Established in 1995—under the directive of the late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the United Nations International Conference in Dubai—as an outcome of the Dubai Declaration. This declaration created the international concept of sharing Best Practices for the accelerated development of the human settlements sector

For 2025, there are five categories: Urban Regeneration and Public Spaces, The Most Beautiful, Innovative and Iconic Building, Sustaining Urban Food Systems, Climate Change and Reducing Pollution, and Urban Infrastructure Planning and Management. Choose the category that best aligns with your project’s focus.

The award is open to applicants from all over the world. Eligible participants include national and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector companies, academic and research institutions, media entities, community-based organizations, and individuals or teams of researchers/professionals

The Dubai International Award aims to recognize excellence and support human settlements best practices and to create a global and unique knowledge sharing platform for best practices in human settlements.

Each category has a set of criteria that must be addressed in your submission. These criteria reflect how the project demonstrates impact, innovation, and sustainability within the selected category. Be sure to clearly explain how the project meets these criteria in both the description field and attachements.

The applicant is expected to have a main attachment file that includes links to videos, pictures, and other related documents for the project.

This award is free of cost.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 17, 2025.

Winners must attend the final ceremony in person to receive the award

For more Information, please send an email to dubaiaward@dm.gov.ae or call +971 4­ 206 4450 / +971 4 206 3303.