UAE Water Aid Foundation Invites AI Water Solutions for USD 1 Million

Applications for the fifth Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award have been extended until September 30th, 2026, giving innovators, researchers, companies and institutions additional time to submit technologies that improve access to safe and sustainable drinking water.

Overseen by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE) under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the award offers a total prize pool of USD 1 million and focuses on renewable energy-powered water solutions addressing global water scarcity.

A key feature of this edition is its emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The award will recognise innovations such as predictive maintenance systems for desalination plants, intelligent water distribution networks and demand forecasting models that improve the efficiency of water production, desalination and purification. Eligible projects may be powered by renewable energy sources including solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal and salinity-gradient energy.

Since its launch, the award has recognised 43 winners from 26 countries across four editions, supporting projects that have improved access to potable water for millions of people. The fourth edition attracted applications from 46 countries.