His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with Great Arab Minds award winners Architect Sahel Al Hiyari, Architect and Urban Designer, Professor Omar Yaghi, Professor of Chemistry, Professor Yasmine Belkaid, President of Institut Pasteu, at the University of California, Berkeley, Professor Oussama Khatib, Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Robotics Laboratory at Stanford University, Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University and Artist Dia Al-Azzawi, Visual Artist specializing in contemporary Arab Art.
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday honoured six distinguished winners of the Great Arab Minds initiative with a prize pool of Dh6million at a prestigious ceremony held at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
Heralded as the ‘Arab Nobel Prize’ for its singular efforts to recognise Arabs who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity, the initiative honours six winners who have achieved extraordinary milestones across a wide range of disciplines with Dh1 million each.
Sharing a post on his X account, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Today, we proudly honoured the winners of the Great Arab Minds Award at the Museum of the Future, celebrating their pioneering contributions to science, literature, culture, economics, medicine, arts, urban development and the global knowledge society. Their efforts continue to shape new chapters of civilisation, science and creativity.”
He added: “We extend our congratulations to the winners… Today, we honour not only these outstanding individuals but also the enduring Arab spirit, the brilliance of Arab ingenuity, and the young Arab generations who will carry on with the journey of science and knowledge.”
The winners
The winners of the Great Arab Minds 2024, who were honoured in the second edition of the initiative, include Prof Oussama Khatib, who is recognised for his contributions to Engineering and Technology; Artist Dia Al-Azzawi for his impact on Literature and Arts; Professor Omar Yaghi for his groundbreaking work in Natural Sciences; Professor Yasmine Belkaid for her advancements in Medicine; Engineer Sahel Al-Hiyari for his innovative achievements in Architecture and Design, and Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia for his influential contributions to the field of Economics.
The award underscores their groundbreaking scientific, cultural, and creative achievements, which have not only advanced humanity but also served as beacons of inspiration for millions of aspiring talents, youth, and professionals.
Know the winners
The winners’ contributions span various fields including medicine, natural sciences, economics, engineering, architecture, and the arts, exemplifying excellence and leadership. Here is more about them.
Robotics innovator
Syrian Prof Oussama Khatib, Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Robotics Laboratory at Stanford University, US, has made groundbreaking contributions to robotics engineering.
Among his remarkable achievements is the creation of the OceanOne robot, a revolutionary humanoid robot for deep-sea exploration, combining haptic feedback, stereo vision, and bimanual manipulation to replicate human skills with unmatched precision. With over 327 research studies, Professor Khatib's work bridges theoretical innovation with practical applications, transforming the robotics landscape globally.
Immunology leader
Hailing from Algeria, Prof Yasmine Belkaid, President of Institut Pasteur, France, has made exceptional global achievements in advanced scientific research and clinical studies in immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology, and tissue immunity.
Her studies have significantly advanced the understanding of the relationship between microbes and the immune system, particularly highlighting the vital role of skin-resident microbes in enhancing immune defences. Her research demonstrated how specific skin microbes act as a frontline defence, improving immune readiness against infections.
Her work also focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind chronic diseases associated with microbiome imbalances and has contributed to the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Professor Yasmine Belkaid has published more than 220 scientific papers on infection, immunity, microbiota, and nutrition.
Chemistry pioneer
Jordanian Prof Omar Yaghi, Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, US, has made groundbreaking advancements in reticular chemistry, resulting in pioneering applications for pressing global challenges. His research has led to the development of advanced materials, including Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs). These innovative materials have diverse applications, addressing critical global challenges such as carbon capture, clean energy production, water harvesting, and catalysis.
Finance visionary
Algerian Prof Yacine Aït-Sahalia, Professor of Finance and Economics at Princeton University, US, has made exceptional contributions by developing an advanced economic and financial metric to determine volatility levels and understand future patterns of market fluctuations. His work has enhanced financial market analysis, improved economic risk assessments, and increased the efficiency of financial and economic planning.
His techniques for addressing microstructure noise and capturing market dynamics have provided essential tools for asset pricing and financial decision-making.
Architectural maestro
Jordanian Engineer Sahel Al-Hiyari is renowned for blending contemporary design with traditional architectural elements. Al Hiyari creates spaces that harmonise heritage, modernity, and nature. His projects stress sensitivity to local context and sustainability by incorporating local materials and techniques, preserving natural resources, and enhancing cultural identity.
In addition to his architectural achievements, Al Hiyari has contributed significant research on contemporary architecture and taught at esteemed institutions, including the American University of Beirut, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Harvard University, and Columbia University.
Art icon
London-based Iraqi visual artist specialising in contemporary Arab art Dia Al-Azzawi, has been a leading figure in the field for over 50 years. He has showcased Arab culture and heritage to the world through his innovative and diverse works.
He has produced hundreds of artworks and organised and participated in numerous art exhibitions worldwide, significantly bridging contemporary art with Arab culture, history, and its most pressing issues. His works embody Arab identity and heritage through a creative style that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition.
Al-Azzawi is distinguished for his use of visual art, Arabic calligraphy, and sculpture to highlight events and challenges relevant to the Arab world in a contemporary style that resonates with global audiences.
Source : Gulf News
