Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Great Arab Minds Award 2024 ceremony was held in January 2025 at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. The event honored six distinguished Arab scholars for their exceptional contributions across various fields.
The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture); His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, along with several ministers and senior officials.
Celebrating Excellence in Diverse Fields
The Great Arab Minds 2024 initiative honored six exceptional personalities from across the Arab world:
- Engineering and Technology: Professor Oussama Khatib from Syria was recognized for his groundbreaking work in robotics and artificial intelligence.
- Literature and the Arts: Dia Al-Azzawi, an Iraqi artist, was celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to contemporary Arab art.
- Natural Sciences: Professor Omar Yaghi from Jordan received recognition for his remarkable achievements in chemistry, particularly in the development of metal-organic frameworks.
- Medicine: Professor Yasmine Belkaid from Algeria was honored for her pioneering work in immunology and microbiology.
- Architecture and Design: Sahel Al-Hiyari, a Jordanian architect, was awarded for his innovative designs that blend modernity with cultural heritage.
- Economics: Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia from Algeria was recognized for his outstanding contributions to financial econometrics and economic theory.
Inspiring Future Generations
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the Great Arab Minds program represents a significant step in reviving Arab civilization and strengthening the region’s role in advancing human progress. He noted that the Arab world stands on the cusp of a new scientific and cultural renaissance, driven by the power of knowledge and future technologies. His Highness also underscored the immense potential of Arab youth, expressing confidence that the Great Arab Minds will serve as inspiring role models, guiding the next generation towards success.
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Great Arab Minds Initiative, delivered an inspiring speech at the ceremony. He highlighted the historical contributions of Arab scholars in shaping global civilization and emphasized the need to revive the Arab world’s legacy of knowledge and scientific innovation.
He stated:
“The Arab world has always been a cradle of knowledge, producing some of the greatest minds in human history. Through the Great Arab Minds initiative, we aim to reignite this legacy, empower our brightest thinkers, and pave the way for a new era of scientific, economic, and cultural leadership.”
Al Gergawi underscored that this initiative, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is designed to harness the power of knowledge, innovation, and future technologies to propel the Arab world forward. He reiterated the commitment to creating a sustainable ecosystem that nurtures Arab talent and innovation, ensuring that the region continues to contribute meaningfully to global progress.
Honoring the Laureates
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious trophies by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the six awardees. Following the award distribution, a group photography session captured this historic occasion, commemorating the laureates alongside His Highness and other esteemed attendees.
A Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
The Great Arab Minds Award 2024 ceremony reaffirmed the commitment to honoring, supporting, and encouraging the Arab world’s brightest minds. By recognizing these exceptional individuals, the initiative aims to inspire future generations to pursue excellence and contribute to the region’s scientific, cultural, and economic development.
This celebration of intellectual and creative achievements underscores the Arab world’s dedication to fostering a knowledge-based society and highlights the significant impact of Arab scholars and professionals on the global stage.
