Dubai Award For Sustainable Transport Registration Opens For 14th Edition 2026

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Roads and Transport Authority has opened registration for the 14th Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport 2026. The award is a major regional platform for sustainable transport across the Middle East and North Africa, and reflects RTA’s long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation in mobility.

The Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport targets government and semi-government bodies, private companies, universities, schools, researchers, and experts. It seeks to promote sustainable mobility solutions, encourage healthy competition, highlight best practices, and support cooperation between sectors. The objectives align with quality-of-life goals and wider sustainable development plans in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and the broader Middle East and North Africa.

The Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport now consists of four core categories: Elite, Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Innovation. These categories mirror RTA’s strategy to build partnerships and support a shift towards sustainable transport systems. As part of a recent development drive, the award structure has been redesigned and the total number of awards has increased to 12, broadening reach and impact across the sector.

The Sustainability and Inclusivity categories within the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport cover a wide range of sustainable transport themes. The Sustainability category includes awards for pioneering cities, sustainable fleets, clean energy for movement, and urban changemakers. The Inclusivity category focuses on traffic flow, safety, first and last mile journeys, and accessible transport for all segments of society.

The Innovation and Elite categories provide further recognition under the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport. The Innovation category features the Best Innovation in Transport Award, the Outstanding Student Solutions Award for school students under 18, and the NextGen for Mobility Award for university and PhD students. The Elite category honours the top overall entry, chosen by a jury based on defined criteria, without requiring a separate application.

The Dubai Sustainable Transport Award acts as a strategic element in Dubai’s transport innovation ecosystem. It attracts strong projects and ideas in sustainable transport that support research, development, and innovation. Through this role, the award helps strengthen Dubai’s position as a global reference point in sustainable transport policy and practice, including in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Since its launch, RTA has applied a continuous improvement approach to the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport. Operational processes and evaluation methods have been updated over time, keeping pace with the growth and diversification of RTA projects and initiatives. These regular enhancements show how the award has gained an advanced status at local and regional levels in sustainable transport.

With registration now open for the 2026 cycle, the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport is set to extend its influence in sustainable transport even further. The expanded category list, clearer criteria, and focus on inclusivity and innovation are designed to attract wider participation and support. This approach reinforces the award’s role in promoting sustainable mobility across Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider region.

With inputs from WAM