Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. DUBAI MEDIA OFFICE
The newly launched Dubai-it Award opened nominations for its first edition on Monday (August 10), giving individuals and organisations until September 10 to put forward achievements that reflect Dubai’s philosophy of turning ideas into results with excellence and speed.
The annual award, launched under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, is designed to recognise those who have transformed bold ideas into tangible achievements.
The award builds on the Dubai-it initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which promotes a culture of action, execution and measurable results.
At its heart is a simple philosophy: ideas matter when they are turned into action, and ambition matters when it produces results. The Dubai-it Award is intended to make those achievements more visible by recognising the people who led them, the projects that created change and the companies and institutions that converted their vision into tangible impact.
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said the award draws on Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership experience in turning major ideas into achievements.
“The Award is designed to pull people toward action. To spotlight those who lead, build, transform, and deliver. To make Dubai-it not only something people recognise, but a philosophy that shapes how institutions work, how projects are delivered, and how future ambitions are turned into results,” he said.
Who can be nominated?
The award is open to individuals, projects, companies, organisations and institutions whose work demonstrates the Dubai-it approach.
Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by their companies, organisations or affiliated bodies. Companies and institutions can also nominate themselves, as well as projects, teams or individuals who played a key role in delivering an achievement.
For the inaugural edition, eligible nominations can cover achievements, projects, initiatives and transformations delivered during the past four years. From the second edition onwards, the award will focus on achievements made during the preceding 24 months of each annual cycle.
The award is divided into three main recognition segments:
• Individuals
• Projects
• Institutions and companies
The official launch information also identifies areas including government work, real estate, economy, education, technology and community, with examples of recognition for government projects, technology-driven projects, educational projects, real estate projects, government institutions, companies, project managers and entrepreneurs.
The broader fields listed for the award include Government, Real Estate, Economy, Business, Technology, Sports, Society, Education, Services and Health.
How to nominate
Individuals, companies and organisations can nominate themselves or others through the Dubai-it Award’s digital platform www.dubai-it.ae. Applicants must select the relevant field and award segment and provide details and evidence demonstrating how the achievement reflects the Dubai-it philosophy.
When is the Dubai-it Award nomination period?
For the first edition, nominations will be accepted from August 10 to September 10, 2026. The award follows an annual cycle running from September to May, with June, July and August designated for receiving and evaluating nominations for the following edition.
What makes a Dubai-it achievement?
The award is looking for achievements that demonstrate the ability to take an ambitious idea and turn it into a measurable outcome, particularly when it has been delivered with speed without compromising quality.
The evaluation framework considers several elements:
Exceptional achievement: How significant, distinctive or ambitious is the achievement, and did it create a meaningful shift in its field?
Excellence in execution: How professionally and effectively was the achievement planned and delivered, and how strong were the results?
Speed and efficiency: How quickly was the idea transformed into a tangible outcome, while maintaining quality?
Embodying Dubai’s philosophy of work: Does the achievement demonstrate bold ambition, agile execution, action and a focus on results?
Turning vision into tangible results: Can the achievement be clearly demonstrated through measurable, visible or verifiable outcomes?
Exceptional impact: What difference did it make to people, Dubai, a sector, the economy, quality of life or the wider community?
Sustainability and potential to grow: Can the achievement continue, scale or create opportunities for future development?
Clarity and ability to inspire: Can the achievement serve as a model that encourages others to raise their ambitions and take action?
The Dubai Government Media Office says the award is intended to recognise achievements that transform bold ideas into tangible results and exceptional accomplishments delivered with excellence, distinction and in record time.
What should a nomination include?
A strong nomination should tell the complete story behind the achievement. Applicants are required to provide details about:
• The achievement or project
• The challenge or opportunity that prompted it
• Its objectives
• The field in which it falls
• The relevant award segment
• The role played by the nominee
• The steps taken to deliver it
• The results achieved
• The impact created
Supporting evidence is also important. Applicants can provide performance indicators, figures, reports, photographs, media coverage, certificates and other documents that demonstrate the achievement’s scale, quality, speed and impact.
Nominations will undergo a review and evaluation process to check the completeness and credibility of the information and evidence provided. The evaluation may also involve interviews or meetings with nominees and people connected to the achievement, as well as requests for additional documentation. ICA/Expat Media
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