Dubai: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured the winners of the 14th edition of the Dubai International Best Practices Award for Sustainable Development as part of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Award, organised by Dubai Municipality in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), recognises outstanding global projects, ideas, and innovative practices that advance sustainable urban development, improve quality of life, and enhance living environments worldwide.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the Award's pivotal role over the past three decades in positioning the UAE and Dubai as a nurturing environment for creative talent and a global reference point for future city standards. The Award encourages human-centric urban planning approaches prioritising wellbeing, sustainability, and resilience.
H.H. expressed the goal for the Award to serve as a global reference inspiring individuals and institutions worldwide to develop solutions, projects, and urban practices supporting sustainable growth and enhancing quality of life. He stressed the importance of proactive thinking in creating more resilient, sustainable, and liveable cities for future generations.
This year, the Award recognised four winning projects across its categories, showcasing various geographies, challenges, and innovative approaches to sustainable urban development. The Best Practices Award in Urban Regeneration and Public Spaces was awarded to the Mallorqun Swamp Renewal Project in Barranquilla, Colombia, which rehabilitates over 740 hectares of wetlands and urban green spaces through mangrove reforestation and phytoremediation.
The Best Practices Award in Sustaining Urban Food Systems went to Cascais Harvest Haven from the Portuguese Republic, which transformed 17.6 hectares of land into a sustainable and integrated food ecosystem. The initiative supports over 5,000 beneficiaries and produces approximately 40 tonnes of organic food annually.
The Best Practices Award in Urban Infrastructure Planning and Management was given to the Decent Life initiative from Egypt, aiming to improve rural life quality and serve over 60 million citizens. It involves comprehensive infrastructure development in over 4,500 villages across 20 governorates.
The Best Practices Award in Addressing Climate Change and Reducing Pollution was awarded to Blue Circle Marine Waste Management from China. The project manages marine waste through a smart system involving data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence across 14 coastal cities.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated that the Award reinforces Dubai's position as a global hub for designing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future cities. It underscores the UAE and Dubai's commitment to international cooperation and advancing sustainable urban development.
He added that the Award celebrates exceptional ideas and projects achieving a balance across environmental, social, urban, and technological systems. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge and scaling innovations contributing to resilient infrastructure and improved quality of life worldwide.
The 14th edition attracted over 3,000 submissions from 152 countries, marking the highest participation in its history. This record engagement underscores the Award's global appeal and its reputation as a leading international benchmark for impactful urban practices.
The Award reflects the UAE and Dubai's dedication to fostering international collaboration and supporting innovative ideas for more sustainable, inclusive, and liveable cities. Dubai Municipality participates as the Smart City Partner in the WGS, bringing together government delegations, international organisations, and experts to shape future governments.
