Applications now open for the 5th cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), has announced the opening of applications for the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, which offers USD 1 million in prizes. The award aims to inspire innovative technologies and solutions for water production, distribution, storage, desalination and purification powered by clean and renewable energy sources, reinforcing global efforts towards sustainability.

“Since its establishment, Suqia UAE, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has provided clean water to nearly 15 million people in 37 countries worldwide through sustainable development and humanitarian projects. Additionally, Suqia UAE, under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, continues to motivate innovators and researchers around the world to develop practical and sustainable solutions to address the water scarcity crisis, which remains one of the most prominent humanitarian and development challenges. The UN reports indicate that about 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safely managed drinking water services and that around 10% of the global population lives in countries experiencing high or critical water stress,” said Al Tayer.

“The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award has become a leading global platform for water innovation and a catalyst for sustainable change by supporting practical solutions and advanced technologies that have a tangible impact in many societies around the world. With the launch of the fifth cycle of the award, I urge universities, research centers, companies, organisations, and innovators worldwide to participate so that, together, we can help provide clean water to communities most in need,” added Al Tayer.

Mr. Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia UAE, said the award encourages research institutions, companies, universities, innovators and young people from around the world to develop solutions that address water scarcity using clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, osmotic and geothermal. Over the past four cycles, it has received hundreds of applications and honoured 43 innovators from 26 countries who have developed pioneering and sustainable technologies to provide clean water at an affordable cost.

Prizes totalling USD 1 million
The award comprises four main categories: the Innovative Projects Award, which includes the Large Projects Award and the Small Projects Award; the Innovative Research and Development Award, which includes the National Institutions Award and the International Institutions Award; the Innovative Individual Award, which includes the Distinguished Researcher Award and the Youth Award; and the Innovative Crisis Solutions Award.

Applications are open until 30 April 2026 via www.mbrwateraward.ae/awards and inquiries can be sent to award@suqia.ae.