Dubai-it Award opens nominations for inaugural edition, celebrating exceptional achievement across Dubai

Dubai: Nominations for the inaugural Dubai-it Award will open from 10 August to 10 September 2026, inviting individuals, projects, companies, institutions and entities that have embodied Dubai's unique philosophy of achievement to compete across a range of categories. The annual award was launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, to honour those who have demonstrated the true meaning of "Dubai-it" by delivering exceptional achievements with excellence, precision and speed. The award stems from the broader Dubai-it initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which seeks to institutionalise Dubai's development model and work philosophy based on ambition, innovation, rapid execution and measurable impact. Celebrating achievement The Dubai-it Award aims to recognise people and organisations that have transformed bold ideas into tangible achievements, accelerated development and delivered meaningful results across a wide range of sectors. His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi. WAM His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said the award is inspired by Dubai's development journey and leadership vision. "The Dubai-it Award derives its vision from the thought of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and from his exceptional leadership experience in transforming big ideas into exceptional achievements," Al Gergawi said. "The launch of the award by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum establishes the Dubai-it philosophy as a culture of work in institutions and companies, an approach to developing and delivering projects with excellence, distinction and speed." He added that the award serves as an annual platform to keep Dubai's work philosophy alive and inspire new generations of achievers. Three main categories The award will be presented in three principal categories: Individuals Projects Institutions and Companies It will recognise those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement aligned with Dubai's values of ambition, excellence, speed of execution and transformational impact. Ten strategic sectors The award covers 10 key areas reflecting Dubai's development model: Government Real estate Economy Trade Technology Sports Social development Education Services Healthcare These sectors have been selected to reflect the emirate's growth journey and highlight initiatives that have created lasting impact across society and the economy. Nominations open to all The award allows self-nominations as well as nominations by companies, institutions, organisations and third parties. Applications can be submitted through the official digital platform at: www.dubai-it.ae For the inaugural edition, nominations will cover achievements, projects, initiatives and transformations delivered during the past four years. From the second cycle onwards, nominations will be limited to achievements completed during the previous 24 months. Eight evaluation criteria Entries will be assessed according to eight criteria derived from the Dubai-it philosophy: Exceptional achievement Quality and mastery of execution Speed and efficiency of implementation Adoption of Dubai's work philosophy Ability to transform vision into results Magnitude of impact Sustainability and scalability Inspirational value of the achievement Applicants must submit a comprehensive nomination file detailing the achievement, implementation process, outcomes and measurable impact, supported by evidence such as performance indicators, reports, media materials and other relevant documentation. Annual celebration of excellence The Dubai-it Award will operate as a year-round programme running from September to May, culminating in an annual awards ceremony honouring exceptional achievements that have contributed to Dubai's continuing development. Organisers said the initiative seeks not only to celebrate success but also to document impact, raise ambitions and showcase the individuals, projects and organisations helping shape Dubai's future through innovation, determination and exceptional execution. The award stems from the broader Dubai-it initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which seeks to institutionalise Dubai's development model and work philosophy based on ambition, innovation, rapid execution and measurable impact. WAM