Total Energies Sustainability Design Award (United Arab Emirates)

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The TotalEnergies Sustainability Design Award 2026 recognises outstanding innovation by young Emirati designers and architects working in sustainable design and architecture. Established in 2014, the award was created to nurture emerging Emirati talent and provide a launchpad for young designers and architects across the United Arab Emirates. It highlights the important role of design in creating a more resilient and responsible future amid challenges such as climate extremes and resource scarcity. The 2026 theme is “Sustainable Design for Connected Communities”, aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community. The winner will receive AED 10,000 and an opportunity to display the winning work at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027.

About the TotalEnergies Sustainability Design Award

The TotalEnergies Sustainability Design Award was established in 2014 to support and recognise young Emirati designers and architects. The programme provides emerging talent with an opportunity to showcase innovative approaches to sustainable design while demonstrating how architecture and design can respond to major environmental, economic, and social challenges. The award focuses on the potential of design to contribute to a future that is: - More resilient. - More responsible. - Inclusive. - Accessible. - Sustainable.

2026 Theme: Sustainable Design for Connected Communities

The 2026 edition focuses on “Sustainable Design for Connected Communities.” The theme explores how sustainable design can strengthen connections between people, places, and communities. Applicants are encouraged to consider how design can create environments that promote: - Inclusion. - Accessibility. - Resilience. - Collaboration. - Cultural exchange. - Community engagement. The theme also encourages participants to rethink shared spaces and explore how these environments can bring communities closer together. Designing for Connected Communities The 2026 award invites designers and architects to consider the relationship between physical spaces and community life. Projects can explore how shared environments can encourage people to interact, collaborate, exchange ideas, and participate in community activities. The emphasis is on creating spaces that are not only sustainable but also meaningful and useful to the people who use them. Responding to Global Challenges The award recognises the role of sustainable design in responding to urgent global challenges.

These include:

- Climate extremes. - Resource scarcity. - The need for greater resilience. - The need for more responsible approaches to the built environment. Applicants can demonstrate how their design responds creatively and practically to these challenges. Eligible Design Categories The award recognises innovation and achievement across several design fields.

Eligible categories include:

- Building design. - Interior design. - Landscape architecture. - Sustainable design. Submissions must fall within one of the specified design categories. Sustainability Requirements Every submission must address at least one of sustainability’s three main pillars: - Economic sustainability. - Environmental sustainability. - Social sustainability. Applicants should clearly demonstrate which sustainability pillar or pillars their project addresses and explain how sustainability is incorporated into the design. Economic Sustainability Projects can address the economic pillar of sustainability by demonstrating approaches that contribute to economic resilience, efficiency, or long-term value. The sustainability approach should be clearly integrated into the proposed design rather than being an unrelated feature. Environmental Sustainability Environmental sustainability can be addressed through design approaches that respond to environmental challenges and resource scarcity. Projects can demonstrate how sustainable design principles can contribute to more responsible and resilient environments. Social Sustainability The social pillar is particularly relevant to the 2026 theme. Projects can explore inclusive, accessible, and community-oriented spaces that encourage interaction, collaboration, cultural exchange, and engagement. Types of Projects Accepted The award accepts projects at different stages of development.

Submissions may be:

- Conceptual projects. - Projects currently in progress. - Completed projects. This allows emerging designers to submit innovative ideas as well as designs that have already progressed toward implementation or completion. Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is open to emerging Emirati artists aged 18 to 35

Applicants can participate either individually or as part of a group. Groups can consist of two to five people, provided that the group includes at least one Emirati member. Individual Applications Eligible emerging Emirati artists can submit projects individually. Individual applicants must meet the age and Emirati eligibility requirements and submit work within one of the specified design categories. Group Applications Teams of two to five people can also apply. At least one member of the group must be Emirati. Groups can bring together different skills and perspectives while developing sustainable design concepts connected to the 2026 theme. Nominator Requirement Each application must be supported by a nominator. Applicants should therefore ensure that an appropriate nominator supports their submission as part of the application process. Award Prize The winner receives AED 10,000. In addition to the monetary prize, the winning work will have the opportunity to be displayed at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027. This provides the winning designer or team with an opportunity to showcase their work in a prominent cultural setting. Selection Criteria Submissions are evaluated according to several criteria.

The selection process considers:

- Concept development. - Originality and creativity. - Feasibility of the design. - Functionality and usefulness. - Overall aesthetic quality. Applican