Applications open for fifth cycle. The award comprises four categories: Innovative Projects, Innovative Research and Development, Innovative Individual and Innovative Crisis Solutions.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is prioritising artificial intelligence-driven innovation in its fifth cycle, as it seeks scalable and cost-effective solutions to global water challenges.
Under its “Creativity and Innovation” criteria, the award has increased the weighting for AI-based models and machine-learning applications, formally integrating them into its evaluation framework to optimise resource use and align technological solutions with social and environmental goals.
The focus includes new methodologies and systems for drinking water management, as well as technologies aimed at improving efficiency, expanding renewable energy storage and reducing operating costs per unit.
Organisers said a growing number of recent submissions have come from innovators, companies and research institutions using AI to develop solutions for water production, desalination, purification and distillation.
The award is supervised by UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) and offers total prize money of $1 million.
“We draw inspiration from the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for artificial intelligence and to advance the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that support sustainable development,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, chairman of the foundation’s board of trustees (pictured left).
He said the award supports the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and aims to foster research, development and innovation, delivering high-impact, cost-effective water solutions to communities most in need.
The integration of AI into the judging criteria is designed to spur investment in intelligent water technologies. Evaluators will assess how effectively applicants use AI and machine learning to automate operations, enhance monitoring and demand forecasting, optimise materials and system design, and improve overall infrastructure performance.
Since its launch, the award has recognised 43 winners from 26 countries over four cycles, highlighting technologies powered by renewable energy sources including solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, osmosis and geothermal energy to produce, desalinate and purify water.
Applications are open until April 30, 2026 via www.mbrwateraward.ae/awards. Inquiries can be sent to award@suqia.ae.
