Dubai launches sixth Emirates Energy Award with $1 million prize pool

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has launched the sixth edition of the Emirates Energy Award for 2026–2028, offering a total prize pool of $1 million across 10 categories to recognise innovations in sustainable and resilient energy.

The award, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, was announced by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award.

The announcement was made during the 12th World Green Economy Summit at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The sixth cycle carries the theme “Innovating for Sustainable and Resilient Energy”, reflecting the UAE’s efforts to advance energy efficiency, strengthen infrastructure resilience and support the transition towards clean energy.

Al Tayer said the award aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

He said the initiative aims to recognise practical solutions that improve energy systems, support sustainable development and strengthen global energy security.

Emirates Energy Award opens 10 categories

The sixth edition will recognise projects and initiatives across the public and private sectors, renewable energy, research, education and innovation.

The 10 award categories are:

• Energy Efficiency – Public Sector

• Energy Efficiency – Private Sector

• Large Energy Project

• Small Energy Project

• Circular Economy

• Large Solar Energy Project – Distributed Generation of 500kW or more

• Small Solar Energy Project – Distributed Generation below 500kW

• Education and Capacity Building

• Research and Development

• Young Energy Professional

The categories cover energy efficiency improvements, projects of different scales, distributed solar energy, circular economy practices and initiatives that develop skills and encourage young professionals.

Al Tayer invited institutions, organisations and individuals working in the energy sector to participate and submit projects, solutions and experiences that demonstrate innovation and respond to emerging energy challenges.

He said the award aims to encourage practices that improve energy reliability, strengthen resilience and support the adoption of sustainable solutions.

Award recognises 151 winners across five cycles

The Emirates Energy Award has recognised 151 winners across its five previous cycles.

The first four editions honoured 118 winners, while the fifth cycle recognised 33, reflecting the award’s expanding reach across government, private-sector and academic institutions.

The award has showcased initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, education and research and development, with a focus on solutions that can be implemented and scaled.

Ahmed Butti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the award’s Executive Committee, said the sixth cycle aims to translate innovation into measurable impact across the energy sector.

He said the award encourages projects that improve resource management, operational efficiency and the ability of energy systems and infrastructure to respond to changing conditions.

Al Muhairbi added that the initiative highlights solutions across energy generation, management, storage and efficiency, including technologies and circular economy approaches that reduce waste and improve performance.

Award seeks to encourage youth and innovation

Al Muhairbi said the award expects strong participation from young people and entrepreneurs, highlighting their role in developing practical solutions that support the UAE’s carbon neutrality ambitions.

He said projects from emerging innovators could contribute to a more sustainable economy and greater awareness of clean energy.

During the press conference, Taher Diab, Secretary-General of the Emirates Energy Award, presented an overview of the award’s objectives and categories.

The sixth cycle aims to highlight pioneering energy practices, support the advancement of clean energy and encourage solutions that can be adopted across the sector.