The DIABP was established under the directives of late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during the United Nations International Conference that convened in Dubai between 19 – 22 November, 1995 with 914 participants from 95 countries, to recognize the best practices with positive impact on improving the living environment. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and the Ruler of Dubai and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai Municipality has continued to support this Award.

The Award reflects the policy and commitment of Dubai Government and the United Arab Emirates towards sustainable development of the human settlements and protection of the environment on the basis of mutual international cooperation.

Best Practices are outstanding contributions to improving the living environment. They are defined by the United Nations and the international community at large as successful initiatives which:

• Have a demonstrable and tangible impact on improving people's quality of life;
  
• Are the result of effective partnerships between the public, private and civic sectors of society;
  
• Are socially, culturally, economically and environmentally sustainable.

Best Practices are promoted and used by the United Nations and the international community as a means of:

• Improving public policy based on what works;
• Raising awareness of decision-makers at all levels and of the public of potential solutions to common social, economic and environmental problems;
• Sharing and transferring knowledge, expertise and experience through networking and peer-to-peer learning.
  

The original call for Best Practices was launched in 1996 during preparations for the Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) as a means of identifying what works in improving living conditions on a sustainable basis.

An International Conference on Best Practices was held in Dubai in November 1995. The Conference adopted the Dubai Declaration and established the Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment in 1995.

As a result of six successive Award cycles in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 currently there are over 2,700 Good and Best Practices from 140 countries featured on the Best Practices database. At each cycle, an independent committee of technical experts (Technical Advisory Committee) identifies Good and Best Practices and prepares a shortlist. An International Jury selects the award winners from the shortlist.

Starting in 2006, the Dubai International Award consists of 12 Awards, the traditional 10 for Best Practices, and 2 for Best Practices Transfers.

Dubai Municipality will present the Seventh Dubai International Award to a new group of 12 Best Practices Laureates in October 2008.

We look forward to receiving your submission .