The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is a prestigious international initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Managed by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), this USD 1 million award is designed to incentivize the development of sustainable and innovative technologies to address the global water crisis. By focusing on the intersection of water technology and renewable energy, the program aims to provide clean drinking water to poverty- and disaster-stricken communities worldwide, supporting the UAE's vision of a knowledge-based economy driven by research and innovation.
Award Objectives and Vision
The program operates on the belief that access to potable water is a fundamental human need and a key driver for sustainable growth. With water scarcity affecting more than 40% of the global population, the award seeks to create a platform for cost-effective, renewable energy-powered solutions. It specifically encourages the research and development of technologies that can produce, distribute, store, monitor, desalinate, and purify water. By integrating renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, ocean, and geothermal technologies, the initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint of water production while increasing accessibility for rural and underserved urban areas.
Core Award Categories
- Innovative Projects Award: Targeted at organizations that have successfully deployed large-scale or small-scale projects using renewable energy to provide clean water.
- Innovative Research & Development Award: Focused on academic and institutional breakthroughs in water technology, divided into National and International sub-categories.
- Innovative Individual Award: Recognizes the contributions of distinguished researchers and the creative potential of the youth in developing sustainable water solutions.
- Innovative Crisis Solutions Award: Dedicated to technologies and models that can be rapidly deployed to provide safe water during humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
Technical Scope and Eligibility
- Eligible Technologies: Solutions must utilize renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, biomass, ocean, gradient salinity, and geothermal energy.
- Exclusions: Technologies relying on nuclear energy or carbon capture and storage systems are excluded from the scope of this award.
- Scope of Innovation: Applications may cover a wide range of functions, including the production, desalination, purification, distribution, and monitoring of water.
- Eligible Applicants: The award is open to leading corporations, research centers, academic institutions, innovators, and youth from around the world.
Application Details and Deadlines
- Cycle Status: The 5th Cycle of the award is currently open for global applications.
- Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026 (UAE Midnight Time).
- Application Process: Interested parties must create an account on the official MBR Global Water Award online portal to submit their application and track progress.
- Evaluation: Projects are assessed based on their innovation, sustainability, and ability to meet the needs of developing communities lacking basic water access.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award serves as a global call to action, mobilizing the world’s brightest minds to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time. By fostering a competitive environment for sustainable water technology, the award continues to transform lives and empower communities through the gift of clean water. For those driving the future of water security and renewable energy integration, this program provides an international stage to showcase solutions that can build a more resilient and hydrated world.