Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport 2026 Draws Strong Participation, Exceeds Target by 400%

Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 11th August 2026:

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the 14th edition of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST) 2026 attracted strong interest and broad participation, with more than 750 nominations received through the award’s website across its various categories by the closing of nominations on 31st July 2026, exceeding the target by more than 400%.

Submissions came from government and semi-government entities, private-sector companies and the wider business community, both locally and regionally, as well as universities, schools and research centres from the UAE and across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Muna Al Osaimi, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at RTA and Chairwoman of the Award Organising Committee, said: “The strong response to this year’s edition of the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport underscores the award’s established standing as a leading platform for supporting and promoting innovative practices and initiatives in sustainable transport. The diversity and breadth of participation also reflect the growing interest among government and semi-government entities and private-sector organisations in contributing to the development of innovative solutions and projects that support Dubai’s drive towards a more sustainable and efficient transport system.”

Al Osaimi added: “We are committed to evaluating all submissions through a rigorous process characterised by objectivity, transparency and accuracy, ensuring that the most outstanding and impactful initiatives and projects are selected. The submissions demonstrate a high level of innovation, creativity and excellence in line with Dubai’s vision to reinforce its position as a leading global city in sustainable mobility and innovation.

“They also provide a clear indication of the growing significance of the award as one of the region’s leading initiatives supporting sustainable development, smart and green mobility solutions, and enhanced quality of life.”

This year’s edition also introduced a series of significant enhancements, including expanded award categories, new awards, and an increase in the total number of awards to 12 across four main categories: Elite, Sustainability, Inclusivity and Innovation. These enhancements have helped broaden the participation base and strengthen the award’s knowledge and innovation value.

The Sustainability category comprises the Pioneering Sustainable Cities Award, Outstanding Sustainable Fleet Award, Clean Energy for Mobility Award, and Urban Changemakers Award. The Inclusivity category comprises the Urban Flow Improvement Award, Safe Transport Award, First and Last Mile Award, and Transport for All Award. The Innovation category comprises the Best Innovation in Transport Award, Outstanding Student Solutions Award, and NextGen for Mobility Award. The Elite category represents the highest level of distinction and is awarded to the best entry across all categories.

Since its launch in 2008, the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport has kept pace with the latest global developments by continuously enhancing its mechanisms, criteria, and categories to reflect the rapid transformation of the transport sector and advances in modern technologies. In doing so, the award has strengthened its role as a regional platform for recognising outstanding projects and initiatives, supporting research and development, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices. These efforts reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for sustainable transport and align with RTA’s vision: “The world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility.”