Record Number of Nominations for Zayed Award 2026

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is setting new benchmarks for its 2026 edition, drawing in more than 350 nominations from 75+ countries. Nominations have been submitted by an esteemed array of nominators, including heads of state, Nobel laureates, grassroots activists, and youth leaders, highlighting the award’s increasing global impact.

Leading the nominations were the UAE, the US, Italy, Canada, and Egypt, showcasing the award’s international appeal. The judging committee is currently assessing the nominations and is anticipated to reveal the honouree(s) next month. This seventh iteration of the award comes with a USD 1 million prize, and the winner(s) will be honored at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on February 4, 2026, coinciding with the UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity.

Since its launch in 2019, the Zayed Award has celebrated 16 recipients from 15 countries, focusing on individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting human fraternity and peaceful coexistence. Notable previous honorees include global leaders like UN Secretary-General António Guterres, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan, the late Pope Francis, Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and humanitarian organizations such as World Central Kitchen and Community of Sant’Egidio.

Named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, this award acknowledges contributions that surpass religion, ethnicity, or nationality, celebrating efforts that lead to meaningful impacts in fostering coexistence and understanding among diverse communities.

With an unprecedented volume of nominations, the 2026 edition emphasizes the award’s rising importance on the world stage, illuminating the contributions of those devoted to unity, tolerance, and human solidarity.