Nominations for the first edition of the Dubai-it Award open on 10 August and close on 10 September 2026, giving individuals, projects, companies, organisations and entities across Dubai a month-long window to put themselves forward for recognition.
The award is built around the 'Dubai-it' approach and philosophy: turning bold ideas into reality and delivering with excellence in record time. It was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the award itself has been launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Who can be nominated
The Dubai-it Award is structured across three recognition segments — Individuals, Projects, and Institutions & Companies — and covers ten key fields reflecting Dubai's development journey. This breadth means the award is open to a wide range of achievements rather than a single sector, so long as the work reflects the Dubai-it spirit of decisive execution.
How the annual cycle works
After this first edition, the award will operate on a set annual rhythm. The main cycle runs from September to May, with nominations for future editions collected each year during June, July and August. This year's opening window from 10 August to 10 September effectively kicks off that recurring calendar.
Why it matters
Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said the award is rooted in the philosophy and leadership record of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "The «Dubai-it Award» draws its vision from the philosophy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and from his exceptional leadership experience in transforming big ideas into outstanding achievements," he said.
Al Gergawi framed the award as an ongoing mechanism for keeping Dubai's culture of action visible. "The Dubai-it Award is the force that keeps Dubai's philosophy of action alive, visible, and moving forward year after year," he said.
He added that the award is meant to encourage momentum rather than simply mark past success. "The Award is designed to pull people toward action. To spotlight those who lead, build, transform, and deliver," Al Gergawi said.
For residents, entrepreneurs and organisations in Dubai and across the UAE watching for the next chance to be recognised on this platform, the message is straightforward: the first window to submit a nomination opens 10 August and runs for one month, with future rounds following the June-to-August pattern each year.
Reported by Government of Dubai Media Office.