Dubai, UAE – In an event that epitomizes intellectual excellence and creativity, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will honor six exceptional individuals at the Great Arab Minds 2024 Awards. The prestigious ceremony, scheduled for January 16 at the Museum of the Future, highlights the achievements of Arab pioneers who have made transformative contributions to humanity across various fields.
The Great Arab Minds initiative, the largest of its kind in the Arab world, is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation, talent, and creativity. This year’s winners, selected for their groundbreaking work in medicine, natural sciences, engineering, architecture, economics, literature, and the arts, reflect the diversity and brilliance of Arab talent on the global stage.
Meet the Visionaries of 2024
The six distinguished honorees include:
Professor Oussama Khatib (Engineering and Technology): For his trailblazing contributions that have advanced technology and robotics.
Artist Dia Al-Azzawi (Literature and Arts): For his profound impact on Arab cultural identity and contemporary art.
Professor Omar Yaghi (Natural Sciences): For his pioneering research in chemistry and materials science.
Professor Yasmine Belkaid (Medicine): For her advancements in immunology, paving the way for innovative treatments.
Engineer Sahel Al-Hiyari (Architecture and Design): For redefining modern architectural aesthetics with a cultural perspective.
Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia (Economics): For his influential research that has reshaped economic thought and policy.
Their achievements underscore the initiative’s mission to inspire a new generation of scientists, artists, and innovators in the Arab world.
A Ceremony Befitting Great Minds
The Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel and a symbol of innovation, serves as the ideal venue for the awards. The Museum is also home to a dedicated research and knowledge center, inaugurated in January 2024, to support the Great Arab Minds initiative. The choice of venue reflects the initiative’s vision of bridging tradition with forward-thinking progress.
The ceremony will be attended by an esteemed audience, including scientists, intellectuals, diplomats, and high-ranking officials, along with the families and colleagues of the winners. Media from around the globe will spotlight the event, amplifying the winners’ inspiring stories.
About the Great Arab Minds Initiative
Launched on January 4, 2022, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Great Arab Minds initiative is a groundbreaking intellectual movement designed to spotlight exceptional Arab talent. With an AED 100 million budget, the initiative seeks to identify, honor, and empower 1,000 leading thinkers over five years across six categories:
Natural Sciences (Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry)
Economics
Medicine
Literature and Arts
Engineering and Technology
Architecture and Design
Winners not only receive recognition but also AED 1 million to further their research and projects, ensuring their impact resonates across the region. Additionally, the initiative provides access to the Great Arab Minds Program, enabling collaboration with world-class institutions and organizations.
Fostering a Brighter Future
The Great Arab Minds Awards is more than an accolade—it is a beacon of hope for aspiring talents and a reminder of the Arab world’s potential to lead global progress. By celebrating these exceptional individuals, the UAE continues to champion innovation, creativity, and the spirit of excellence.
