Nominations open for 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity

The search for the next honourees of the prestigious Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has officially begun, with nominations now open for the 2026 edition.

Established in 2019 to honour the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the award recognises individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to promoting peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and solidarity. The award, which includes a USD $1 million prize, has gained significant international recognition over the years.

His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, reaffirmed its global impact, stating that for the seventh consecutive year, the award continues its pioneering efforts to highlight inspiring figures who promote the values of peaceful coexistence. He noted that the award has gained significant global attention over the years, receiving thousands of nominations from around the world, and this year aims to recognise new individuals and organisations driving meaningful change in promoting human fraternity.

Eligible nominators, including academics, public figures, spiritual leaders, government officials, and heads of non-governmental organisations, are encouraged to submit candidates through the award’s official website by 1st October 2025. Since its inception, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity has recognised 16 recipients worldwide for their contributions across various fields, including healthcare, sustainability, education, refugee support, and youth and women’s empowerment.

The call for nominations for 2026 follows the recent 2025 awards ceremony, held on 4th February at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi. Among the honoured recipients were the Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, for her advocacy on climate action; World Central Kitchen, founded by Chef José Andrés, for its commitment to food relief in disaster and conflict zones; and 15-year-old innovator Heman Bekele, for his development of a low-cost soap to prevent and treat early-stage skin cancer. The ceremony was attended by global dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity was born out of the historic 2019 meeting in Abu Dhabi between His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, where they co-signed the Document on Human Fraternity. This pivotal declaration continues to inspire the award’s mission.

Past recipients include notable figures such as Pope Francis, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil, and world-renowned heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub.

As the 2026 edition approaches, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity remains committed to recognising those who embody the spirit of unity, fairness, and peace—values deeply rooted in the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.