The Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman (MPDA) announced that it is still accepting submissions for the third edition of the Humaid Bin Rashid International Sustainability Award, an international initiative aimed at supporting environmental innovation and promoting applied scientific research in the fields of environmental sustainability, green technology, and sustainable development. It aligns with the Ajman Vision 2030 goals of enhancing environmental sustainability and is consistent with strategic objectives related to promoting the transition to carbon neutrality, improving air quality, protecting biodiversity, and preserving natural resources.
In this connection, Dr. Eng. Khalid Moeen Al Hosani, Executive Director of the MPDA’s Public Health and Environment Sector, asserted that the award serves as a leading international platform for encouraging high-quality initiatives and innovative solutions that contribute to addressing contemporary environmental challenges. It also promotes the adoption of sustainable development models based on the efficient use of natural resources, minimizing environmental impacts, and enhancing environmental sustainability. He explained that the award was launched in its first edition in 2018 during the Ajman International Environment Conference, where it achieved outstanding results in the research, initiatives, and ideas put forward.
The deadline for submitting applications for the award’s third edition is April 30, 2026. Presentations by finalists will be held in August, and the winners will be announced and honored in October 2026 during the Ajman International Environment Conference, in the presence of a select group of experts, decision-makers, and researchers from around the world, Al Hosani noted.
This edition focuses on promoting innovation in sustainability by encouraging the development of new solutions or the improvement of existing ones that contribute to reducing environmental impacts and enhancing the efficiency of natural resource management. This includes a focus on the practicality of projects and ideas to ensure their feasibility within current economic and technological conditions and to achieve a tangible environmental impact, Al Hosani added.
New Category
Al Hosani added that the award prioritizes support to green technologies that contribute to curbing carbon emissions, improving resource management, and promoting the green economy. A new category has been introduced this field, dubbed “Innovative Ideas in Sustainability Field,” with the aim to support the transformation of innovative ideas into practical and applicable projects that contribute to improving environment and life quality.
Award Categories
Al Hosani explained that the award comprises four main categories targeting various segments of the scientific and institutional community; the Scientific Research category, which recognizes the best research offering innovative and applicable solutions in the field of sustainability, the Environmental Personality category, which honors a prominent figure who has contributed to supporting environmental work and promoting environmental awareness; the Sustainable Institutions category, which recognizes governmental or private institutions that implement best environmental practices and contribute to protecting natural resources and achieving sustainable development; and the innovative ideas in the field of sustainability category.
Submissions, attracted from around the world, are evaluated by a specialized awarding panel based on a set of precise scientific and practical criteria. These criteria include the level of innovation, applicability, environmental impact, the project’s contribution to environmental protection, pollution reduction, and natural resource conservation, as well as its economic and social benefits, practical results, and cost-effectiveness, Al Hosani said.
He asserted that the award contributes to strengthening the Emirate of Ajman’s position as a regional hub for environmental dialogue and innovation in sustainability, by attracting international expertise and encouraging global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges. This aligns with the UAE’s vision of supporting the green economy, achieving sustainable development goals, and instilling a culture of environmental responsibility in future generations. Those interested in participating can register and find more details on: https://aiec.am.gov.ae/
