Dubai: The deadline for applications for the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Water Award has been extended to September 30.

Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, chairman of the Board of Trustees of UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), has extended the deadline to apply for the $1 million (Dh3.67 million) award that encourages people and institutions to find solutions to international water scarcity.

The award was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the umbrella of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

Suqia is a major contributor to implementing the objectives set by MBRGI, to combat poverty and disease by finding sustainable solutions for water scarcity. Suqia also works in water-scarce or water-polluted areas by using desalination and purification technologies to provide clean water.

“The award encourages leading corporations, research centres, institutions, and innovators from all over the world to find sustainable and innovative renewable-energy solutions to the problem of water scarcity. The award also encourages studies and research to address water pollution, by using solar energy, in cooperation with a number of international educational institutions,” said Al Tayer.

“Suqia is a beacon of the UAE’s attempts to do good for the planet, by providing sustainable solutions for water scarcity, and to reduce contamination of drinking water throughout the world. Suqia also participates in international efforts to supply clean water, and eliminate water-related life threatening diseases, while protecting clean water from being polluted,” added Al Tayer.

The award comprises three components: the Innovative Projects Award is worth $500,000; the Innovative Research and Development Award is worth $400,000 in the category of national and international institutions and, finally, the Innovative Youth Award is worth $100,000.

For more information, visit www.suqia.ae