TotalEnergies Sustainability Design Award
Established in 2014, the Award recognises outstanding innovation and achievement by young Emiratis in the fields of sustainable design and architecture. The Award seeks to nurture potential and encourage creative practice by providing a launchpad for emerging designers and architects across the UAE.
With a focus on sustainability, the Award highlights the role of design in shaping a more resilient and responsible future. As the world faces urgent and complex challenges such as climate extremes and resource scarcity, architects and designers are called to respond with thoughtful, solution driven work that prioritises environmental and social well-being.
The theme for 2025 is “Sustainable Design in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Community”. This year’s Award invites submissions that explore how sustainability, AI and community engagement can come together to shape a better future. Designs should address at least one of sustainability’s three main pillars: economic, environmental, or social, while also reflecting the spirit of the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ by promoting inclusivity, shared responsibility and human connection.
As technology advances rapidly, designers and architects are uniquely positioned to guide its use toward positive and lasting impact. Submissions should reflect:
- How can AI be used ethically and creatively to support greener cities, smarter materials and more resilient ways of living?
- How can design foster stronger communities while embracing innovation?
From intelligent urban planning and responsive environments to socially driven storytelling, community-centered housing and AI-powered solutions that enhance well-being, this Award celebrates sustainable design that is both people-first and future-focused. Whether you’re crafting digital tools for collective action or reimagining spaces where community and technology meet, your design can drive change, contributing to a sustainable, connected tomorrow.
The Award
AED 10,000
The winner will also display their winning work at Abu Dhabi Festival 2026.
Timeline
Submissions Open 8-September-2025
Submissions Close 8-November-2025
Winner Announcement: December 2025
Programme Guidelines
Eligibility
- Emirati emerging artists aged between 18 and 35 years old.
- Each application must be supported by a nominator.
- Entries can be submitted individually or as a group of 2 people (with at least 1 Emirati member).
- Entries must fall within one of the following categories: building design, interior design, landscape architecture or sustainable design.
- Entries should address at least one of sustainability’s three main pillars: economic, environmental, and social.
- Entries can be submitted as conceptual designs, in progress, or as completed projects.
Selection Criteria
A jury selects the winner based on the following attributes:
- Concept Development: Demonstrating the capacity to tackle sustainability challenges.
- Originality & Creativity: Proposing inventive solutions that shatter conventions and unveil fresh vistas.
- Feasibility of Design: Holistically assessing environmental ramifications, encompassing production processes, waste management, energy consumption, with a keen eye on fostering positive environmental and communal outcomes.
- Functionality & Usefulness: Seamlessly identifying and delivering solutions to desired functional ends.
- Overall Aesthetic: Exuding beauty, audacity, and allure, particularly accentuated in designed products.
Requested Documents
- Application Form – To be completed online
- Project Portfolio – High quality images showcasing your project
Terms & Conditions
By entering this competition, entrants indicate and confirm their agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
- The competition is free to enter.
- Each applicant may submit up to three entries.
- Entries may be submitted in Arabic or English.
- Only completed entries will be accepted.
- Competition entrants will not receive payment for their entries.
- In entering the Award, applicant warrants that their entry is completely original under his/her own creation, all content therein is accurate and lawful, and does not contain material that is harmful, libelous or defamatory to, or material that may infringe the right of, any person or entity in any nature. The applicant will be obliged to indemnify for any damage the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) may suffer as a result of any inconsistency to the foregoing.
- Applicants will retain ownership of copyright for their entry. After submission to the competition, ADMAF has the right to use the nominated work in connection with the competition. ADMAF has the right to copy, display, publish and make available all nominated work in any format (whether online or in print or otherwise) in connection with the competition.
- The jury selects one winner, and their decision is final.
- The winner will ensure to be physically present to attend the timelines as stipulated above.
- The nominator will facilitate the winning applicant’s attendance and participation in the Award Ceremony during Abu Dhabi Festival 2026.
- The winner agrees to exhibit their work during any activity taking place in Abu Dhabi Festival 2026 or any other activity organized by ADMAF or Gulf Capital during 2026 (within reason).
- ADMAF has the right to copy, display, publish and make available all nominated work in any format (whether online or in print or otherwise) in connection with the competition.
- The winner agrees to appear in all photography and film associated with the award and will be requested to sign a waiver accordingly.
- The winner agrees to join the ADMAF Alumni and contribute to the promotion of future editions of the award.
- The winner must claim the prize within 12 months of receipt.
- The applicant’s contact details will be added to the ADMAF database to receive future updates from the Foundation.
- Payment will be provided in installments dependent on meeting agreed milestones and targets set between the winner and their mentor/coach.
- The applicant warrants that their entry is entirely original, has not been previously submitted to any other competition, published, or sold. Entries that do not meet this requirement will be disqualified.
- ADMAF reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with these terms or is deemed inappropriate or not in the spirit of the competition.
- By entering, the applicant consents to ADMAF using their personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws for the purposes of administering the competition and promoting future events.
