Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, under the supervision of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) and part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, is recognized for its significant impact on communities facing severe water scarcity. By supporting winning projects, the award facilitates the provision of clean, safe water, thereby improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases, and easing the effort required to access water.
According to Emirates News Agency, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Suqia UAE, emphasized the award's role in promoting sustainable solutions and advanced technologies to benefit underprivileged communities globally. The award supports the UAE's efforts to drive innovation in providing clean water by encouraging the use of clean and renewable energy, including artificial intelligence, to enhance project design and implementation.
With a total prize value of USD 1 million, the award includes four categories: the Innovative Projects Award, the Innovative Research and Development Award, the Innovative Individual Award, and the Innovative Crisis Solutions Award. Over four cycles, the award has honored 43 winners from 26 countries, expanding the reach of their innovations to tackle the global water crisis.
Raoul Antoine, General Manager of Belgium-based Sotrad Water and third-place winner in the Innovative Projects Award - Large Projects category, highlighted the award's role in advancing their 'Pump and Drink' project. This project, which uses solar energy for water pumping and treatment, has been implemented in six countries, benefiting rural communities with previously limited access to safe water.
The award continues to enhance innovation in the water sector, with the fifth cycle accepting applications until 30 September 2026. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award serves as a platform for developing and adopting innovative desalination and water purification solutions on a global scale.