‘Dubai-It’ Award Opens Nominations: Here’s What You Need To Know
A strong nomination is not simply about having an ambitious idea. The award looks at how effectively that idea was executed, how quickly it translated into results, and whether its impact can be demonstrated through credible evidence.
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Dubai has officially opened nominations for the Dubai-it Award, recognizing individuals, projects, companies, and organizations that embody the emirate’s philosophy of turning ambitious ideas into tangible results with excellence in record time.
Launched under the directives of H.H. 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, submissions are open from August 10-September 10, 2026.
The annual award recognizes achievements across key areas of Dubai’s development, with nominations evaluated based on factors including impact, execution, speed, and the ability to turn vision into measurable results. Here’s what you need to know.
What is ‘Dubai-it’?
The ‘Dubai-it’ initiative was launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reflecting the emirate’s philosophy of action: we say what we do, and we do what we say.
The initiative reflects the principle of delivering projects with proficiency and speed, with the aim of embedding this approach across institutions, companies, and future generations. The Dubai-it Award builds on this philosophy by recognizing those who have put it into practice through exceptional achievements.
Who can be nominated?
The award is open to individuals, projects, companies, organizations and other entities that have demonstrated the Dubai-it philosophy through their work and achievements.
Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by their companies or organizations, while companies and organizations can also nominate themselves, their projects, teams or individuals involved in an achievement through www.dubai-it.ae.
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Which fields are covered?
Nominations can be submitted across 10 fields reflecting Dubai’s development priorities: Government, Real Estate, Economy, Business, Technology, Sports, Society, Education, Services, and Health.
The achievements will be recognized across three core segments: Individuals, Projects, and Institutions and Companies.
For the first edition, the award will consider achievements, projects, initiatives and transformations delivered during the past four years. From the second edition onward, the eligibility window will cover achievements made during the previous 24 months of each cycle.
What information must be included in the nomination?
Eligible nominations must be submitted through the award’s digital platform and include details of the achievement, its objectives, field and the nominee’s role.
Applicants must provide details about the achievement, including the challenge or opportunity, objectives, implementation process, results and impact. Supporting evidence can include performance indicators, figures, reports, photographs, media materials, certificates and other relevant documents.
Nominations will undergo a review process to verify the information and evidence. The award team may request additional documents or conduct interviews with nominees or related parties.
How will nominations be evaluated?
The evaluation framework is based on the Dubai-it philosophy of achieving something extraordinary with excellence and speed. Key considerations include:
- Exceptional achievement
- Excellence in execution
- Speed and efficiency of delivery
- Embodying Dubai’s philosophy of work
- Turning vision into tangible results
- Exceptional impact
- Sustainability and potential to grow
- Clarity of the model and power to inspire
The Dubai-it Award follows an annual cycle running from September to May, with June, July, and August designated for receiving and evaluating nominations for the next edition. The cycle is intended to continuously identify, document, and celebrate achievements across Dubai.
Dubai has officially opened nominations for the Dubai-it Award, recognizing individuals, projects, companies, and organizations that embody the emirate’s philosophy of turning ambitious ideas into tangible results with excellence in record time.
Launched under the directives of H.H. 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, submissions are open from August 10-September 10, 2026.
The annual award recognizes achievements across key areas of Dubai’s development, with nominations evaluated based on factors including impact, execution, speed, and the ability to turn vision into measurable results. Here’s what you need to know.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
