FAQs
Table of Content
- General Information
- Award Applications
- DAST Awards
- Award Terms and Condition
- What is the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport (DAST)? DAST is a flagship initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority established in 2008 to recognise and reward outstanding initiatives that advance sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and resilient mobility solutions in Dubai and beyond.
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What is DAST’s vision and mission?
Vision: Leading the journey towards sustainable
mobility.
Mission: The Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport empowers tomorrow’s mobility solutions and helps build better, more connected journeys for all: sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.
Tagline: Move. Sustain. Innovate. -
What are the strategic objectives of DAST?
- Drive innovative mobility solutions.
- Encourage sustainable transportation practices.
- Promote accessibility across urban space.
- Foster safety in the mobility sector.
- Who organises DAST? DAST is organised by the Roads and Transport Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
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Who can apply?
DAST is open to global applicants, including:
- Government entities
- Private companies (large corporations, SMEs, startups)
- Universities, research institutes, think tanks
- NGOs and non-profit institutions
- School and university students (individuals or teams)
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Are student applications allowed?
Yes
- Open to both school and university students.
- Students may apply individually or as teams.
- Each application constitutes one entry.
- Duplicate projects submitted under multiple entries will be disqualified.
- Student categories are not eligible for the Elite Award.
- How often is DAST held? The award is held once every two years. every two years.
- Are international applicants allowed? Yes. DAST is open to applicants from around the world.
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How do I submit an application?
Applications must be submitted through the official
form on the DAST website: www.rta.ae/dast
All submissions must include complete and verifiable information along with supporting documents. -
What is the application timeline for 2026?
- Opening Date: January 2026
- Submission Deadline: June 2026
- Winners Announced: September 2026
- Award Ceremony: October 2026
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What documents must be included?
Applicants must submit:
- A fully completed application form
- Supporting documents
- Evidence such as reports, photos, KPIs, data, or videos
- Any required declarations for joint applications (if available)
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What happens during the Screening Stage?
The DAST Award Office verifies:
- Fulfillment of basic eligibility requirements
- The application matches the appropriate award category
- Completion of all required fields
- Attachment of the required documents
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What happens during the Evaluation Stage?
Applications are evaluated using the DAST Award
Rubric:
- Planning, implementation, feasibility
- Standards alignment
- Community inclusivity
- Results and impact
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How does the Jury process work?
- Top five submissions per award are shortlisted.
- Case studies are prepared for Jury review.
- Jury members evaluate and determine the winners in each category.
- Jury also selects the Elite Award winner (excluding student categories).
- Decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
- Can the same project be submitted to multiple categories? No. A project may only be submitted under one category per cycle.
- Can institutions submit multiple applications? Yes, as long as each application is distinct.
- Will applicants be contacted for clarification? Yes. Applicants may be contacted for additional information or site visits if required.
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How many awards are included in DAST?
DAST includes 12 awards:
- 11 competitive awards across sustainable, inclusive, and innovative mobility themes
- 1 Elite Award selected from among all winning applications (excluding student categories)
- What is the Elite Award? The Elite Award recognises the most distinguished initiative among all category winners. Student categories are not eligible.
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What prizes are awarded?
Award Prize Elite Award Trophy + Monetary Prize (TBD) Pioneering Sustainable Cities Award Trophy Outstanding Sustainable Fleet Award Trophy Clean Energy for Mobility Award Trophy Urban Changemakers Award Trophy Urban Flow Improvement Award Trophy Safe Transport Award Trophy First and Last Mile Award Trophy Transport for All Award Trophy Best AI Innovation in Transport Award Trophy Outstanding Student Solutions Award Certificate + 60k, 40k, 20k AED NextGen for Mobility Award Certificate + 60k, 40k, 20k AED - How will winners be announced? Winners are notified by the DAST Award Office in September 2026 and supported by the Logistics Team for ceremony attendance.
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What criteria are used to evaluate the submissions?
- Planning, implementation, and feasibility
- Standards alignment
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- Impact and measurable results
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Accuracy and Compliance
Applicants must provide accurate and complete
information.
RTA may disqualify applications at any stage for:- False or misleading information
- Missing documents
- Plagiarised or AI-generated content
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Eligibility Rules
- One project per category
- Past winners cannot resubmit winning projects
- Joint applications require signed declarations
- Student applications follow specific rules
- Intellectual Property Rights Applicants retain ownership of their content but grant RTA a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use materials for evaluation, publicity, and awareness.
- Confidentiality and Data Protection All submissions are handled confidentially in line with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL).
- Publication and Media Use Applicants consent to the use of their names, images, logos, videos, photos, interviews, and project information for publication and promotional purposes. RTA may photograph, record, broadcast, and livestream award-related events.
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Screening, Evaluation, and Jury Decisions
- RTA may request additional information or conduct site visits
- Jury decisions are final and not open to appeal
- RTA reserves the right to modify or cancel categories
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Prize Payments
Payments are issued to the primary applicant or
guardian (for minors).
RTA is not responsible for internal distribution among team members. -
Liability Limitation
RTA is not liable for:
- Technical issues
- Website outages
- Lost or damaged submissions
- Indirect or consequential damages
- Delays caused by force majeure
- Force Majeure RTA may modify, postpone, or cancel award activities due to events beyond its control.
- No Employment or Partnership Relationship Participation does not create employment, agency, or partnership with RTA.
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Governing Law
The Award is governed by the laws of the UAE and the
Emirate of Dubai.
Disputes fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Dubai Courts. - Third-Party Rights No third party has rights under these Terms and Conditions.
- Complaints Complaints and inquiries must be submitted within the same award cycle.