Global Sustainability Award Registration Now Open by Dubai Municipality
The 14th cycle of the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development has been launched, offering a global platform for innovation in sustainable urban development. This prestigious award, held in partnership with UN-Habitat, aims to incentivize pioneering approaches to building more liveable cities and reinforces Dubai's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The award features five key categories: urban regeneration and public spaces, preservation of urban food systems, responses to climate change and pollution reduction, urban infrastructure planning and management, and the design of iconic, sustainable buildings. These categories highlight priority areas for innovation and sustainability in Dubai and beyond, reflecting the award's focus on environmental protection and sustainable urban growth.
Regarding eligibility, the award is open to both local and international participants, encouraging broad global involvement. Interested applicants can register and submit their documentation through the official award website. The initiative consistently draws significant international interest, demonstrated by over 2,600 entries from more than 140 countries in the previous cycle.
The award carries a total prize value of USD 1 million, adding significant motivation for individuals, organizations, and governments to contribute innovative sustainable solutions aligned with Dubai's vision and global sustainability goals. The winners of the award will be announced during the 2026 World Governments Summit.
Launched in 1995 under the directive of the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the award emphasizes Dubai's leadership in sustainable development through international collaboration. It highlights Dubai's role in promoting global innovation and responsible urban development, as well as recognizing impactful projects and policies that enhance urban living, address climate challenges, and improve community well-being.
In summary, the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development is a global initiative celebrating innovation in sustainable urban development. Open to both local and international participants, the award offers a total prize pool of USD 1 million and focuses on five key areas: urban regeneration and public spaces, urban food systems, climate change and pollution responses, urban infrastructure planning and management, and the design of iconic, sustainable buildings. Registration is now open via the award's website, with the winners to be announced during the 2026 World Governments Summit.
- The award, launched by the government of Dubai, aims to incentivize innovation in sustainable urban development, particularly in the categories of urban regeneration and public spaces.
- The award, in partnership with UN-Habitat, seeks to promote environmental protection and sustainable urban growth, as demonstrated by the emphasis on preserving urban food systems and responses to climate change.
- Encouraging global involvement, the award is open to participants from both local and international communities, with the aim of recognizing impactful projects that improve urban living and community well-being.
- The total prize value of USD 1 million serves as significant motivation for individuals, organizations, and governments to contribute innovative sustainable solutions that align with Dubai's vision and global sustainability goals.
- In emphasizing Dubai's leadership in sustainable development, the award highlights the city's role in promoting global innovation and responsible urban development, while also reinforcing Dubai's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
