The Zayed Sustainability Prize 2025

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, a visionary leader who transformed the nation through his dedication to unity, sustainability and humanitarian values. His passion for the environment, social welfare and education laid the foundation for the UAE’s growth as a modern, prosperous country.

In 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize was established in his honour to continue his legacy of promoting sustainability, inclusivity and global development. The Prize recognises and rewards pioneers who create solutions that benefit communities around the world, echoing Sheikh Zayed’s lifelong commitment to the well-being of humanity.

ZAYED SUSTANABILITY PRIZE

At the 2008 World Future Energy Summit, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced the launch of the Zayed Future Energy Prize – a tribute to his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his sustainability legacy.

By recognising pioneering solutions and technologies that can change the world, the Zayed Sustainability Prize, has rewarded innovators and visionaries whose achievements have furthered the global proliferation of innovative, impactful and inspirational sustainability solutions.

Over 335 million people have been directly or indirectly impacted by the sustainability solutions and school projects of the 86 recipients of the Prize winners since the first awards ceremony in 2009.

EVALUATION PROCESS

The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a robust, three-tier process.

• First Stage: A reputed international research and analysis consultancy firm conducts due diligence on all our submissions received. These independent consultants ensure that each entry meets the submission standards and then scores the entries against the criteria set out for the Zayed Sustainability Prize.
• Second Stage: A Selection Committee, sub-divided per category by the member’s technical specialty and/or knowledge, evaluates and scores the shortlisted candidates. They then pass on the list of finalists for the final review stage.
• Third Stage: The Jury meets, in person, to deliberate the entries and elect the winner in each category. The final decision must be unanimous. The Jury members are typically comprised of former world leaders, UAE government ministers, leading international business people and, occasionally, high profile international celebrities.

SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN

On 2nd November 2004, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, passed away. For Emiratis and residents of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed was not merely a national leader, he was a man of great vision and someone who transcended national borders and cultures as a true statesman, widely respected the world over.

In a journey he began over forty years ago, Sheikh Zayed came to embody the values of tolerance, unity and the spirit of a nation – a legacy now infused and represented by the responsibility, camaraderie and collaboration seen among all Emiratis and residents of the UAE.

Sheikh Zayed’s vision was driven by a passionate belief in leading by example and this was a key essence behind his progressive socio-economic, sustainable development and humanitarian vision.

Drawing on the valuable lessons of the past, while embracing progress, Sheik Zayed was a passionate believer in the importance of pursuing development in line with both the needs of present and future generations.

LEGACY

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid out a vision that would ensure the sustainable development of the UAE.

During his lifetime, Sheikh Zayed placed great emphasis on education and empowerment, including the welfare of the less fortunate – in the UAE and around the world. He was also a tireless advocate of protecting the heritage of the land we live in and implemented a series of measures to protect both the natural world and its resources.

Some key examples of Sheikh Zayed’s action in these areas include his creation of official institutions such as the UAE’s Federal Environment Agency and Abu Dhabi's Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency. Acknowledging the responsibility that governments must assume in conserving the natural world, he also called upon individuals to play their role in ensuring sustainable development.

With all of these attributes considered, it is no surprise that Sheikh Zayed’s vision – and now legacy – is an enduring reminder the wise leadership that continues to shape the sustainable development agenda, here in the UAE and around the world, for many future generations to come.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is honoured and proud to have been formed as an organisation that acts as a custodian of this legacy. We are inspired by it every day as we carry forward and share this vision for global sustainability to an ever-increasing number of people around the world.