Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award prioritises AI-driven innovation to address global water challenges

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is driving the adoption of advanced technologies to accelerate the development of scalable, sustainable and cost-efficient solutions to the global water crisis, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key focus in its fifth cycle.

Under the ‘Creativity and Innovation’ criteria, the award now places greater emphasis on the use of AI-driven models and machine-learning algorithms, with AI integrated as a formal element of the evaluation framework to optimise resource use and align technological solutions with broader social and environmental objectives. This includes advancing new methodologies, applications and systems for drinking water management, while improving efficiency, expanding renewable energy storage capacity and reducing unit operational costs.

Officials overseeing the award revealed that a significant number of recent applications were submitted by innovators, companies and research institutions that are already harnessing AI to develop specialised solutions for water production, desalination, purification and distillation.

“We draw inspiration from the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation in artificial intelligence and to promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that advance sustainable economic and social development, benefiting humanity worldwide. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, which supports the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, is supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), with total prizes amounting to USD 1 million. The award plays a vital role in building a solid foundation for research, development and innovation, as well as facilitating comprehensive analysis and in-depth studies. This approach enables the delivery of cost-effective, high-impact resources and solutions to communities most in need of water. The award also serves as a comprehensive global platform, harnessing innovation and advanced technologies to secure a brighter and more sustainable future for humanity,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Suqia.

The inclusion of AI in the award’s evaluation framework is intended to stimulate investment in intelligent water technologies and encourage the development of sustainable solutions to address global water challenges. Evaluators will assess how effectively AI and machine-learning algorithms are used to automate operations, enhance monitoring and demand forecasting, identify optimal materials and system designs, and improve overall performance across water infrastructure.

Over four cycles, the award has honoured 43 winners from 26 countries around the world, showcasing technologies that use renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, osmosis and geothermal to produce, desalinate and purify water. The award comprises four main categories: Innovative Projects, Innovative Research and Development, Innovative Individual and Innovative Crisis Solutions.

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