Latest news with #SultanAhmedAlJaber
Business Wire
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Zayed Sustainability Prize Sees Surge in Global Participation with 7,761 Entries
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The UAE's Zayed Sustainability Prize, a pioneering global award that has transformed the lives of over 400 million people, has officially closed submissions for its 2026 awards cycle. A total of 7,761 entries from 173 countries were received across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools, reflecting the Prize's continued role in advancing impactful solutions to pressing global challenges. Now in its 17 th year, the Prize empowers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations and high schools to develop and scale sustainable innovations that improve lives, especially in vulnerable and underserved communities. From clean energy and healthcare access to regenerative agriculture and safe drinking water, this year's submissions reflect a rising focus on technology-powered, community-led models that expand access where it's needed most. Submissions increased by 30% compared to the previous cycle. There was a marked rise in projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies – such as artificial intelligence, direct air carbon capture, and fintech tools – with grassroots approaches, highlighting how innovation, equity, and long-term impact are converging in meaningful ways. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, said: 'The record number of submissions to this year's Prize cycle reflects a growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact. We saw particularly strong momentum in food systems, where smart technologies are helping boost productivity and resilience. Across all categories, the increased use of AI and other advanced technologies highlights how innovation is being harnessed to drive inclusive, community-led progress. The Zayed Sustainability Prize remains focused on recognising pioneers who deliver measurable impact and advance sustainable development worldwide.' Early analysis shows that around 85% of all submissions came from the developing and emerging economies, with top contributions from India, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, and was also high from developed countries like the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, both making it into the top 10 submission countries. The Food (1,630) and Climate Action (1,880) categories attracted the highest number of entries, reflecting the global urgency around food security, ecosystem protection, and disaster resilience. These were followed by Health (1,497), Global High Schools (1,070), Water (863) and Energy (821). Submissions to the Health category grew by over 60% this year, with entries focusing on AI-enabled diagnostics, wearable tech, and decentralised care. Many also explored tech-enabled sustainable logistics and improved traceability to strengthen healthcare delivery systems. The Food category highlighted advances in precision agriculture and agri-robotics, with smart systems and drones helping farmers boost yields as well as circularity in food systems. In Energy, submissions revealed a growing interest in thermal energy storage and advanced low-carbon fuels, and broader energy transformation, including solutions for future-proofing energy systems to meet the growing global demand scenarios. Entries in the Water category explored innovative ways to expand freshwater access, including atmospheric water generation and low-energy desalination, as well as fintech tools that promote more transparent and equitable distribution. Climate Action entries addressed both mitigation and adaptation, featuring nature-based solutions, direct air carbon capture, predictive tools for resilience and disaster preparedness, and community-based conservation grounded in Indigenous knowledge. Youth-led submissions in Global High Schools reflected a remarkable surge in youth engagement and commitment to sustainability, with projects ranging from AI-powered climate monitoring and smart irrigation for school farms to low-cost water filtration and tech-based approaches to waste tracking and upcycling. Following the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy. A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each category. Winners will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on 13 January 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Each winner in the organisational categories will receive US $1 million, while six high schools – representing the world's regions – will be awarded US $150,000 each to implement or expand their sustainability projects. About the Zayed Sustainability Prize The Zayed Sustainability Prize, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is the UAE's pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges. A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide. Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet's most pressing needs. Through its 128 winners, in 17 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all.
Al Etihad
14 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed Sustainability Prize sees surge in global participation with 7,761 entries
28 July 2025 18:16 ABU DHABI (WAM) The UAE's Zayed Sustainability Prize, a pioneering global award that has transformed the lives of over 400 million people, has officially closed submissions for its 2026 awards cycle.A total of 7,761 entries from 173 countries were received across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, reflecting the Prize's continued role in advancing impactful solutions to pressing global in its 17th year, the Prize empowers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations and high schools to develop and scale sustainable innovations that improve lives, especially in vulnerable and underserved clean energy and healthcare access to regenerative agriculture and safe drinking water, this year's submissions reflect a rising focus on technology-powered, community-led models that expand access where it's needed increased by 30% compared to the previous cycle. There was a marked rise in projects that integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, direct air carbon capture, and fintech tools, with grassroots approaches, highlighting how innovation, equity, and long-term impact are converging in meaningful Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director-General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, said, 'The record number of submissions to this year's Prize cycle reflects a growing global commitment to practical, scalable solutions that deliver long-term impact. We saw particularly strong momentum in food systems, where smart technologies are helping boost productivity and resilience. Across all categories, the increased use of AI and other advanced technologies highlights how innovation is being harnessed to drive inclusive, community-led progress. The Zayed Sustainability Prize remains focused on recognising pioneers who deliver measurable impact and advance sustainable development analysis shows that around 85% of all submissions came from the developing and emerging economies, with top contributions from India, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, and was also high from developed countries like the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, both making it into the top 10 submission Food (1,630) and Climate Action (1,880) categories attracted the highest number of entries, reflecting the global urgency around food security, ecosystem protection, and disaster resilience. These were followed by Health (1,497), Global High Schools (1,070), Water (863), and Energy (821).Submissions to the Health category grew by over 60% this year, with entries focusing on AI-enabled diagnostics, wearable tech, and decentralised care. Many also explored tech-enabled sustainable logistics and improved traceability to strengthen healthcare delivery Food category highlighted advances in precision agriculture and agri-robotics, with smart systems and drones helping farmers boost yields as well as circularity in food Energy, submissions revealed a growing interest in thermal energy storage and advanced low-carbon fuels, and broader energy transformation, including solutions for future-proofing energy systems to meet the growing global demand in the Water category explored innovative ways to expand freshwater access, including atmospheric water generation and low-energy desalination, as well as fintech tools that promote more transparent and equitable Action entries addressed both mitigation and adaptation, featuring nature-based solutions, direct air carbon capture, predictive tools for resilience and disaster preparedness, and community-based conservation grounded in Indigenous submissions in Global High Schools reflected a remarkable surge in youth engagement and commitment to sustainability, with projects ranging from AI-powered climate monitoring and smart irrigation for school farms to low-cost water filtration and tech-based approaches to waste tracking and the close of submissions, the Prize now enters the evaluation stage. All entries will be shortlisted by an independent research and analysis consultancy.A Selection Committee comprised of globally renowned industry experts will then assess the qualified entries and shortlist the candidates. The third and final tier of the evaluation process is the Jury, which will convene in October to unanimously elect the winners in each will be announced at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on January 13, 2026, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Each winner in the organisational categories will receive $1 million, while six high schools, representing the world's regions, will be awarded $150,000 each to implement or expand their sustainability projects.
Dubai Eye
6 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE official to be honoured with global leadership award
The Middle East Institute (MEI) announced that Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, will receive the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award at the think tank's annual gala next March. The award recognises Dr. Al Jaber's visionary leadership and transformative contributions in energy, advancing technology and socioeconomic growth, promoting international collaboration, and investing in youth talent development. Among his key contributions, Dr. Sultan has been a driving force behind the adoption of a pragmatic approach to the global energy landscape to meet rapidly expanding energy demand driven by the rise of emerging markets and exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI). He has championed robust industry leading corporate governance standards that enhance integrity and compliance to mitigate risks and enable sustainable growth. For over 20 years, Dr. Al Jaber has combined public service with global business leadership, applying strategic vision and practical action to some of the world's most complex challenges, including advancing a comprehensive approach that embraces diverse energy options to meet increasing energy demand. 'As the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Al Jaber has been a driving force behind industrial growth and economic diversification,' said MEI President Ambassador (ret.) Stuart E. Jones, 'and as Group CEO of ADNOC, he has consistently delivered a pro-growth, pro-investment, and pro-people framework to address the rising energy needs of markets and communities. His leadership reflects a bold, inclusive vision for addressing the defining challenges of our time. MEI is delighted to be associated with Dr. Al Jaber through this distinguished award.' In his role as the Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, he has led the company's transformation into an advanced and progressive international energy company at the forefront of deploying AI and advanced technologies. He also serves as Executive Chairman of XRG, ADNOC's international energy investment company, designed to meet the surging demand for energy in an AI-enabled world. As the founding CEO and current Chairman of Masdar, a global renewable energy leader, Dr. Al Jaber has played a central role in positioning the UAE as a hub for energy, sustainability and technology diplomacy. Dr. Al Jaber said, 'It is an honour and privilege to be awarded the Distinguished Global Leadership Award by the Middle East Institute, and I am humbled to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the UAE leadership and the many teams that I work with on a daily basis. Since 1946, MEI has worked to strengthen understanding of the Middle East, and I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment to promoting positive relations between the Middle East and the U.S. Throughout my career, I have advocated that energy is a solution rather than a problem. That is why we need a pro-growth world, with pro-investment policies and concrete actions that include an 'and-and' approach, which embraces diverse energy options to meet the rapid growth in energy demand and unlock value creation opportunities in the energy-AI nexus.' As COP28 President in 2023, Dr. Al Jaber led nearly 200 countries to adopt the historic UAE Consensus, a market-based climate agreement that injected energy realism into policy discussions to drive practical solutions. Dr Al Jaber has continued to act as a cross-sectoral convenor to achieve tangible progress. He brought together energy, technology and finance leaders at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi and Washington DC to address the growing energy needs of AI, while unlocking its potential to transform energy systems. In addition to his ministerial and corporate roles, Dr. Al Jaber leads multiple institutions advancing frontier technologies and economic opportunity. His decades of service have earned worldwide recognition for aligning energy security with climate stewardship. Among his many honours, Dr. Al Jaber has received the U.N.'s Champion of the Earth award, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, and received the Order of the Union from the President of the UAE. In 2024, he was recognised with the CERAWeek Leadership Award for building consensus toward a more sustainable energy future. Dr. Al Jaber holds a in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, an MBA from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Coventry University. The 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award will be presented at MEI's 78th Annual Gala, held at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., in March 2026. The evening will bring together senior U.S. government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the international policy community to celebrate Dr. Al Jaber's extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy.
TAG 91.1
7 days ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE official to be honoured with global leadership award
The Middle East Institute (MEI) announced that Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, will receive the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award at the think tank's annual gala next March. The award recognises Dr. Al Jaber's visionary leadership and transformative contributions in energy, advancing technology and socioeconomic growth, promoting international collaboration, and investing in youth talent development. Among his key contributions, Dr. Sultan has been a driving force behind the adoption of a pragmatic approach to the global energy landscape to meet rapidly expanding energy demand driven by the rise of emerging markets and exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI). He has championed robust industry leading corporate governance standards that enhance integrity and compliance to mitigate risks and enable sustainable growth. For over 20 years, Dr. Al Jaber has combined public service with global business leadership, applying strategic vision and practical action to some of the world's most complex challenges, including advancing a comprehensive approach that embraces diverse energy options to meet increasing energy demand. 'As the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Al Jaber has been a driving force behind industrial growth and economic diversification,' said MEI President Ambassador (ret.) Stuart E. Jones, 'and as Group CEO of ADNOC, he has consistently delivered a pro-growth, pro-investment, and pro-people framework to address the rising energy needs of markets and communities. His leadership reflects a bold, inclusive vision for addressing the defining challenges of our time. MEI is delighted to be associated with Dr. Al Jaber through this distinguished award.' In his role as the Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, he has led the company's transformation into an advanced and progressive international energy company at the forefront of deploying AI and advanced technologies. He also serves as Executive Chairman of XRG, ADNOC's international energy investment company, designed to meet the surging demand for energy in an AI-enabled world. As the founding CEO and current Chairman of Masdar, a global renewable energy leader, Dr. Al Jaber has played a central role in positioning the UAE as a hub for energy, sustainability and technology diplomacy. Dr. Al Jaber said, 'It is an honour and privilege to be awarded the Distinguished Global Leadership Award by the Middle East Institute, and I am humbled to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the UAE leadership and the many teams that I work with on a daily basis. Since 1946, MEI has worked to strengthen understanding of the Middle East, and I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment to promoting positive relations between the Middle East and the U.S. Throughout my career, I have advocated that energy is a solution rather than a problem. That is why we need a pro-growth world, with pro-investment policies and concrete actions that include an 'and-and' approach, which embraces diverse energy options to meet the rapid growth in energy demand and unlock value creation opportunities in the energy-AI nexus.' As COP28 President in 2023, Dr. Al Jaber led nearly 200 countries to adopt the historic UAE Consensus, a market-based climate agreement that injected energy realism into policy discussions to drive practical solutions. Dr Al Jaber has continued to act as a cross-sectoral convenor to achieve tangible progress. He brought together energy, technology and finance leaders at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi and Washington DC to address the growing energy needs of AI, while unlocking its potential to transform energy systems. In addition to his ministerial and corporate roles, Dr. Al Jaber leads multiple institutions advancing frontier technologies and economic opportunity. His decades of service have earned worldwide recognition for aligning energy security with climate stewardship. Among his many honours, Dr. Al Jaber has received the U.N.'s Champion of the Earth award, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, and received the Order of the Union from the President of the UAE. In 2024, he was recognised with the CERAWeek Leadership Award for building consensus toward a more sustainable energy future. Dr. Al Jaber holds a in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, an MBA from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Coventry University. The 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award will be presented at MEI's 78th Annual Gala, held at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., in March 2026. The evening will bring together senior U.S. government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the international policy community to celebrate Dr. Al Jaber's extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy.
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Middle East Institute to honour Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber with 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award
22 July 2025 16:14 WASHINGTON, DC (WAM)The Middle East Institute (MEI) announced that Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, will receive the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award at MEI's 78th Annual Gala in Washington, DC, in March award recognises Dr. Al Jaber's visionary leadership and transformative contributions in energy, advancing technology and socioeconomic growth, promoting international collaboration, and investing in youth talent his key contributions, Dr. Sultan has been a driving force behind the adoption of a pragmatic approach to the global energy landscape to meet rapidly expanding energy demand driven by the rise of emerging markets and exponential growth of artificial intelligence (AI).He has championed robust industry leading corporate governance standards that enhance integrity and compliance to mitigate risks and enable sustainable over 20 years, Dr. Al Jaber has combined public service with global business leadership, applying strategic vision and practical action to some of the world's most complex challenges, including advancing a comprehensive approach that embraces diverse energy options to meet increasing energy demand.'As the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Al Jaber has been a driving force behind industrial growth and economic diversification,' said MEI President Ambassador (ret.) Stuart E. Jones, 'and as Group CEO of ADNOC, he has consistently delivered a pro-growth, pro-investment, and pro-people framework to address the rising energy needs of markets and communities. His leadership reflects a bold, inclusive vision for addressing the defining challenges of our time. MEI is delighted to be associated with Dr. Al Jaber through this distinguished award.'In his role as the Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, he has led the company's transformation into an advanced and progressive international energy company at the forefront of deploying AI and advanced technologies. He also serves as Executive Chairman of XRG, ADNOC's international energy investment company, designed to meet the surging demand for energy in an AI-enabled the founding CEO and current Chairman of Masdar, a global renewable energy leader, Dr. Al Jaber has played a central role in positioning the UAE as a hub for energy, sustainability and technology Al Jaber said, 'It is an honour and privilege to be awarded the Distinguished Global Leadership Award by the Middle East Institute, and I am humbled to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the UAE leadership and the many teams that I work with on a daily basis. Since 1946, MEI has worked to strengthen understanding of the Middle East, and I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment to promoting positive relations between the Middle East and the my career, I have advocated that energy is a solution rather than a problem. That is why we need a pro-growth world, with pro-investment policies and concrete actions that include an 'and-and' approach, which embraces diverse energy options to meet the rapid growth in energy demand and unlock value creation opportunities in the energy-AI nexus.'As COP28 President in 2023, Dr. Al Jaber led nearly 200 countries to adopt the historic UAE Consensus, a market-based climate agreement that injected energy realism into policy discussions to drive practical solutions. Dr Al Jaber has continued to act as a cross-sectoral convenor to achieve tangible brought together energy, technology and finance leaders at the ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi and Washington DC to address the growing energy needs of AI, while unlocking its potential to transform energy addition to his ministerial and corporate roles, Dr. Al Jaber leads multiple institutions advancing frontier technologies and economic opportunity. His decades of service have earned worldwide recognition for aligning energy security with climate his many honours, Dr. Al Jaber has received the U.N.'s Champion of the Earth award, was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, and received the Order of the Union from the President of the 2024, he was recognised with the CERAWeek Leadership Award for building consensus toward a more sustainable energy Al Jaber holds a in Chemical Engineering from the University of Southern California, an MBA from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Ph.D. in Economics from Coventry 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award will be presented at MEI's 78th Annual Gala, held at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC, in March 2026. The evening will bring together senior US government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the international policy community to celebrate Dr. Al Jaber's extraordinary achievements and enduring legacy.
