Innovators worldwide invited to submit solutions for water challenges before September deadline
Dubai: The UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) has reported rising international interest in the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, held under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
The award continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for innovation in the water sector, supporting sustainable, scalable and practical solutions powered by clean and renewable energy, as well as advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to address water scarcity in underserved communities around the world.
Suqia UAE has called on universities, research centres, companies, organisations and innovators worldwide to submit applications before the 30 September 2026 deadline. Participants are encouraged to provide comprehensive and detailed technical information to support the evaluation process.
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia UAE, said: “The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable solutions that address humanitarian and development challenges.”
He added that the award continues to inspire innovators, researchers, organisations and companies to develop pioneering solutions that provide clean and safe water to communities most in need by leveraging clean energy and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.
Digital transformation in water solutions
Al Tayer noted that the fifth cycle comes at a time when smart and digital technologies are increasingly driving transformation across the water sector through improved operational efficiency, predictive monitoring and the development of more sustainable and scalable solutions.
Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia UAE, highlighted the importance of submitting complete technical information, including operational conditions, technologies used, maintenance requirements, energy sources, water quality indicators and the number of beneficiaries.
He said submissions should also be supported by documented evidence, including field images, pilot project results, case studies, performance data, videos and independent verification where available, to demonstrate effectiveness and measurable impact.
Emphasis on AI and sustainability
The fifth cycle places particular emphasis on solutions that leverage digital transformation, artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance predictive monitoring, optimise operations and improve performance across the water sector.
Applicants are also required to demonstrate how renewable energy is integrated into their solutions, provide environmental assessments covering water production, desalination, purification and management, and present financial feasibility analyses, including operating costs, payback periods and return on investment.
Submissions should additionally demonstrate adaptability to local conditions and the potential for future expansion and replication.
US$1 million prize pool
The award offers a total prize pool of US$1 million across four main categories:
- Innovative Projects Award (Large and Small Projects): US$540,000
- Innovative Research and Development Award: US$400,000, equally divided between national and international institutions
- Innovative Individual Award (Distinguished Researcher Award and Youth Award): US$40,000
- Innovative Crisis Solutions Award: US$20,000
The award aims to encourage the development of innovative technologies and sustainable solutions that help tackle global water challenges while improving access to safe and clean water worldwide.