressing global challenges. Now in its 17th year, the Prize empowers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations and high schools to develop and scale sustainable innovations that improve lives, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities. From clean energy and healthcare access to regenerative agriculture and safe drinking water, this year's submissions reflect a rising focus on technology-powered, community-led models that expand access where it's needed most. Submissions increased by 30% compared to the previous cycle. There was a marked rise in projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies – such as artificial intelligence, direct air carbon capture, and fintech tools – with grassroots approaches, highlighting how innovation, equity, and long-term impact are converging in meaningful ways. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: 'The record number of submissions to this year's Prize cycle reflects a growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact. We saw particularly strong momentum in food systems, where smart technologies are helping boost productivity and resilience. Across all categories, the increased use of AI and other advanced technologies highlights how innovation is being harnessed to drive inclusive, community-led progress. The Zayed Sustainability Prize remains focused on recognising pioneers who deliver measurable impact and advance sustainable development worldwide.' Early analysis shows that around 85% of all submissions came from the developing and emerging economies, with top contributions from India, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Indonesia. Participation was also high from developed countries like the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, both making it into the top 10 submission countries. The Food (1,630) and Climate Action (1,880) categories attracted the highest number of entries, reflecting the global urgency around food security, ecosystem protection, and disaster resilience. These were followed by Health (1,497), Global High Schools (1,070), Water (863) and Energy (821). Submissions to the Health category grew by over 60% this year, with entries focusing on AI-enabled diagnostics, wearable tech, and decentralised care. Many also explored tech-enabled sustainable logistics and improved traceability to strengthen healthcare delivery systems. The Food category highlighted advances in precision agriculture and agri-robotics, with smart systems and drones helping farmers boost yields as well as circularity in food systems. In Energy, submissions revealed a growing interest in thermal energy storage and advanced low-carbon fuels, and broader energy transformation, including solutions for future-proofing energy systems to meet the growing global demand scenarios. Entries in the Water category explored innovative ways to expand freshwater access, including atmospheric water generation and low-energy desalination, as well as fintech tools that promote more transparent and equitable distribution. Climate Action entries addressed both mitigation and adaptation, featuring nature-based solutions, direct air carbon capture, predictive tools for resilience and disaster preparedness, and community-based conservation grounded in Indigenous knowledge. Youth-led submissions in Global High Schools reflected a remarkable surge in youth engagement and commitment to sustainability, with projects ranging from AI-powered climate monitoring and smart irrigation for school farms to low-cost water filtration and tech-based approaches to waste tracking and upcycling. Following the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy. A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each category. Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 13 January 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Each winner in the organisational categories will receive US $1 million, while six high schools – representing the world's regions – will be awarded US $150,000 each to implement or expand their sustainability projects. About the Zayed Sustainability Prize The Zayed Sustainability Prize, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is the UAE's pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges. A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide. Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet's most pressing needs. Through its 128 winners, in 17 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
ENEC, Hyundai E&C sign MoU to advance global nuclear energy collaboration
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) today signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, to jointly explore international nuclear energy opportunities. The collaboration between ENEC and Hyundai E&C builds on the longstanding strategic partnership between the UAE and the Republic of Korea in the nuclear sector and supports both countries' shared goals to advancing peaceful nuclear energy in line with IEA and IAEA projections for a significant global scale-up of nuclear capacity by 2030 and 2050 respectively. The MoU provides a comprehensive framework for knowledge sharing, collaborative evaluation of project participation, and assessment of strategic investment opportunities. It also includes the formation of a joint working group to identify areas of mutual interest and support the development of future nuclear energy initiatives. ENEC is pursuing a new phase of investing in, collaborating with and consulting on both large nuclear reactors in addition to advancing new nuclear technologies both locally and internationally. With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant fully operational, ENEC is now focused on working with global partners to support the acceleration of nuclear deployment and is committed to working with all responsible nations looking to deploy new nuclear or expand their existing fleets, and MOUs with companies such as Hyundai E&C are a clear demonstration of this approach. Hyundai E&C was the lead contractor in the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, and a proven contributor to the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, which is now recognised as a global benchmark for safe and efficient nuclear development. The signing follows a series of recent agreements between ENEC and leading global operators, technology developers, and energy companies. These partnerships form an integral part of ENEC's broader focus on identifying global investment, collaboration and deployment opportunities to support the rapid delivery of civil nuclear energy, driving energy security and sustainability through the provision of clean baseload electricity. The successful construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, earned Hyundai E&C high praise from the global nuclear industry for demonstrating its unique risk management and construction capabilities. As Korea and the UAE deepen their commitment to future cooperation in the energy sector, including nuclear, Hyundai E&C also plans to expand the horizon of their cooperation as a strategic partner, building on the trust and experience developed during the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
MBRF secures Egypt's Media and Digital Transformation Foundation Award
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) secured the 'Best Knowledge and Innovation-Supporting Institution in the Arab World' title for 2025 for its groundbreaking efforts to empower Arab generations with essential tools for knowledge and innovation, as well as to promote societies based on science, critical thinking, and creativity. The award was presented by Egypt's Media and Digital Transformation Foundation. This prestigious honor celebrates MBRF's long-standing legacy spanning over 25 years of promoting education and innovation. The Foundation has established several educational ecosystems fostering education, entrepreneurship, and research and development (R&D), as well as launching strategic initiatives that have significantly advanced knowledge creation and sharing in Arab communities. Through strategic initiatives and transformative programs, the Foundation has taken a leading role in shaping knowledge-based societies throughout the Arab world. H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: 'We are honored to receive this distinguished award, which reaffirms our steadfast commitment to knowledge as the foundation of progress. It represents both a valued addition to our collection of accolades and validates our intellectual and knowledge-based mission. At MBRF, we believe that investing in people is the most powerful investment a nation can make. Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, we remain dedicated to serving as a beacon for Arab creativity, building knowledge-based societies, empowering individuals, and inspiring innovation across the region and beyond.' H.E. further commended the Media and Digital Transformation Foundation in Egypt for its influential role in promoting creative and digital media across the Arab world, fostering an innovative, technology-driven media landscape through its persistent efforts. He praised the Foundation's Media Creativity Competition as a crucial platform for discovering and supporting emerging talent, while celebrating the region's rich creative potential across various media sectors. With a growing portfolio of impactful initiatives, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation continues to drive a culture of learning, innovation, and sustainable development. Its efforts remain essential in laying the foundation for a thriving knowledge economy focused on empowering individuals, enhancing capacities, and creating supportive conditions for knowledge creation and sharing across the Arab world and internationally. -Ends- For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
