EAD launches 2nd Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award in Abu Dhabi

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has officially launched the second edition of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award. This initiative aims to strengthen the UAE’s role as a global leader in environmental sustainability by recognizing and encouraging excellence in environmental efforts. The award highlights innovative projects and outstanding contributions that focus on protecting and sustaining the environment across the country.

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With 2025 declared as the Year of Community, EAD seeks to expand the reach of the award to involve a wider range of participants, including individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to sustainability. This cycle introduces the Emirates Environmental Excellence Model (EEEM), a framework designed to enhance environmental performance, ensure compliance with sustainability standards, and promote research and innovation in line with global best practices.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD emphasized the UAE’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. He highlighted the award’s strategic role in advancing the nation’s environmental vision. He stated that the UAE has always been a leader in environmental responsibility, following principles of sustainability, innovation, and conservation. The Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award goes beyond simple recognition; it serves as a platform to inspire individuals and institutions to lead sustainability efforts. Expanding the award to cover the entire UAE, strengthens the country’s objective of setting a global standard for environmental excellence.

His Highness also stressed that environmental responsibility is a shared effort that requires participation from government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and individuals. He encouraged everyone to take action, stating that the choices made today will determine the future of sustainability. The award is an invitation for scientists, businesses, policymakers, and young leaders to come together and create meaningful change for a resilient and thriving future.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, emphasized the importance of sustainability as a necessity rather than a choice. She explained that the award not only recognizes efforts to protect the environment but also encourages innovation and collaboration. Through the Emirates Environmental Excellence Model, participants are empowered to take action, conduct research, and engage with the community to drive impactful environmental change.

The award has been designed to encourage young environmental advocates, researchers, and institutions that are developing groundbreaking solutions. Special categories focus on individuals dedicated to environmental service, volunteering, and sustainability initiatives. Businesses, both small and large, are also recognized for their efforts in sustainable operations and corporate social responsibility. By honoring these contributions, the award supports the UAE’s transition to a circular economy and promotes environmental innovation.

In this cycle, the award has been restructured to include multiple categories that recognize diverse contributions. The Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in environmental sustainability. Subcategories include the Environmental Changemaker Medal, which honors contributions to education, awareness, and voluntary initiatives, and the Environmental Creativity Pioneers Medal, which recognizes innovative solutions to environmental challenges. The Environmental Youth Advocates Medal highlights young leaders under 25 who have developed sustainability projects, while the Optimal Natural Resource User Medal acknowledges individuals practicing sustainable resource management, such as farmers and falconers.

The Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Research Award includes two subcategories: one for research institutions focused on sustainability and another for research projects in environmental development. This category is open to university professors, graduate students, and academics who are working on environmental research.

The Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Performance Award targets organizations in both the public and private sectors, including factories and non-profit entities implementing outstanding environmental initiatives. It has two subcategories: one for small and medium-sized enterprises and another for large organizations. Recognized organizations are awarded based on their exemplary environmental performance.

The final category, the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Corporate Initiatives Award, celebrates collaborative environmental efforts led by multiple entities or organizations working together with the community to achieve positive environmental impact.

Through this award, EAD aims to inspire a collective movement towards sustainability, encouraging innovation, leadership, and shared responsibility in environmental conservation. The initiative serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is a duty shared by all, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.