The Gala Dinner of the Arab Great Minds Award 2024, was a captivating celebration of intellect, creativity, and cultural heritage. This year’s ceremony embraced the spirit of innovation and excellence, honoring the profound contributions of great minds in various fields. The event’s ambiance reflected a commitment to knowledge, refinement, and the rich traditions of Arab hospitality, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blended heritage with forward-thinking vision.
An Evening of Honor and Prestige
The prestigious gala welcomed His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Great Arab Minds Initiative, alongside HE Saeed Al Nazari, Secretary-General of the initiative. The presence of this year’s award winners, their families, and a distinguished gathering of academics, innovators, and media professionals transformed the evening into a vibrant celebration of Arab excellence.
The grand setup was designed to echo the intellectual salons of the medieval Islamic world, where scholars, poets, and thinkers engaged in discussions that shaped civilizations. The evening was a tribute to the power of knowledge and the relentless pursuit of innovation that defines the Arab world.
A Culinary Journey through Time
This year’s dinner offered a unique culinary journey through the flavors of North Africa and Andalusia, inspired by the rich heritage of Maghreb cuisine. The menu was meticulously crafted, blending traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques, providing a distinctive experience that reflects the depth and authenticity of the region’s cuisine. The unique menu was overseen by Chef Shahin, who successfully established a contemporary Arab restaurant in Dubai after years of creativity in the culinary arts, drawing inspiration from historical works that document Arab cuisine for over 800 years. He also reached the quarter-finals of MasterChef UK and continues his journey of promoting Arab culture through his innovative dishes.
The menu was based on recipes from the famous historical book “Fadhalat al-Khwan fi Tayyibat al-Ta’am wa al-Alwan” by the writer Ibn Razin al-Tujibi, a 14th-century Andalusian chef and scholar. This work is a treasure that documents the culinary traditions of Andalusia and the Maghreb, providing detailed recipes for the dishes that adorned the tables of palaces at that time.
Guests were treated to a selection of exquisite dishes, including:
- Tharid Bil Lahm – A slow-cooked lamb stew with saffron-infused broth, a favorite among medieval Arab scholars.
- Bastilla – A refined Andalusian-inspired savory pastry, filled with aromatic spiced chicken and almonds.
- Harira – A rich and hearty North African soup, symbolizing tradition and warmth.
- M’hanncha (The Snake Cake) – A delicate almond and orange blossom dessert, reflecting the refined palates of the Maghreb.
Each dish was a culinary homage to the Arab world’s contributions to gastronomy, capturing the essence of heritage and innovation.
Musical Performances: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
The musical performances during the evening were distinguished by honoring the Andalusian and Maghreb heritage, where classical elements blended with modern interpretations, creating a magical atmosphere for the concert. The audience enjoyed a musical performance that took them on a journey through the art of Andalusian muwashahat, evoking the golden age of Arabic music with its beauty and refined details. This performance was accompanied by a musical ensemble specialized in reviving Arab Andalusian heritage, offering an artistic experience that transported attendees to the luxurious ambiance of Andalusian palaces. The evening concluded with a captivating musical display on the oud, blending classical maqamat with modern influences, embodying the richness and renewed vitality of Arab musical heritage. The performances featured a select group of prominent composers and musicians, including Kinan Al-Azmeh, who shone as a clarinetist and international composer, achieving notable academic and artistic accomplishments. His melodies added an exceptional touch to this year’s Arab Talents Award dinner, merging Arab heritage with contemporary musical vision. Additionally, Marwan Ben Abdullah, the world-renowned Moroccan pianist, excelled in fusing classical music with Arab heritage, inspiring the audience with his unique style. Dr. Aboud Nasser Agha, a music professor and oud player, also stood out with his profound playing, which embodied cultural identity and enriched the musical dialogue.
A Night to Remember
The Gala Dinner of the Arab Great Minds Award 2024 was more than a celebration—it was a living tribute to Arab intellectualism, culture, and refinement. As the evening came to a close, the echoes of Ibn Khaldun’s wisdom, the richness of Arab gastronomy, and the mesmerizing melodies of Andalusian music left an indelible mark on all in attendance.
The gala served as a reminder that the Arab world’s greatest minds are not only shaping the future but also preserving and honoring the profound legacies of the past.
