A decade ago, self-driving cars felt like science fiction. Today, they’re on Dubai’s roads. Now, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) wants your idea for the next big transport breakthrough!
Registration is open for the 14th edition of the Dubai Awards for Sustainable Transport (DAST) 2026, under the patronage 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. This is your opportunity to participate and share your project, research, or idea in the field of sustainable transport.
What is the Dubai Awards for Sustainable Transport?
DAST is a prestigious initiative that acknowledges and rewards outstanding achievements in sustainable transport. It was launched by the RTA in 2008 and continues to foster the spirit of innovation, every year. The award aims to encourage public and private entities to adopt sustainable transport solutions, preserve the environment, and improve transport safety.
This year, DAST recognises excellence across four main categories, and has increased its total number of awards to 12:
- Sustainability: With a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, this category includes awards like the Pioneering Sustainable Cities Award and Clean Energy for Mobility Award.
- Innovation: Acknowledges breakthroughs by individuals with prizes like NextGen for Mobility and Outstanding Student Solutions Awards.
- Inclusivity: This category features excellence in accessibility awards, such as Safe Transport Award and Transport for All Award.
- Elite: The best of the best, this category honours the best idea, project or research concept, and is selected from across all categories, by a jury.
Who can participate?
Dast invites government and semi-government entities, private sector companies, educational institutions, researchers, transport experts, and students to participate.
How to register
Registration for DAST opened in January this year, and the submission deadline is in June. The award ceremony will be held in October.
The RTA has simplified the application process, through its digital portal. Follow these steps to register for DAST:
- Visit the RTA DAST website: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home/dast
- Create an account by registering your organisation (government, private, or educational), or sign in as an individual/researcher.
- Select the category that best fits your project. Note that each project can only be submitted in one category.
- Next, provide documentation related to your initiative. Required documentation includes:
- Finally, select ‘Submit’ to complete the digital form and submit your idea before the June 2026 deadline.