In a strategic push to advance sustainable water solutions, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative has unveiled the Al Miyah Challenge, a new competition series aimed at accelerating the development of innovative technologies for water-scarce environments. The inaugural edition, Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, focuses on reducing agricultural water use while enhancing or maintaining crop yields.
This first challenge invites both local and international innovators to present and pilot technologies specifically tailored to the UAE’s climate. With AED8 million in total prize funding, the initiative is designed to identify high-impact, scalable technologies that can be adopted not only in the UAE but also in other arid regions globally. Final demonstrations will take place in the UAE in December 2026.
Participants must submit solutions that are already technically feasible and ready for pilot implementation during the challenge timeline. The winning team will receive AED3.7 million, while additional funds will be allocated to runners-up. Beyond the monetary prize, winners will also gain the opportunity to further develop and showcase their technology in the UAE’s agricultural sector.
The Al Miyah Challenge programme forms part of a broader strategy by the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative to address critical water issues through prize-based competitions targeting various sectors. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to finding practical, scalable solutions for global water challenges.
To support this effort, the Initiative is collaborating with three major institutions: the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), ASPIRE—the innovation acceleration arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and Silal Food and Technology.
Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, highlighted the significance of the challenge, stating, “The launch of the first Al Miyah Challenge is consistent with the ambition of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative to accelerate innovation with tangible programmes that support practical water technologies and encourage technical creativity. Water use in agriculture accounts for nearly 70% of all water used globally and presents a particular issue for arid and water-scarce regions.”
She emphasized the importance of identifying solutions that not only improve productivity but also reduce water dependency, noting, “Scalability and deployment of technologies is a key aim of the initiative in its mission to help create a world in which water is more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all.”
Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director-General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs at ADAFSA, echoed this sentiment: “By leveraging our expertise in sustainable farming, our teams will provide strategic oversight and technical expertise to ensure winning solutions align with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s long-term food security and resource conservation goals.”
She added, “Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate the adoption of water-efficient technologies by bridging the gap between research and real-world application. By piloting and scaling these solutions, we will demonstrate their viability in the UAE’s unique agricultural landscape while creating a blueprint for other water-scarce nations.”
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, pointed to the importance of bridging research and field deployment: “Innovation is key to sustainable agriculture. Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible by ensuring the latest technology and research can be applied in the real world. ASPIRE is proud to collaborate with The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative on this important mission. Partnerships such as this are instrumental in transforming innovation into tangible impact for the UAE and beyond.”
Salmeen Al Ameri, CEO of Silal, highlighted the urgent need for water-efficient technologies: “Water scarcity is a critical challenge for agriculture in the UAE, and tackling it requires innovation and collaboration.”
Teams interested in participating must submit their applications by 30th June 2025 through the official competition portal: https://www.mohamedbinzayedwi.ae/al-miyah-challenge-for-agriculture.
