Sharjah Sustainability Award honours UAE's top green innovations: From AI-powered oil spill detection to zero-energy homes

Sharjah: The 13th edition of the Sharjah Sustainability Award (SSA) concluded in a festive ceremony hosted by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), honouring 235 pioneering projects from schools, universities, and institutions across the UAE.

From artificial intelligence detecting oil spills to cement-free, 3D-printed homes, this year's standout projects highlighted the UAE’s growing culture of innovation in sustainability.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, noted the transformation of the SSA into a “scientific platform that nurtures young talents and drives environmental awareness through multi-sector partnerships.”

The SSA drew entries from 153 schools, 66 universities, and 16 institutions. A total of 705 students and 115 academic supervisors participated, reflecting the country’s collective commitment to sustainable development.

The ceremony concluded with honouring GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai as a Model Green School, in recognition of its internal sustainability efforts and eco-conscious student initiatives.

In the institutional category, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) took first place for its “Service Station of the Future”. The Ministry of Culture won second place with its climate-focused cultural coalition, while Dubai’s Environment and Climate Change Authority secured third for its mobile air quality monitoring unit.

UAE University’s research on rainwater risk in Al Ain and converting PVC waste into energy earned top honours. Khalifa University won for coral reef restoration using steel slag and AI-enabled gold recovery from e-waste. The American University of Sharjah stood out for its photodegradation of PFAS and AI-powered oil spill detection.

Masar Private School’s “Smart Door Volt” topped the school category. Innovations ranged from waste sorting systems to AI tracking devices for mangroves. Al Nibras School’s film “Whispers of Nature” and creative writing entries from Al Shawamekh and Al Khawaneej schools captured environmental themes in compelling storytelling.

The EPAA also recognised 19 government and private entities that supported the initiative and leading universities. The contributions of 19 jury members were acknowledged for applying scientific criteria in judging.