686 young changemakers win Sheikh Sultan Award

The Sheikh Sultan Award for Celebrating the Spirit of Youth has announced the winners of its 5th cycle, honouring 686 young changemakers in 2025.

- Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The honorees were recognised for their dedication to self-development and societal empowerment, in full alignment with the values of resilience, discovery, community and integrity.

Drawn from 37 nationalities and all seven Emirates, the year’s winners reflect the Award’s growing local reach and international relevance. With a 26 per cent increase in winners from the fourth cycle, the Sheikh Sultan Award for Celebrating the Spirit of Youth continues to cement its status as a shining light for youth achievement in the UAE, and beyond. The Award also helps support the wider goals of the UAE National Youth Agenda 2031, which aims to develop Emirati youth into global role models and active contributors to the nation’s economic and social progress.

4 CRITERIA: In a highly competitive cycle that saw both returning participants and new nominees enter across four criteria - Adventure, Volunteering, Skills and Fitness & Well-Being - the bronze medal remained the most awarded, with 489 honorees, followed by 138 gold and 59 silver medal recipients. The increase in the number of winners reflects both rising ambition from applicants and the success of programmes run by supporting institutions, as well as growing public awareness of the Award's importance and prestige.