The UAE Water Aid Foundation, known as Suqia UAE, has announced growing global interest in the fifth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, inviting universities, research centres, companies and innovators worldwide to submit entries before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award has become a prominent international platform for advancing sustainable and scalable water solutions. This cycle places particular focus on projects powered by clean and renewable energy alongside advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, aimed at tackling water scarcity in underserved communities.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia UAE, said the award reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position the UAE as a global hub for humanitarian and development innovation. He noted that this cycle carries added weight given the worldwide push toward smart and digital solutions in the water sector.
Mohammed Abdulkareem Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of Suqia UAE, urged applicants to submit detailed technical data, including information on operational conditions, energy sources, water quality indicators and beneficiary numbers. He said submissions should include field images, pilot results, performance data and independent verification where possible to demonstrate credibility and impact.
Entrants must also outline how renewable energy is integrated into their solutions, provide environmental assessments and present financial viability through life-cycle cost analysis.
The award carries a total prize pool of one million US dollars across four categories. These include the Innovative Projects Award worth $540,000, the Innovative Research and Development Award worth $400,000, the Innovative Individual Award worth $40,000, and the Innovative Crisis Solutions Award worth $20,000.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
