Latest news with #MohammedBinRashid
Gulf Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
UAE breaks into global top 5 in 2025 IMD Competitiveness Ranking
Image courtesy: WAM/ For illustrative purposes The UAE has cemented its position among the world's most competitive nations, rising two spots to rank fifth globally in the 2025 edition of the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking , published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. Scoring an impressive 96.09 out of 100 points, the UAE outperformed major economies including the US, Germany, Sweden, and Canada. The country also retained its status as the most competitive nation in the Middle East and North Africa for the ninth consecutive year. The achievement was highlighted during a recent UAE Cabinet meeting, where officials reviewed the report and reaffirmed the nation's strategic focus on economic leadership, business innovation, and institutional efficiency, according to the Dubai Media Office. Mohammed bin Rashid chairs UAE Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan and reviews the country's achievement of placing 5th globally in the 2025 Annual Competitiveness Report, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) IMD World Competitiveness Ranking: Pillars, UAE's gains The IMD report evaluated 69 countries using 341 indicators across four main pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The 2025 edition also introduced five new indicators — food waste, environmental performance, freely elected government, passport mobility, and media bias — offering a broader view of national competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global context. The UAE posted significant gains in the business efficiency category, jumping seven places to rank third globally. It also ranked second in economic performance and fourth in government efficiency, underscoring the country's strong policy frameworks and private sector dynamism. In total, the UAE led in 113 global indicators, ranking first worldwide in 22, including employment rate, absence of bureaucracy, availability of global expertise, digital transformation in companies, venture capital, energy infrastructure, inbound mobility of higher education students, and female parliamentary representation. The country also ranked second in social cohesion, flexibility of residency laws, and adaptability of government policies, and placed third in graduates in science disciplines, healthcare infrastructure, and digital technology leverage. The UAE's continued rise in the global rankings reflects a long-term national vision focused on diversification, talent attraction, and public-private collaboration — a model that appears increasingly influential on the world stage. Read:
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mohammed bin Rashid: UAE is ranked 5th globally by 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking
ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has chaired a Cabinet meeting held at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Interior. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, ' I chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where we reviewed the UAE's performance in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. The UAE ranked 5th globally, alongside the world's leading countries in economic competitiveness, government efficiency, legislative strength, and business environment excellence. Fourteen years ago, we established a competitiveness center, uniting the efforts of key national entities. These efforts have elevated the UAE's ranking from 28th globally in 2009 to being among the top five globally in competitiveness. In the same report, the UAE ranked 1st globally in the absence of bureaucracy index, 2nd globally in government policies adaptability index, and 4th globally in government efficiency index. This achievement is a testament to years of consistent effort. With the vision of my brother, Mohamed bin Zayed, our future will continue to be even brighter and stronger.' H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added, 'During the meeting, we approved housing grants for over 1,838 citizens in the first half of the current year, with a total value of AED1.2 billion. This support will continue to ensure decent housing and enhance family stability across the UAE." He confirmed, 'We also approved the results and activities of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Council continues to implement projects and forge national partnerships to develop Emirati villages, economically, socially, and as tourist destinations. Its initiatives have created meaningful opportunities for families, young talent, and small business owners. The Council's mission is to ensure that every part of the UAE, near or far, benefits from the nation's immense developmental momentum." H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, 'We also reviewed the results of Digital Identity implementation in government transactions, which now has over 11 million registered users and has recorded more than 600 million logins. The unified integrated digital ecosystem for government services is currently connecting over 130 government entities and private sector organisations. It has facilitated 2.6 billion digital transactions efficiently, accurately, and swiftly. Thanks and appreciation go to the team behind this outstanding national ecosystem." H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added, 'The Cabinet approved during the meeting the restructuring of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Over the years, the Committee has made strides in advancing national policies and strengthening measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing across the country. The Committee will continue its work to ensure the UAE remains a global leader combating money laundering and terrorism financing, an oasis of safety and security, and an ideal business environment for entrepreneurs and investors across all sectors.: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, 'We also approved the establishment of the National Maritime Navigation Center, which will operate under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The new center will manage and operate the Integrated National Maritime System for monitoring maritime traffic, oversee the National Maritime Single Window, and enhance the safety and security of the maritime sector. It will also activate and develop mechanisms to prevent harmful practices, protect the UAE's marine life, and advance the sector through conducting scientific research and studies." H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded, 'We approved the 2024 Annual Report of the Higher Commission for Free Trade Negotiations. Key achievements include the signing and conclusion of 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with strategic global economies, 8 of which have already come into force. We also reviewed ongoing efforts to finalize more agreements with additional countries. The UAE's free trade negotiation team is outstanding and has delivered remarkable results, contributing to record-breaking growth in the UAE's foreign trade in a short period." The UAE Cabinet reviewed the 2025 Global Competitiveness Ranking results, published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. This year, the UAE is ranked among the top five globally, scoring 96.09 out of 100 points. The country advanced two positions from last year, surpassing countries such as the United States, Sweden, Germany, and Canada, while maintaining its top ranking as the regional leader for the ninth consecutive year. The report evaluates 69 countries based on four key areas: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Its findings cover 341 competitiveness indicators across economic, administrative, and social fields. The 2025 edition also introduced five new indicators: food waste, environmental performance, freely elected government, passport mobility, and media bias. This year, the UAE made significant progress in the business efficiency pillar, rising seven spots to rank third globally. It also maintained a strong standing globally in economic performance and government efficiency, ranking second and fourth, respectively. The UAE's exceptional performance in key sectors contributed to its leadership in 113 global indicators across the report's main and sub-pillars. The country ranked first globally in 22 indicators, including employment rate, absence of bureaucracy, availability of global expertise, digital transformation in companies, venture capital, inbound mobility of higher education students, public-private partnerships, energy infrastructure, and female parliamentary representation. The UAE also ranked second globally in social cohesion, flexibility of residency laws, and government policy adaptability, while securing third globally in graduates in sciences, leverage of digital tools and technology, and healthcare infrastructure. The Cabinet reviewed the 2024 report of the Higher Commission for Free Trade Negotiations. The report highlighted the signing and conclusion of negotiations for 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with various countries, of which eight have already come into effect. These agreements drove the UAE's foreign trade volume to an unprecedented AED5.23 trillion in 2024, according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The UAE's non-oil exports reached a historic milestone, exceeding AED440 billion in 2023, marking a 16.3% growth compared to 2022 and a remarkable 83% increase from 2019. Re-exports also reached a record AED684.3 billion, with a 6.3% growth compared to 2022. Additionally, the UAE attracted AED 113 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2023, reinforcing its position as a global trade hub. The Cabinet reviewed the year 2024 achievements of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. Highlights included the completion of major projects in Qidfa, such as the waterfront development, Palm Walk, and cycling tracks. Strategic projects were also initiated in Masfout, including Marble Park, a Ladies' Club, Friday Market, and restoration of Al Sharia and Al Falaj areas as cultural landmarks. The first phase of the Al Sila' Waterfront development project exceeded an 87% completion rate, while plans for Al Rams included several initiatives, such as building a community council, developing the marina and corniche, and advancing ecotourism plans. The Council also launched the "UAE Villages Councils' programme, creating ten integrated community councils and distinct digital branding for each village under the initiative 'Jothoor' (Roots) to empower female artisans in the UAE. Several cultural festivals and local market initiatives were organized, attracting over 206,000 visitors, supporting 171 families, and engaging 790 volunteers. The Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the fourth edition of the 'Make it in the Emirates' platform (2025). This initiative attracted over 122,000 visitors and participants, facilitated AED 168 billion in potential procurement agreements to localize the manufacturing of 4,800 products. Agreements worth AED 11 billion were signed for industrial projects, alongside AED 40 billion in financing solutions over five years to support SMEs. A new category, the "UAE Traditional Crafts', was introduced to recognize individuals and organizations excelling in traditional Emirati crafts. The Cabinet reviewed during the meeting a report on the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, which highlighted the federal government housing decisions issued during the first half of 2025. The total number of decisions issued during that period reached 1,838, with a total value exceeding AED 1.25 billion. The Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Maritime Navigation Center under the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The Center will manage a unified maritime database, oversee vessel tracking systems, and ensure maritime safety and environmental protection in collaboration with relevant authorities. The Cabinet approved drafting a federal law to saveguard the UAE's cultural heritage. The law will enhance awareness, support intangible heritage, and align national efforts with international best practices. The Cabinet restructured the High Committee for Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The UAE Council for Climate Action was also restructured to oversee the implementation of the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy and promote carbon market systems. The UAE added nine sites to the global list of biodiversity hotspots and launched a roadmap to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. Protected areas were expanded by an 18 percent increase for mainland reserves and 12 percent increase for marine reserves. The Cabinet also reviewed the results of implementing the UAE Unemployment Insurance Scheme for the year 2024. The UAE Cabinet approved the ratification of 13 international agreements and protocols, including partnerships with Montenegro on tourism, real estate, and economic cooperation, Vietnam on a comprehensive economic partnership, Uganda on mutual visa exemptions, and New Zealand on investment promotion. Agreements were also signed with Eswatini, the Central African Republic, Kenya, Peru, Nigeria, and Jordan. The Cabinet also approved the negotiation and signing of 36 international agreements and memoranda of understanding. These included agreements with Hong Kong on legal assistance, Montenegro on energy cooperation, and the Eurasian Economic Union on economic partnerships. New embassies will be established in Togo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Tajikistan, alongside a UAE Consulate General in Miami, USA. The Cabinet endorsed the UAE's participation in 13 international events in countries such as Malaysia and Ethiopia. The UAE will also host key summits, including the Annual Summit of the Central Banks Data Cooperation Group. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the UAE's accession to the International Competition Network, the OECD Forum on Tax Administration, and the Svalbard Treaty, alongside participation in the International Legal Forum in St. Petersburg.
The National
4 days ago
- Business
- The National
UAE can make AI as important as internet, Emirati official says
Mariam Almheiri, head of International Affairs at the UAE Presidential Court, said the country can help to make artificial intelligence a strategic utility like the internet through its partnerships, regulatory framework and energy infrastructure. 'We tick the boxes everywhere,' she said during the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington on Tuesday. Ms Almheiri made the comments while taking part in a panel discussion focused on financing energy and infrastructure in the technology age. 'With the recent visit President [Donald] Trump to the UAE announcing the AI cluster, if you think about what that is, it's up to 5 gigawatts of optimised AI data centre power,' she said. Ms Almheiri added that the first phase of that cluster was going to be online by 2026, and pointed out that the UAE has plenty of ways to power it, along with other AI energy facilities. 'If you just think of what that's going to do to take this transformation that we need, we need a transformation in the energy side as well," she said. Among the projects the UAE has begun in recent years are the 1.2 gigawatt Noor Abu Dhabi solar power plant, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the 5.6 gigawatt Barakah nuclear power plant. Speaking during a separate panel session, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company chief executive Mohamed Al Hammadi said that the Barakah plant provides one quarter of electricity in the UAE, a 'huge energy transition' in the past five years. Over the past decade, the UAE − the Arab world's second largest economy − has been open about its desire to be an AI front-runner as it diversifies its economy away from oil. The country's efforts have resulted in the establishment of start-ups as well as partnerships and investments from industry leaders including Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI. Ms Almheiri said the UAE has 'built the bridges' to help with its energy transformation, aided by the partnerships it has formed. 'To move the needle on any transformation when it comes to AI, to make AI strategic utility something like the internet, we need these partnerships and we need the ingredients.' Major planned investments between the US and UAE were also announced during Mr Trump's visit to the UAE last month, including a new 5GW UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi. The US Commerce Department said the AI campus would be home to large and small companies that could 'leverage the capacity for regional compute with the ability to serve the Global South'.
Khaleej Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Khalifa University and Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC win top international honours
Two prominent Emirati institutions have been recognised at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, in a milestone that underscores the UAE's leadership in sustainability and innovation. Khalifa University won the Innovative Research & Development Award (National Institutions category) for its Biomimetic Freshwater Generator for Solar Desalination without Brine Discharge project. Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC, based in the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), won the Innovative Projects Award (Large Projects category) for its LANDCO Tech initiative, which transforms organic waste and wastewater into clean drinking water, renewable energy and bio-fertilisers. The award ceremony saw His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honour the two institutions as part of the 12 winners from eight countries across the award's four categories. With total prizes of $1 million, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. It aims to find sustainable and innovative solutions to address water scarcity worldwide. Khalifa University's winning device mimics the natural evaporation process of mangrove trees to produce freshwater from seawater and passively collect salt as a byproduct, eliminating the need for brine discharge. It employs sustainable solar thermal distillation technology and uses the principle of interfacial solar steam generation, where solar energy absorption and vapour production occur at the water surface, minimising heat losses and improving energy efficiency. Under real-world conditions, the device produces 2.2 litres of freshwater per square metre daily from seawater, which is sufficient to meet individual drinking needs. It can also be scaled up to meet higher water demands. The device has been tested using synthetic seawater and Abu Dhabi seawater, and it meets WHO standards. A PCT patent application for the invention has been filed in the US and ADNOC has expressed interest in adopting the technology to treat produced water from oil reservoirs. 'The global water crisis may be just a slogan in some parts of the world but, for us, it is a very real and urgent challenge that directly affects the future of our next generations. Addressing this crisis is essential for achieving sustainable development, not only in our region but globally. The key lies in innovation. With our technology, people can survive in remote areas without access to traditional infrastructure. This award is truly significant and plays a critical role in supporting efforts across this region. By investing in such a vital field, we can drive meaningful change. The UAE is uniquely positioned to lead and support global solutions,' said Dr TieJun Zhang, professor of mechanical engineering and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Khalifa University. Dr Faisal Al Marzooqi, associate professor of chemical engineering and Deputy Director of the Centre of Membrane and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT) at Khalifa University, said water is a limited and precious resource that has to be used wisely – both here in the UAE and around the world. 'Our innovation harnesses solar energy to desalinate water while producing useful salts, enabling sustainable water production in remote areas. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award is a powerful incentive for us to continue our efforts, push the boundaries of our technology and expand its impact both locally and globally,' said Dr Al Marzooqi. The award-winning LANDCO Combo system, developed by Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC, is a fully integrated solution that converts organic waste and wastewater into clean drinking water, renewable energy and liquid bio-fertilisers. Housed in 40-foot COMBO containers and equipped with solar panels, the modular system includes an anaerobic digester, ultrafiltration and reverse-osmosis units, a heat exchanger and a 15kW electrical generator. Wastewater is treated to extract potable water that meets WHO standards (pH: 6.17), while the remaining digestate is repurposed as fertiliser for on-site crop cultivation. The system also produces biogas for energy use and integrates blockchain and AI tools for remote monitoring and operational optimisation. The solution has been deployed in Egypt and Botswana, producing up to 100,000 litres of water daily in El Gouna and serving 20,000 people in Maun. It is designed for easy deployment, maintenance and scalability, with a 15-year lifecycle and replaceable components. The system is particularly beneficial in refugee camps and underserved communities, where it supports local job creation, reduces pollution, and improves living conditions. 'The key to solving the water crisis lies in encouraging people to take responsibility for how they interact with natural resources. Ultimately, it is a matter of education. We believe that the platform provided by this award plays a vital role in raising awareness that innovative technologies already exist to improve lives, especially in terms of environmental impact. I'm deeply grateful to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his commitment to improving life on this planet for us, and for our children and grandchildren. Our team continues to work on advancing this technology, making it more affordable and scalable so it can be implemented wherever it's most needed around the world,' said Andre Holzer, CEO and founder of Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award continues to support the UAE's efforts to address the challenges of water scarcity. The award aims to find sustainable solutions that ensure the availability of freshwater for impoverished communities around the world and other vulnerable groups. This supports a brighter future for generations to come. The fourth cycle of the award saw strong international participation, attracting submissions from 46 countries.
The National
10-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Mohammed bin Rashid honours winners of fourth Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the winners of the fourth Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The ceremony, at Emirates Towers in Dubai, was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Overseen by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), the award is organised under the umbrella of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. In the fourth event, 12 winners from eight countries were recognised, with total prize of $1 million. The award features four main categories: Innovative Projects, Innovative Research and Development, Innovative Individual, and Innovative Crisis Solutions. On this occasion, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE remains committed to expanding its humanitarian impact and leveraging innovation to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world. He said: 'Humanity today faces numerous challenges, and the scarcity of clean water is among the most pressing. We are committed to driving innovation to deliver sustainable solutions that advance the UAE's vision of harnessing technology to serve humanity and extend support to communities suffering from water scarcity. 'We take pride in the contributions of our institutions in this vital field, and we will continue to support every project, idea or innovation that makes a real difference in people's lives. Our message is humanitarian, our tools are knowledge and innovation, and our goal is to ensure the UAE's support reaches those who need it most, wherever they are.' In his speech during the honouring ceremony, Saeed Al Tayer, chairman of the board of trustees of Suqia UAE, expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for honouring the winners of the fourth awards and for his continued support for humanitarian and development efforts. Mr Al Tayer affirmed the award reflects Sheikh Mohammed's vision of fostering practical, forward-thinking solutions that address critical global needs. He said that it also highlights the UAE's and Dubai's unwavering commitment to contributing to global efforts to combat water scarcity, one of the most pressing challenges facing communities worldwide. According to UN reports, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. Unicef also highlights that more than 1,000 children under the age of five die each day from diseases linked to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. Many communities around the world continue to face severe shortages of clean water. 'As Suqia UAE marks its 10th anniversary, it has successfully implemented over 1,000 sustainable water projects in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent and other partners, positively impacting the lives of around 15 million people across 37 countries," said Mr Al Tayer. "These efforts have demonstrated that innovative solutions are key to addressing the global water crisis. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award - named after an inspirational leader and beacon of hope - serves as a global platform that reinforces the UAE's pioneering role in humanitarian work, grounded in the noble values instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "This legacy continues under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who said that 'The UAE remains dedicated to supporting hope and inspiring initiatives, serving as a champion of optimism in the Arab world',' said Al Tayer. "Guided by the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award has become a focal point for companies, research centres, institutions, and innovators around the world, given its significant humanitarian and developmental impact. The award encourages individuals and research institutions to develop innovative, sustainable solutions for the production, desalination, and purification of water using clean energy sources. "In its first three awards, a total of 31 winners from 22 countries were recognised. The fourth event attracted applications from 46 countries. Today, Sheikh Mohammed honoured 12 winners from eight countries for presenting pioneering innovations that help address the challenge of water scarcity and provide safe drinking water to the most vulnerable communities,' said Al Tayer. Fourth event winners Innovative Projects Award – Large Projects: Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC from the UAE secured first place for its LANDCO Tech project, which converts organic waste and wastewater into renewable energy, clean drinking water, and bio-fertilisers. The system employs COMBO containers and LANDCO modules powered by solar energy and biogas, integrating AI and blockchain technologies. It has a treatment capacity of 100m³ per day. Second place was awarded to the Sustainability Investment Promotion and Development Joint Stock Company (SIPCO) from Vietnam for its initiative to provide safe drinking water to vulnerable schools and communities. The project uses ceramic impregnated nano-silver pot filters (CSPF) to effectively remove bacteria, viruses, and sediments, benefiting millions globally in a cost-efficient manner. Third place went to Sotrad Water Srl from Belgium for its Pump&Drink® - Hydro1000 solution, a solar-powered system that pumps, treats, stores, and distributes drinking water sustainably. The system is already operational and serves over 200,000 people. Innovative Projects Award – Small Projects: Kumulus SAS from France took first place for its 'Kumulus Water – Drinking Water From Air' project. The solar-powered device uses a patented hybrid system to produce around 30 litres of drinking water per day and can be scaled to meet local demand, particularly in schools and rural communities. Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co Ltd, in partnership with Hangzhou Sunup Environmental Technology Co Ltd from China, received second place for their Intelligent Microgrid Seawater Treatment project. Using reverse osmosis and powered by solar or wind energy, the system produces up to 100 tonnes of water daily and supports the residents of ZS Island in China. Third place was awarded to FountAir LTD from Hong Kong for its AIR4WATER project—described as 'The Invisible Solution'. This split VAC-WG system, powered by renewable energy, can provide up to 150 litres of water daily and is being implemented in several countries. Innovative Research and Development Award – International Institutions: First place went to STEM SAS from France for its AQUAHIVE system, an energy-efficient and high-performance membrane distillation technology that uses solar, geothermal, or waste heat energy. The AI-optimised, patented heat exchange process significantly reduces carbon footprint and has a treatment capacity of 0.3 cubic metres per hour. The Energy and Water Company (ENOWA) – Neom from Saudi Arabia received second place for its innovative project that enables the extraction of valuable minerals—such as salt, lithium, and bromine—while recovering desalinated water from seawater or brackish brine. The solar-powered pilot facility, located at the Duba Desalination Plant, operates at 1,200m³ per day and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods. Innovative Research and Development Award – National Institutions: Khalifa University from the UAE earned first place for its Biomimetic Freshwater Generator for Solar Desalination without Brine Discharge. The system replicates the natural evaporation process of mangrove trees to generate freshwater from seawater while collecting salt as a byproduct, eliminating brine discharge. Using 10 units, the system can produce over five litres of water per day. Innovative Crisis Solutions Award: First place was awarded to SkyJuice Foundation Inc from Australia for its SkyHydrant Emergency Safe Water Solution. This lightweight, portable ultrafiltration system produces more than 5,000 litres of potable water daily and has been deployed in 74 countries to support communities facing crises and natural disasters. Innovative Individual Award – Distinguished Research Award: Professor Guihua Yu from the US received first place for his breakthrough technologies in solar-powered water purification and atmospheric water harvesting. His contributions include solar desalination using energy hydrogels, a solar-powered atmospheric water harvester, and biodegradable nanocellulose-based hydrogel filters. He holds more than 20 patents and leads a research centre at the University of Texas focused on sustainability and water innovation. Innovative Individual Award – Youth Award: Zhenyuan Xu from China was awarded first place for his Passive Solar Distillation system, which delivers ultra-high efficiency and extreme salt resistance. The system can produce more than 1.5 gallons of fresh water an hour per square metre of solar collection area. Affordable and field-tested, it supports sustainable development goals through education and community engagement.
