Applications for its 5th cycle are open until 30 September 2026, with the award continuing to attract pioneering water solutions from around the world
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, continues to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global platform for water innovation and humanitarian work. The award attracts outstanding innovations in water production, desalination and purification powered by renewable energy, contributing to international efforts to tackle water scarcity.
The fifth cycle takes on added significance amid growing global water security challenges, underscoring the need for advanced, sustainable solutions that improve access to safe drinking water and enhance communities’ resilience against the effects of climate change. With USD 1 million in prizes, the award features four categories: the Innovative Projects Award, the Innovative Research and Development Award, the Innovative Individual Award and the Innovative Crisis Solutions Award.
Applications for the award’s fifth cycle are open until 30 September 2026, with universities, research centres, institutions, companies, innovators and individuals worldwide invited to submit innovative projects and solutions that advance water security and improve quality of life.
“At Suqia UAE, we draw inspiration from the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform humanitarian work into a sustainable ecosystem driven by impact, innovation and global partnerships. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is a flagship initiative that manifests this approach by encouraging research and development, while utilising modern technologies and renewable energy to support the development of practical and sustainable solutions that address the global water crisis. In its fifth cycle, the award continues to consolidate its position as a leading international platform that honours and supports innovations capable of improving access to safe water and enhancing communities’ resilience against water scarcity, thereby reinforcing the role of the UAE and Dubai in supporting international efforts to build a safer and more sustainable future,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Suqia UAE.
“Providing safe water goes beyond implementing direct relief projects; it requires an integrated ecosystem that brings together innovation, scientific research, strategic partnerships and advanced technologies to deliver sustainable development impact. Guided by this vision, Suqia UAE continues to support initiatives and projects that offer scalable, viable solutions to improve quality of life for the world’s most vulnerable communities,” added Al Tayer.
The fifth cycle places greater emphasis on digital transformation through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in water production, desalination and purification. It also promotes research and development aimed at advancing sustainable solutions to global water challenges through the use of renewable energy. Together, these efforts enhance operational efficiency, strengthens monitoring capabilities and accelerates the delivery of innovative solutions with tangible humanitarian impact.
Over the past four cycles, the award has recognised 43 winners from 26 countries for their pioneering contributions to water production, desalination and purification. Their projects have improved access to safe water for millions of people and enhanced living conditions in communities worldwide. By attracting innovators from around the world and fostering international collaboration, the award continues to advance practical solutions to one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and developmental challenges while supporting a more secure and sustainable future for the most vulnerable communities.
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