A strong award entry is not a glossy description of a project. It is a clear account of what changed, how quickly it was delivered and what evidence proves the result. That distinction is especially important for the first Dubai It Award, which is accepting nominations until 10 September 2026.
Individuals, projects, institutions and companies can take part. They can nominate themselves or put forward somebody else, but every application needs a specific achievement and credible supporting material.
Who can be nominated
The award has three recognition segments. They cover individuals, projects, and institutions and companies. The official nomination announcement says the platform is open to people and organisations that can show an achievement aligned with Dubai’s emphasis on ambitious ideas, fast delivery, quality and visible results.
The first edition has a wider historical window than later cycles. Achievements, initiatives, projects and transformations delivered during the past four years can be submitted. Future editions are expected to focus on work completed within the previous 24 months.
A nomination can come from the individual or organisation responsible for the work, or from another party. Whoever submits it must still explain the nominee’s role accurately. A team result should not be presented as the work of one person without evidence.
There are ten fields to choose from
The available fields are Government, Real Estate, Economy, Business, Technology, Sports, Society, Education, Services and Health. Select the field that best reflects the main impact rather than the department that happens to own the project.
A health technology project could fit Health or Technology. The stronger choice depends on what the nomination is trying to prove. If the measurable result is better patient access, Health may tell the story more clearly. If the main achievement is a reusable technical system, Technology may be the better fit.
Read the current form before drafting. The platform may request structured information that is easier to gather before the final week.
What the nomination needs to explain
The application should identify the achievement, its objective and the recognition segment and field. It also needs to explain the challenge or opportunity, the steps used to deliver the work, the result and the effect on people, the city, a sector, an organisation, the economy or society.
Start with a simple factual sentence. State what was delivered and when. Then explain the earlier situation so a reviewer can understand why the achievement mattered. Avoid a long company history unless it directly supports the case.
The delivery story should be specific. Name the major decisions, constraints and actions that made the outcome possible. If speed is important, provide a clear timeline and show how quality was protected while time was reduced.
Evidence will decide whether the story is credible
The award asks for supporting data such as performance indicators, figures, reports, photographs, media material and certificates. Choose evidence that directly supports the claimed result. Ten unrelated documents are less useful than three records that prove the before and after position.
Check ownership and permission before uploading internal or customer information. Remove personal data that is not needed for the review, and do not disclose confidential commercial material simply to make the file look impressive.
Give every document a clear purpose. A project report can prove delivery. A dated dashboard can show performance. A photograph can establish that something was physically completed. An independent record may be stronger than a self written claim.
How nominations will be assessed
The published criteria examine the significance of the achievement, quality of execution, speed and efficiency, alignment with Dubai’s way of working, tangible results, impact, capacity to continue or grow, and the clarity of the model for others.
Reviewers may request more information or hold meetings and interviews. Keep the working evidence available after submission and make sure the nominated people understand what the application says.
Do not wait until 10 September to upload a large file set. Submit through the official Dubai It Award platform with enough time to correct a technical problem. Save a copy of the final text and every attachment for your records.
A short review before submission
Ask somebody outside the project to read the entry. If that person cannot explain the achievement after one reading, the application may contain too much internal language. Replace department abbreviations and promotional phrases with plain facts.
Check that every number has a period, source and unit. A statement about faster delivery is incomplete unless the reader knows the earlier time, the new time and how both were measured. If the result is qualitative, describe the evidence used to assess it.
Finally, make sure the nomination gives credit accurately. A strong entry can recognise leadership while still showing the work of the wider team and partners. Clear ownership makes the story more believable, not less impressive.
Questions people often ask
When do nominations close
Nominations for the first edition are open until 10 September 2026. Use the official platform and allow time for uploads before the deadline.
Can a company nominate itself
Yes. Individuals, projects, institutions and companies may be self nominated or nominated by another party.
How old can the achievement be
For the first edition, eligible achievements and transformations may come from the previous four years. Later editions are expected to use a 24 month window.
What evidence should be included
Use material that proves delivery and impact, such as indicators, dated figures, reports, photographs, media records and relevant certificates.
Can one achievement fit more than one field
It may relate to several fields, but the application should choose the field that best represents its main result and strongest evidence.
