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Nominations open for Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award (5th Cycle)

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The Suqia UAE Awards support innovative solutions providing emergency access to clean drinking water for communities affected by crises. The program recognizes organizations, institutions, and individuals with proven or ready-to-commercialize solutions, including large and small projects, research innovations, and youth-led initiatives, with prize money ranging from USD 20,000 to USD 300,000.

Providing Emergency Clean Water During Crises

The Suqia UAE initiative aims to identify and reward practical, innovative water solutions that ensure rapid, reliable, and safe drinking water during critical humanitarian situations. The program focuses on technologies, systems, and management approaches that have measurable results and can be deployed at scale.

Award Categories and Eligibility

1. Innovative Projects Award

Recognizes commercialized or near-commercialized projects with measurable results for at least three months.

  • Large Projects Award:

    • Capital expenditure > USD 2.5 million or benefiting >15,000 people

    • Water production >450,000 liters/day

    • Prize pool: USD 300,000 (First: 150,000; Second: 90,000; Third: 60,000)

  • Small Projects Award:

    • Capital expenditure ≤ USD 2.5 million or benefiting ≤15,000 people

    • Water production ≤450,000 liters/day

    • Prize pool: USD 240,000 (First: 120,000; Second: 72,000; Third: 48,000)

2. Innovative Individual Award

For individuals contributing to renewable energy–powered potable water solutions aligned with WHO guidelines.

  • Distinguished Researcher Award: ≥10 years of research impact, USD 20,000 prize

  • Youth Award: Applicants under 35 demonstrating clear environmental, social, scientific, or technological impact, USD 20,000 prize

3. Innovative Research and Development Award

For solutions at Technology Readiness Level ≥5 showing measurable improvements in potable water production, distribution, or management.

  • National Institutions Award: UAE-based projects, USD 200,000 (First: 100,000; Second: 60,000; Third: 40,000)

  • International Institutions Award: Non-UAE projects, USD 200,000 (First: 100,000; Second: 60,000; Third: 40,000)

4. Innovative Crisis Solutions Award

Supports projects delivering emergency water access in internationally declared crises, including natural disasters and catastrophic events.

  • Prize: USD 20,000 to the institution or entity

Eligibility Criteria

  • Projects must be innovative systems or management solutions for emergency water provision

  • Applicants must be legally registered organizations with a valid trade license and active bank account

  • Submission must include copy of trade license or equivalent documentation

How to Apply / How it Works

  1. Confirm eligibility as a legally registered organization or individual meeting award category criteria

  2. Prepare documentation: project description, evidence of measurable impact, financials, trade license

  3. Submit application through the official Suqia UAE portal before the deadline

  4. Applications are evaluated based on innovation, impact, scalability, and readiness for deployment

  5. Winners receive prize money according to award category, with support for deployment where applicable

Why This Program Matters

  • Provides rapid access to safe drinking water in emergencies

  • Recognizes innovative, scalable solutions with measurable impact

  • Encourages renewable energy–based water technologies

  • Supports research, youth engagement, and global collaboration in water innovation

Tips for Applicants

  • Highlight proven results for at least three months prior to application

  • Clearly define population served and water production capacity

  • Include financial and operational documentation

  • Emphasize alignment with WHO safe drinking water standards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Legally registered organizations with a valid trade license and active bank account; individuals under specific award categories.

2. What types of projects are eligible?

Innovative systems or management solutions for emergency potable water provision, renewable energy water solutions, and research innovations.

3. How are awards categorized?

By project size (Large/Small), individual contribution (Youth/Distinguished Researcher), research and development, national vs. international institutions, and crisis response.

4. What is the prize value?

Ranges from USD 20,000 (individuals or crisis solutions) to USD 300,000 (large-scale projects).

5. Are international applicants eligible?

Yes, for the International Institutions Award under R&D categories.

6. Is prior commercialization required?

Projects must be commercialized or ready for commercialization, with measurable results for at least three months.

7. Are organizations required to provide proof of legal registration?

Yes, a valid trade license or equivalent documentation must be submitted with the application.

Conclusion

The Suqia UAE Awards empower organizations and individuals to deliver innovative, effective, and scalable water solutions during humanitarian crises, promoting rapid access to safe drinking water and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy–powered technologies worldwide.

For more information, visit Suqia UAE.