The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, operating under the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, has launched the call for entries to its 10th annual awards programme that recognises leadership across multiple dimensions of sustainability performance. Public, private and not-for-profit entities operating in any sector are eligible to submit their achievements for consideration in one or more of the six established categories. The programme evaluates submissions on criteria that include measurable impact, innovation and alignment with broader environmental objectives, according to details released by the group. Submissions will close on September 8, 2026, after which a panel of specialists will assess entries ahead of the awards event.
Six categories form the core of the 10th edition, beginning with Best Sustainability Initiative for transformative high-impact projects and Best Sustainability Report for excellence in transparency and ESG disclosure. Sustainability Manager of the Year honours professionals who drive organisational change while Sustainability Leader of the Year recognises senior executives who shape long-term strategy, the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group stated in its announcement. Best Sustainability Communication Programme celebrates effective stakeholder engagement and the Best Energy Management Initiative, judged exclusively by the Energy Institute, focuses on technical efficiency gains. The structure has remained consistent as participation has expanded over the decade.
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said, “As we mark 10 years of these awards, steadfast commitment has delivered measurable progress, stronger ecosystems, and a nation building its future on science and stewardship.” She added that environmental resilience forms an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s long-term prosperity and that recognised organisations demonstrate the leadership, innovation and accountability required to deliver tangible outcomes. Dr Al Dhaheri urged every organisation shaping a thriving future to participate and contribute to the next chapter of transformative growth.
Eng Abdulla Mohammed Al Remeithi, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, stated that the awards have developed from a simple recognition programme into a catalyst for genuine change. He observed that each year brings evidence of organisations elevating their ambitions through improved reporting, expanded stakeholder engagement and more robust impact measurement. The 2026 edition therefore presents an opportunity for entities at every stage of their sustainability journey to benchmark progress and exhibit leadership that produces lasting results, according to Al Remeithi.
Over the past 10 years participating organisations have progressed from early adoption of sustainability measures to positions of systemic influence, thereby lifting standards for responsible business across Abu Dhabi and the wider region, an Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi assessment found. The 10th anniversary edition arrives as the emirate continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its economic framework, building on momentum established in previous cycles. Similar recognition programmes, including the 2025 edition that honoured multiple winners for outstanding sustainability achievements, have contributed to heightened corporate focus on these issues.
The awards ceremony will take place on September 29, 2026, at the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island hotel, where selected winners will be celebrated for their contributions. Entries can be submitted via the official Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group website, which provides detailed guidelines and evaluation criteria for each category. This platform has facilitated growing numbers of high-quality submissions in recent cycles while helping to disseminate best practices throughout the business community.
