Award Categories
Explore the 14th Edition DAST Awards by clicking on the award categories
Download the guide to know which award you are eligible to apply for. Students have the chance to win up to AED 240,000 in their respective categories.
- Elite
- Sustainability
- Inclusivity
- Innovation
Elite Award
The highest recognition at DAST. Awarded to the top-scoring application across all categories, selected by the jury. This award does not have an application form and only one winner is awarded. The winner would represent the most outstanding mobility solution in the region.
- Who is eligible?
All applicants from other awards are automatically considered. - Who is the winner?
The winner is elected by the jury panel from the top scoring submissions across all awards. - Prize:
TBD + Trophy
Pioneering Sustainable Cities Award
This award honours cities and government authorities that have introduced forward-looking laws, policies, and regulatory frameworks which advance sustainable and inclusive transport. It focuses on policy leadership and regulatory innovation rather than physical infrastructure delivery.
- Who can apply?
Public sector only: municipalities, ministries, city authorities, semi-public PPPs - How is your application evaluated?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Outstanding Sustainable Fleet Award
This award recognises private sector and PPP fleet operators who are transforming their fleets to significantly reduce emissions and improve efficiency. The focus is on operational excellence and measurable results, not on alternative fuel development.
- Who can apply?
Private sector enterprises, PPPs, large fleet/logistics operators, shared mobility providers - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Clean Energy for Mobility Award
This award recognises breakthroughs in alternative fuels that are enabling a shift away from fossil fuel dependence in transport. It highlights scalable solutions that can accelerate decarbonisation across modes of mobility.
- Who can apply?
All stakeholders excluding students - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Urban Changemakers Award
This award celebrates projects that deliver climate-ready and resilient transport infrastructure which strengthens cities’ ability to adapt to climate risks while promoting sustainable mobility.
- Who can apply?
All stakeholders: public sector, private sector, NGOs, R&D institutions - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Urban Flow Improvement Award
This award recognises public sector projects that reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and strengthen multimodal transport connections.
- Who can apply?
Public sector only: municipalities, ministries, city authorities - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Safe Transport Award
This award honours initiatives that reduce transport-related injuries and fatalities, making roads and transit systems safer for everyone.
- Who can apply?
All stakeholders: public sector, private sector, NGOs, R&D institutions - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
The First and Last Mile Award
This award recognises micromobility solutions that enhance walkability, cycling, and short-distance connections, helping people reach main transit networks more efficiently.
- Who can apply?
All stakeholders: public sector, private sector, NGOs, R&D institutions - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Transport for All Award
This award celebrates inclusive transport solutions that improve accessibility and equity for underserved groups such as people of determination, women, the elderly, and low-income communities.
- Who can apply?
All stakeholders: public sector, private sector, NGOs, R&D institutions - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Best (AI) Innovation in Transport Award
This dynamic award changes each edition to highlight emerging priorities in mobility. For this cycle, it focuses on AI-driven and advanced technology solutions that are transforming how people and goods move.
- Who can apply?
All stakeholders: public sector, private sector, NGOs, R&D institutions - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
Trophy
Outstanding Student Solutions Award
This award recognises secondary school students (18 and under) who propose innovative ideas and early-stage concepts that address real mobility challenges. The submission can be in a form of a group project or a singular student. The students can apply on behalf of their school or individually. The prize the money will go to the students (transferred to each student’s guardian or your school.)
- Who can apply?
Secondary school students (18 and under) - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
A certificate of recognition and a monetary prize.
First Winner: 60,000 AED
Second Winner: 40,000 AED
Third Winner: 20, 000 AED
NextGen for Mobility Award
This award honours university and PhD-level students who present research, prototypes, or innovations that could shape the future of sustainable transport.
- Who can apply?
University students, PhD candidates (18+) - How is your application scored?
Planning, Implementation and Feasibility: 30%
Standards Alignment: 20%
Community Inclusivity: 20%
Results and Impact: 30% - Prize:
A certificate of recognition and a monetary prize.
First Winner: 60,000 AED
Second Winner: 40,000 AED
Third Winner: 20, 000 AED
Award Timeline
-
Opening Date
January 2026
-
Submission Deadline
June 2026
-
Winners Announced
September 2026
-
Award Ceremony
October 2026