The Dubai-it Award is inviting Dubai’s biggest doers to put their achievements forward, with nominations for its first edition now open until September 10, 2026. The new annual award celebrates individuals, projects, companies and organisations that have turned ambitious ideas into tangible results through excellence and speed.
Rather than simply recognising a result, the award looks at the story behind an achievement: the ambition, execution, pace and impact that helped turn an idea into something real.
What is the Dubai-it Award?
Launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the award is built around Dubai’s philosophy of action: saying what you will do, then delivering on it. It aims to encourage this approach across companies and institutions while highlighting achievements that have helped shape the city’s continued growth.
The award will run annually, with its main cycle taking place between September and May. Nominations and evaluation for the following edition will take place during June, July and August.
Who can be nominated?
The award is open to individuals, projects, companies, organisations and other entities. Self-nominations are also allowed, meaning individuals and organisations can put forward their own work or nominate others.
For the inaugural edition, achievements, projects, initiatives and transformations delivered during the past four years can be nominated.
Ten fields of achievement
Nominations are divided across 10 fields: Government, Real Estate, Economy, Business, Technology, Sports, Society, Education, Services and Health. The categories reflect areas where Dubai continues to develop and where ambitious ideas can create visible change.
There are also three recognition segments: Individuals, Projects, and Institutions & Companies.
What makes a winning achievement?
The evaluation goes beyond simply asking what was accomplished. Judges will consider the scale of an achievement, quality of execution, speed of delivery, measurable results and wider impact. Sustainability and the potential to grow are also part of the assessment.
Applicants will need to explain the challenge they addressed, the steps they took, the results achieved and the impact created. Supporting evidence such as figures, reports, photographs, media materials and certificates can also be submitted.
How to nominate
Nominations for the first Dubai-it Award are open from August 10 to September 10, 2026. Individuals, companies and organisations can submit themselves or others through the award’s digital platform.
With its focus on ambitious ideas, fast execution and meaningful results, the award offers a new way to spotlight the people and work helping shape Dubai’s next chapter.
