Applications Now Open For Zayed Sustainability Prize’s 2026 Cycle

Zayed Sustainability Prize, a portfolio entity of UAE-based philanthropic initiative Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has officially announced its call for submissions for 2026.

Established in 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognizing excellence in sustainability, which honors the the humanitarian and sustainability legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

MORE ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

The award recognizes and rewards small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and global high schools with impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions. Since its inception, the Prize has awarded hundreds of winners who have positively impacted 400 million lives worldwide by advancing innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

This year, the Prize invites SMEs, NPOs, and high schools to submit their projects in six distinct categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. In 2024, the Zayed Sustainability Prize received 5,980 submissions from 156 countries, reflecting a growing international commitment to sustainable development. As the 2026 submission cycle begins, the Prize aims to build on this momentum.

Commenting on the launch, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize said: “The Zayed Sustainability Prize honours Sheikh Zayed’s vision of advancing inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development. By supporting projects that harness new technologies to improve lives and drive prosperity in local communities, the Prize places people at the heart of progress, and demonstrates the role of the Nexus of Next in accelerating socio-economic growth worldwide.”

KEY CRITERIA FOR SUBMISSION

A reward of US$1 million will be up for grabs for the the winners of each organizational category, while those in the Global High Schools category -split into six world regions- can claim up to $150,000 to deploy or further expand their project.

Furthermore, for the 2026 cycle, applicants in the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories must prove that their solution is improving access to essential services in their communities, and that they can implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges.

To encourage a wider range of organizations and high schools to participate, the Prize will accept submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

SELECTION PROCESS

The evaluation of each submission will consist of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence will be conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This will identify the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations will be undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists will be chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who will unanimously elect the winners across all six categories.

The winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony in 2026.

The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony in Abu Dhabi in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates, alongside 11 Heads of State and several Ministers and business leaders. These distinguished guests witnessed the promise and impact of each winner, as well as the UAE’s firm commitment to providing a platform for such solutions to grow.

For more details and to submit your application, please click HERE.

Made with Louvre Abu Dhabi: Calling UAE SMEs to Create Unique Products

Louvre Abu Dhabi has launched an initiative aimed at forging innovative brand collaborations with UAE-based SMEs.

The program is designed to celebrate the unique cultural and architectural heritage of the museum while fostering creativity and sustainable growth within the UAE.

Application process and timeline includes February 2025: Accepting proposals,
March 2025: Committee reviews and approval process, April 2025: Physical product development begins. Proposals can be submitted to development@louvreabudhabi.ae.

Themed around the museum’s iconic architecture, the first edition of this initiative invites UAE-based businesses to draw inspiration from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking design and rich cultural tapestry. This collaboration will result in the creation of a range of innovative, high-quality products that embody the spirit of the museum and resonate with both local and international audiences.

The collaboration with the museum provides local SMEs with a unique opportunity to showcase their expertise by developing exclusive, branded products. These items will be available at both the SMEs’ stores and the museum’s Boutique.

Lamya Rashid Al Nuaimi, Development, Marketing and Communications Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said, “Louvre Abu Dhabi has always stood as a beacon of cultural connection, and this programme amplifies that vision by harnessing the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of the UAE. By inviting local SMEs to collaborate with us and our brand, we aim to celebrate not only the architectural and cultural richness of the museum but also the creativity and talent that define our region. This initiative is more than a collaboration, as we strive to connect local craftsmanship and innovation with a global audience, driving meaningful impact that extends far beyond our walls.”

UAE Among Top 10 Countries with Most AI Companies Per Million Population, Global AI Competitiveness Index Reveals

The UAE has been ranled among the top 10 countries with the most AI companies per million population, as revealed in the Global AI Competitiveness Index by the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group.

The report analyzed over 55,000 AI companies worldwide to evaluate the density, financing, and development of AI enterprises globally.

Highlighting its growing prominence in AI enterprise density, the UAE stands alongside innovation hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner of Deep Knowledge Group, said, “The UAE’s ranking among the top 10 countries for AI companies per capita demonstrates how targeted investments are creating an ecosystem where AI innovation thrives. This is a blueprint for how nations can transform strategic vision into measurable impact.”

The UAE has consistently demonstrated its commitment to AI at the highest levels. In 2017, the UAE became the first nation to appoint an AI Minister. The government’s AI Strategy 2031 aims to contribute AED335 billion (USD$ 91 billion) to GDP by 2031 and reduce operational costs by 50% through AI innovation.

The UAE has also established the AED10 billion (USD$2.7 billion) Dubai Future Accelerator Fund to support AI innovation projects.

To support its AI ambitions, the UAE is rapidly building a talent pipeline. Key initiatives include the Golden Visa program, offering 10-year residency to AI professionals, and the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first dedicated AI research university. Partnerships with top global universities have further enhanced the UAE’s AI research capabilities, supported by high-value scholarships and advanced research funding. As a result, the UAE boasts an annual AI talent growth rate of 30%.

The UAE’s digital infrastructure underpins its leadership in AI innovation. With over 90% 5G network coverage, 97.1% internet penetration, and the largest data center cluster in the Middle East, the nation provides an unparalleled environment for AI companies to thrive.

Abu Dhabi-based G42 is a shining example of the UAE’s AI prowess. Specializing in healthcare, finance, and smart city solutions, G42 has become a global leader in AI innovation. In 2024, Microsoft invested USD 1.5 billion into the company, forming a partnership to establish AI research institutes in Abu Dhabi to develop “responsible” AI.

G42 also introduced Jais, an open-source Arabic AI language model with 30 billion parameters. Trained on extensive Arabic data and English computer code, Jais highlights G42’s contributions to advancing AI in the region. Currently valued at over USD$ 10 billion, G42 embodies the UAE’s vision of becoming a global AI hub.

500 EV Charging Stations to be Set Up Across UAE in 2025

The UAE aims to install over 500 electric vehicles (EV) charging stations by the end of 2025 to enable clean transportation and reduce carbon emissions, Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), has declared.

Speaking on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit, which takes place in Dubai from February 11-13, 2025, Al Olama said the Ministry -which owns 50% of the UAEV, a joint venture between MoEI and Etihad Water and Electricity to provide fast and accessible EV charging stations across the UAE- has installed more than 100 EV chargers across the country in 2024 and is rapidly expanding the network to meet growing EV demand.

He emphasised that the initiative follows an integrated approach in collaboration with the private sector and local authorities to ensure a robust infrastructure that supports the widespread adoption of EVs, which further aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Al Olama added that the MoEI aims to increase renewable energy capacity to over 14 gigawatts by 2030 as part of its commitment to clean energy development.

Dubai Ruler Discusses UAE-IMF Ties at World Governments Summit

Exploring strategies to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was the key point of conversation during a meeting between H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, which took place in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The meeting took place during the ongoing World Governments Summit 2025, which is being hosted in Dubai from February 11-13 under the theme ‘Shaping Future Governments’.

It was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit and Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai (second from right), and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai (first from right), n conversation with with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF. Image source: WAM

The discussion addressed key global economic developments as well as explored opportunities to foster stronger ties between the UAE and the IMF in order to promote global economic stability and advance sustainable development.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the vital role of enhanced international cooperation in addressing global economic challenges and developing innovative solutions for the betterment of societies. He highlighted the WGS as a leading platform that brings together global thought leaders, decision-makers, and visionaries to share expertise and contribute to building a sustainable global economy.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also commended the crucial role of international institutions, specifically mentioning the IMF, in shaping global financial policies that promote stability and growth worldwide. He then reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to remaining an active partner in strengthening the global economy by adopting innovative policies aligned with global changes and fostering sustainable growth.

Image source: WAM

IMF Managing Director Georgieva commended the UAE’s contributions to the global economy and financial stability, expressing her hope for continued collaboration to address evolving economic challenges and promote global prosperity.

She also expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the WGS 2025, highlighting its value as a platform for global dialogue and foresight regarding the future global economy. Georgieva further lauded the UAE’s leadership in hosting this event, which convenes decision-makers and experts to explore innovative solutions for governments.

Innovator’s Edge: How Silicon Valley-Based Sakuu Created The World’s First Platform That Prints Battery Electrodes

The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a global nonprofit foundation established by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund, hosted its inaugural FII8 Investment Day during its 8th annual gathering in Riyadh last November.

The FII8 Investment Day, held under the theme of “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” showcased startup companies whose tech solutions are tackling world’s most pressing global challenges in artificial intelligence and robotics, sustainability, health and education.

As the electric mobility sector grows worldwide, the demand for lithium-ion battery cells is expected to increase from approximately 700 gigawatt-hours in 2022 to 4,700 gigawatt-hours in 2030, as per global business statistics platform Statista. But on the flip side, the production of such batteries has an obvious environmental impact, especially on the supply chain, owing to carbon emissions during its production, as well as the other pollution and waste that is created. To by-pass such eco hazards and still address the existing demand, Silicon Valley-headquartered Sakuu has come up with the concept of printing battery electrodes- an invention that earned the startup a spot in TIME magazine’s list of best inventions in the Materials and Manufacturing category for 2024.

“Global energy transition requires new manufacturing solutions that enable battery producers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to successfully meet this incredible surge in demand—and do it more sustainably,” notes Robert Bagheri, founder and CEO of Sakuu. “That’s why we are the world’s first manufacturing platform for printing battery electrodes. Sakuu’s revolutionary dry-electrode printing technology enables more advanced and sustainable battery manufacturing at scale, including elimination of toxic materials and solvents such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone and Polytetrafluoroethylene, reduction in cost and complexity, and ability to work with a very wide range of both current and future active materials and battery chemistries.”

In its bid to rethink battery manufacturing, Sakuu’s Kavian® Platform offers dry-process manufacturing innovations thus include the first fully functional printed lithium-metal battery, the first printed and patterned lithium-metal anode, and the first printed lithium-metal battery in a custom form factor. “Sakuu has developed unique, proprietary additive manufacturing technologies engineered to enable active materials to be printable and to meet or exceed current performance in the end product at commercial scale,” Bagheri adds. “It is not enough to simply dream up a clever new way to make batteries. Our solution also addresses the real-world obstacles that limit battery manufacturers and OEMs from harnessing innovation to transform production: that means cutting waste, capturing new efficiencies, reducing emissions, integrating with existing systems while enabling future augmentation — all with demonstrable proof that Sakuu can help them better meet today’s demands as well as tomorrow’s.”

Sakuu won the FII8 Innovator 2024 title at the FII8 Investment Day. Source: Sakuu/FII8

With a mission to become “the gold standard for battery manufacturing everywhere,” Sakuu has been on a journey to work with battery manufacturers across the globe to help them produce more cost effective and sustainable batteries at a very large scale. Sustainability being “one of the key pillars of Sakuu’s Kavian platform,” has also meant that it is a vital aspect of how Bagheri and his team measure the startup’s impact, apart from the obvious other barometers of growth such as profits and expansion. “We believe that electrification is key to the future to support global climate goals and a more sustainable industry, and that our societal impact can be measured by improvement in two key measures,” Bagheri explains. “The first is material efficiency, wherein more efficient material utilization, elimination of solvents, and reduction in energy required for manufacturing process all serve to reduce the impact on the environment. The second is the global footprint. Reducing battery manufacturing complexity also enables sustainable manufacturing to be regionalized closer to the point of use, therefore supporting localized circular economies.”

Such an approach helped Sakuu clinch the title of FII8 Innovator 2024 at the most recent edition of the FII conference in Riyadh. And as Bagheri now gears up for a promising 2025, he does so with a staunch confidence in the team that he works with. “Sakuu’s success is fundamentally driven by our unique blend of multitalented mechanical/electrical engineers, materials/electrochemical scientists, and technical specialists with deep and complementary mass-manufacturing, energy, automotive, and precision technology expertise,” he declares. “It is indeed our people and their combined vision and practical knowledge that enables the innovative technologies and methods we supply.”

Related: Innovator’s Edge: How Deniz Tekerek’s Archireef Built the World’s First Artificial Reef Structure

Entrepreneur Middle East Publishes A Special Report Looking Into The Fintech Sector in Saudi Arabia

“Fintech Frontiers in Saudi Arabia: Driving Economic Growth and Vision 2030” is the latest special report by Entrepreneur Middle East that takes a deep-dive look into the financial technology development that creates new pathways for financial inclusion and economic advancement in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce its dependence on oil. A key pillar of this vision is the development of a dynamic and innovative financial sector, with fintech playing a crucial role. As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a digital hub in the Middle East, the fintech sector emerges not only as a growth driver but also as a transformative force in the kingdom’s financial services landscape.

Read the full special report HERE.

Future-Proofing Lebanon’s Workforce: Talentdu and Lebanese American University Train 300+ Professionals in Artificial Intelligence Marketing

Talentdu, in collaboration with the Lebanese American University (LAU) Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) and LAU Alumni Relations, hosted Lebanon’s largest AI in Digital Marketing event, bringing together 300+ professionals, entrepreneurs, and students eager to embrace AI’s role in reshaping industries and rebuilding a stronger economy.

Held at the Gulbenkian Theatre, LAU Beirut Campus, the free event was designed to equip Lebanon’s youth and professionals with the skills to adapt, innovate, and compete globally. Attendees gained hands-on experience in AI-powered marketing, advertising automation, and digital content creation, unlocking opportunities in Lebanon’s evolving job market.

With the country facing a critical economic crossroads, this event was not just about AI—it was about leveraging technology to empower Lebanese talent to build a sustainable future.

The workshop featured Omar Kandil, CEO of Talentdu & OBCIDO Inc., bestselling author and AI marketing expert, alongside Karim El Kurdi, Creative Manager at OBCIDO Inc. New York. The event also hosted an exclusive panel discussion with Google and Microsoft experts, featuring Hamza Rhibi (Google) and Sara Malvar (Microsoft), who shared insights on AI’s transformative role in marketing, automation, and business innovation.

“Lebanon is at a turning point,” said Omar Kandil, Founder of Talentdu. “As our country moves toward a new chapter of stability, AI education will be a key driver of economic renewal. This event is just the beginning of a larger movement to equip Lebanese talent with global-level skills that open doors to new opportunities.”

All participants received an official Certificate of Attendance from LAU ACE, recognizing their commitment to upskilling in AI-driven digital marketing.

Following the success of this event, Talentdu and LAU ACE are preparing more AI-focused training programs. For more information on upcoming programs, visit www.talentdu.com or follow @talentduhq on Instagram.

Huspy Wins Fastest Growing Agency of the Year at Bayut Awards 2024

Huspy has been recognized as the Fastest Growing Agency of the Year – Dubai at the Bayut Awards 2024 People’s Choice, held at Atlantis The Royal.

This award honors real estate agencies that are redefining industry standards with their innovation, client commitment, and excellence.

Since its founding in 2020, Huspy has rapidly expanded, starting as the UAE’s largest mortgage provider before evolving into a full-service real estate platform. With a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Madrid, and Valencia, Huspy continues to revolutionize the property market by leveraging technology to simplify the homebuying journey.

Backed by leading investors, including Sequoia Capital, Founders Fund, and Fifth Wall, Huspy secured a $37M Series A to drive its ambitious growth. The company’s Mortgage Brokers Portal connects brokers with 25+ banks, while the Agents Super App empowers real estate professionals with advanced tools to enhance efficiency.

“We’re building the infrastructure of real estate and mortgages, empowering agents and brokers while giving buyers and sellers a more efficient, trusted way to transact,” said Jad Antoun, CEO, Huspy Industry and Recognition.

“This award is a recognition of our relentless commitment to excellence and our focus on creating an environment where our agents can truly thrive,” added Mark Castley, CEO of Real Estate at Huspy. “We are proud to lead the way in a market where transparency, efficiency, and client satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do.”

From Side Hustle to Success: How Greet Agency Founder Julia Grit Built a Thriving Events Business in Dubai

Freelancing is often a shortcut to entrepreneurship. To Julia Grit, founder and Managing Director at Greet Agency, a UAE-based event and model management agency, starting off as a freelance helped test her entrepreneurial skills and build a network. “I gained a lot of experience working in events in the UAE as a freelancer, and over time, clients started approaching me directly to provide and manage staff for their events or to supply models for their shoots and shows,” she says. “Within just one week, a few clients suggested that I should start my own agency. At first, I hadn’t even considered the idea, but hearing it repeatedly made me feel like the universe was sending me a clear message. I decided to listen.”

It must be noted that Grit had already been well-skilled for the entrepreneurial journey she was about the embark on- after earning a master’s degree in International Public Relations in Kyiv, she started her career at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. Some years later, she joined Luxury Lifestyle Awards, a Kyiv-based events company, which led her to working on organizing international awards ceremonies and educational events in Dubai, Singapore, and Moscow. “This experience exposed me to a variety of industries and markets, broadening my expertise on an international scale,” Grit says. “Eventually, I decided to move to Dubai to continue my career as a freelancer. After that, starting my own business felt like a natural progression, allowing me to combine my background in marketing and project management with my hands-on experience in event organizing.”

Greet Agency was officially launched in January 2022, and a testament to Grit’s capability is the fact that her self-funded business has been profitable and sustainable from day one. “To be completely honest, I feel that my entrepreneurial journey has been relatively smooth,” Grit says. “I’ve always made it a priority to do my work to the best of my ability, and this dedication has paid off. Those who work with me often joke about my ‘obsessive-compulsive disorder’ when it comes to work – I like to think through every detail and scenario, ensuring that I’m fully prepared for anything that might come up.”

Greet Agency has provided its services to some of the most notable events in the UAE.
Source: Greet Agency

Today, Greet Agency has three full time team members and manages a database of more than 1,500 freelancers based in the UAE. It has provided its services to some of the most notable events in the country, including Montblanc On The Move, the Van Gogh event at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Cartier Islamic Art Exhibition Press Event, the Hublot Pavilion at Dubai Watch Week, the Roger Dubuis x Lamborghini Activation, the Panerai Store Opening in Dubai Mall, the Tag Heuer Carrera event, the Pomellato Pom Pom Dot event, and many more. Grit adds, “We did some amazing shoots for Bvlgari and Girard-Perregaux Ramadan campaigns and shows for Damiani. We also work with Chanel Watches and Jewelry for Dubai Watch Week and various pop-ups. Additionally one of our proudest achievements is our ongoing partnership with the Coca- Cola Arena, where we provide event staff for the VIP Suite Levels for all their shows.”

Grit believes that “prioritizing quality over quantity” has set her agency apart in the crowded event management sector in the UAE. “We take excellent care of our clients, supporting them every step of the way rather than simply providing staff and leaving them to manage on their own. This hands-on approach is something our clients truly value,” she says. “Equally important is the way we treat our staff and contractors. We view them as representatives of both our agency and our clients, so we take great care to ensure they feel valued. We prioritize building strong relationships and often work with the same team members across multiple projects to maintain consistency and high standards. Additionally, our transparent and fair rates and commission structure allow us to deliver the best possible service and talent to our clients at competitive rates.”

With event management being a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, Grit says that certain skills are absolutely essential. “Stress resistance and the ability to think quickly under pressure and flexibility are crucial,” she explains. “Then, attention to detail, meticulous planning, and having backup options are key to handling unexpected changes effectively. Multitasking is another critical skill, especially when managing multiple events simultaneously. And above all, excellent communication skills are essential for fostering strong relationships with both clients and the staff or talents we work with.”

Greet Agency has three full time team members and manages a database of more than 1,500 freelancers based in the UAE.
Source: Greet Agency

Looking to the future, Grit aims to expand her agency further into full-scale event management, and while doing that, she will remain committed to providing the highest quality of work to clients. “Since I started my business the industry has become much more competitive, with many new agencies entering the market, and while some rates in the market have dropped significantly, we remain committed to upholding our standards and ensuring our talents and contractors are fairly compensated for the excellent work they do,” she concludes. “We don’t compete for lower-paying projects but instead focus on delivering exceptional value. We believe there’s enough opportunity in the market for everyone, and our clients who share our values continue to choose us.”

‘TREP TALK: Greet Agency Founder Julia Grit’s Advice for Entrepreneurs

“My advice would be to start by gaining hands-on experience working at a variety of events, shows and shoots across different industries and with diverse teams. This will help you understand the intricacies of the industry, build your reputation, and gain insights into the market.

“Focus on identifying what makes your services unique and how you can provide extra value to your clients. Once you’ve built a reliable network of staff, talents, contractors, and potential clients who trust you and are eager to start working with you, take the leap.

“Approach every project with dedication, always striving to deliver your best. Learn from each experience, continuously improve, and scale your business up as you gain your confidence and expertise.”