The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah concluded the final ceremony of the 13th edition of the Sharjah Sustainability Award (SSA) for the academic year 2024–2025. The ceremony, which honored outstanding projects and participants from across the UAE, was held in a festive atmosphere that reflected the emirate’s steadfast commitment to promoting a culture of sustainability and collective environmental action.
This edition of the award witnessed unprecedented participation, with a total of 235 submitted projects. Among them, 153 projects came from schools, 66 from universities, and 16 from governmental and private institutions. Students led the way in participation, with 457 students from upper primary and secondary levels and 248 university students contributing, under the guidance of 115 academic supervisors who provided support and mentorship in developing impactful environmental initiatives.
A true scientific platform that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and embodies the spirit of cross-sector partnership to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
Speaking on the occasion, Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, stated:
"The Sharjah Sustainability Award has evolved beyond a simple environmental competition into a true scientific platform that nurtures young talents, encourages creativity, and embodies the principle of multi-sector partnerships to achieve the goals of sustainable development. We are proud of the accomplishments of this 13th edition—not only in terms of numbers, but in the depth and quality of projects that had a meaningful impact on environmental awareness. At the EPAA, we believe that building a sustainable future starts with investing in people and knowledge, and this award is a living example of that vision."
She emphasized that the award is one of the EPAA’s flagship initiatives aimed at fostering institutional and community partnerships in the fields of environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. It is designed to broaden participation across educational institutions, government bodies, and private sector organizations from all Emirates.
Honoring 19 government and private entities, along with members of the judging committees.
During the ceremony, the EPAA recognized 19 collaborative government and private entities that played a vital role in supporting the award. These included the Ministry of Education, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and a host of academic institutions such as, University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, UAE University, Khalifa University, Skyline university College and Al Qasimia University. Other supporting entities included the Emirates Publishers Association, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, Sharjah Youth, and Baikal Technology Ltd. Additionally, 19 members of the judging panel were honored for applying rigorous scientific and professional criteria in selecting the most impactful and innovative projects.
The ceremony saw the distribution of 30 awards. In the school category, 13 awards. The university category received 14 awards, Meanwhile, institutions received three awards in the institutional category for their outstanding innovations that serve environmental causes.
Institutional category
In the institutional category, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) secured first place for its project “Service Station of the Future”, a model of sustainable service and environmental innovation. The Ministry of Culture claimed second place with its “International Coalition for Culture-Based Climate Action”, aligning cultural values with climate goals under the UNFCCC framework. Dubai’s Environment and Climate Change Authority took third place for its “Mobile Air Quality Monitoring Vehicle” project.
University category
The university category showcased remarkable research contributions. Among undergraduate projects, UAE University won first place for its “Rainwater Risk Assessment in Al Ain Using GIS”, followed by the American University of Sharjah in second place for a project focused on rehabilitating Al Qasba Canal. At the postgraduate level, UAE University claimed first place for developing sustainable concrete blocks using calcium carbide residue, while Khalifa University took second place for a project on sustainable lithium extraction through keratin-based materials.
In the field of human and environmental health, Khalifa University’s innovative project on gold extraction from electronic waste earned first place. The American University of Sharjah secured second place for its research on photodegradation of persistent chemicals (PFAS). In future energy and emissions, UAE University achieved first place for a project converting PVC waste into energy using biomass, and second place for designing a membrane bioreactor to break down cellulose.
Projects in environmental resources sustainability included Khalifa University’s award-winning project on coral reef restoration using steel slag, while Abu Dhabi University won second place for its self-driving plastic collection boat. In sustainable design and construction, UAE University earned first place for developing cement-free geopolymer concrete from recycled materials, and second place for a 3D-printed zero-energy housing prototype.
In the emerging field of artificial intelligence applications in sustainability, the American University of Sharjah received top honors for its AI-powered oil spill detection system. Skyline University Colege took second place for its smart AI-enabled parking system.
At the school level, projects demonstrated strong environmental awareness. Masar Private School won first place for its Smart Door Volt. Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi School from Abu Dhabi claimed second place for its smart Automatic waste sorting system, and the Indian International School in Sharjah placed third for its NanoClean – Pure Water, Pure Life project.
In the AI and environment category, Zayed Educational Complex in Dubai earned first place for its AI AI Robotics to monitor and preserve mangrove trees, while Diba Al Fujairah Girls School secured second place for a device that tracks water consumption using AI.
In energy and water conservation, Fatima Bint Mubarak School from Abu Dhabi was recognized for a project promoting rational electricity and water use. Maliha School in Sharjah was awarded for an innovative digital garden platform. In creative writing – Arabic, Al Shawamekh School from Abu Dhabi took first place for the story “The Forgotten Mountain”, while Al Shifa Bint Abdullah School from Sharjah took second place for “Birth from Ashes.” In the English category, Al Khawaneej School from Dubai won for “The Last Oasis.” Story.
In the environmental short film category, Al Nibras School from Abu Dhabi won first place for its film “Whispers of Nature”, while Al Hosn Boys School from Sharjah took second place for “The Earth has Life”.The ceremony concluded with honoring GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai as a model Green School, in recognition of its internal sustainability efforts and eco-conscious student initiatives.