Established in 2019, the award commemorates the legacy of leadership and humanitarism of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates. The award, which includes a prize of 1 million US dollars, supports global leaders, activists, and organizations in their efforts to promote the values of humanity.
The Secretary-General of the award stated that over the years of its existence, the award has achieved significant global recognition and continues to seek nominations that inspire uplifting examples of behavior and new ambassadors of humanity.
The search for the next nominees for the Zayed Prize for Humanity officially begins with the opening of nominations for 2026. The annual prize, including a financial grant of 1 million US dollars, recognizes individuals and organizations contributing significantly to advancing humanity, promoting values of tolerance and solidarity, following the footsteps of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Zayed Prize for Humanity, Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated: "In the current anniversary year of the award, it continues its pioneering activities in identifying inspiring figures that contribute to the values of humanity. This year, it aims to highlight new individuals and organizations that stimulate significant changes in advancing the cause of humanity."
The additional nominees include scholars, community leaders, spiritual leaders, governing officials, and heads of civil society organizations - guests are invited to submit their nominations through the official website of the Zayed Prize for Humanity: https://zayedaward.org, until October 1, 2025.
Established in 2019, the Zayed Prize for Humanity on this day recognizes 16 laureates from all over the world for their contributions in various fields, including accessible medical assistance, sustainable development, education, support for refugees, community development, and support for youth and women.
The prize was established following a historic meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Holiness the Pope of Rome, the head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, during which two prominent religious leaders signed a Document on Human Brotherhood, a strategic statement in contemporary history, reflecting the core values upheld by the award, embodying the humanitarian legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, dedicated to helping everyone without distinction.
In conclusion, the laureates of 2025 call for nominations for 2026 following the ceremonial awards on February 4, which honored the laureates of 2025: Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honorable Mia Amor Mottley, for her advocacy for climate action; World Central Kitchen (WCK) - founded by chef José Andrés - for their unwavering commitment to providing food assistance in conflict zones and post-disaster areas; and 15-year-old health innovator Heman Bekele for his initiative and vision to save lives among the most vulnerable, developing a solution of a low-cost liquid for the prevention and treatment of early-stage skin cancer.
The ceremonies, which took place at the Memorial of the Founder in Abu Dhabi, gathered leaders and officials from the UAE and all over the world - including His Highness Sheikh Abdallah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - to highlight the significant contributions of the laureates.
Global legacy In addition to the laureates for 2025, among past honorees count: Pope of Rome, head of the Catholic Church (honorary laureate); Great Imam Al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb (honorary laureate); The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; Anti-extremism activist Latifa Ibn Ziyaten; Their Highnesses King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Queen Rania Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Humanitarian organization Foundation of Knowledge and Freedom (FOKAL); Organization of the Sant-Egidio Community; Mortuary from Kenya, Shams Abubakar Fadil; Indonesian charitable organizations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah; World-renowned cardiologist Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub; Founder of the Chilean Non-Profit Nelly Leon Correa.
The award has drawn significant global attention over the years of its existence, receiving thousands of nominations from all corners of the globe.
