Zayed Award Draws 380 Nominations From 90 Countries
The Abu Dhabi-based prize for human fraternity received submissions from more than 90 countries ahead of its February ceremony.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Cultural
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity received 380 nominations for 2027 from more than 90 countries, with submissions closing in October. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi in February.
Why it matters
The large and geographically broad field signals sustained international interest in the prize, which was established after Pope Francis's 2019 visit to the UAE. For the global cultural community, the award's annual $1 million prize places a high-profile spotlight on interfaith and humanitarian work.
The prize has recognised 20 winners from 20 countries since 2019, with each annual award carrying $1 million. The 380 nominations for 2027 include first-time submissions from 21 countries, but the judging committee has not yet named a shortlist.
The players
Zayed Award for Human Fraternity
An annual global prize established after Pope Francis's 2019 visit to the UAE to honour efforts promoting peace and coexistence among people of different faiths and cultures.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
A former President of Portugal who sits on the judging committee for the award.
Barham Salih
The President of Iraq who serves on the judging committee for the award.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi
A senior Vatican cardinal and scholar who serves on the judging committee for the award.
The details
Submissions for the 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity closed in October, with high nomination volumes coming from the UAE, Brazil, the United States, Egypt and India. The judging committee includes Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Barham Salih, Nehmat Aoun, Maulen Ashimbayev and Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi.
Timeline
October 2026: Submission deadline for the 2027 award closed.
February 4, 2026: Recipients of the previous year's award were honoured at the Abu Dhabi ceremony.
February 2027: Winners of the 2027 award will be announced at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Cultural Thread
The award traces its origins to Pope Francis's 2019 visit to the UAE, which produced the interfaith framework behind the prize. The 2027 nomination surge, spanning more than 90 countries, suggests that framework has grown into a recognised global honour.
The award's public announcement in February will show which individuals or organisations are recognised for interfaith and humanitarian work. Readers can follow the ceremony and the winners' announcements as they are released.
The takeaway
The Zayed Award's growing field of nominations from over 90 countries shows how a single prize can draw broad international participation around the theme of human fraternity. Readers interested in interfaith cooperation can track the February announcement to see who is recognised.
What happens next
Winners of the 2027 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity will be announced at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi in February 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Cultural coverage on how global awards and interfaith initiatives shape public life.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National.
