The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has called on organisations to submit entries for the 10th anniversary edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Awards. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, part of the agency, this year’s programme highlights how sustainability leadership can support both environmental goals and economic strength. The announcement on July 14, 2026, marks a decade since the awards began recognising excellence in the field, with past winners helping to raise standards across the emirate.
Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, spoke of the progress achieved. “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. Environmental resilience is integral to Abu Dhabi’s long-term prosperity, and the organisations we recognise through this programme exemplify the leadership, innovation and accountability needed to translate that ambition into tangible outcomes. Now is the moment for every organisation shaping a thriving future to step forward, participate in this year’s awards, and drive the next chapter of transformative growth in our emirate,” she said. Al Dhaheri urged entities to take part in the initiative.
According to Eng Abdulla Mohammed Al Remeithi, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the awards have become a catalyst for change. “The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Awards have grown from a recognition programme into a catalyst for real change. Each year, we see organisations raising their ambitions, investing in stronger reporting, deeper stakeholder engagement, and more rigorous measurement of impact. The 2026 edition is an opportunity for organisations at every stage of their sustainability journey to benchmark their progress and demonstrate the kind of leadership that drives lasting results.” He highlighted the increasing focus on impact measurement among participants.
The awards feature six categories that cover a range of sustainability efforts, an Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group assessment found. They include Best Sustainability Initiative for high-impact projects, Best Sustainability Report for strong ESG transparency, Sustainability Manager of the Year for professionals driving change, and Sustainability Leader of the Year for strategic vision. Additional categories are Best Sustainability Communication Programme for stakeholder engagement and Best Energy Management Initiative, which receives judging from the Energy Institute. All sectors can participate by demonstrating their innovations and results through the submission process.
Submissions for the awards close on September 8, 2026, with the winners to be celebrated at an event on September 29 at the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island hotel, according to the organisers. Details on eligibility and entry requirements are available through the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group. The platform allows businesses to benchmark against peers and contribute to the emirate’s wider goals for responsible development.
The programme supports the UAE’s national sustainability framework, under which the government set a net zero emissions target for 2050. The UAE became the first MENA country to announce the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative in 2021, Masdar reported. Investments in clean energy have exceeded 40 billion dollars, helping boost capacity from 100 megawatts in 2015 toward 14 gigawatts by 2030, according to the company data.
