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An exclusive gala dinner will follow, honoring the award winners and their families in the presence of high-ranking VIPs and guests of the initiative.

The gala dinner brings together the best of Arab hospitality and contemporary elegance, with a menu celebrating our Arab culture and artistic heritage.

The 2023 Gala dinner of the inaugural edition of the Great Arab Mind paid tribute to Ziryab, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Nafi', a ninth-century scholar and musician who was one of the forerunners in developing the art of hospitality and cultured living among the Arabs.

Every detail during the night, from the table arrangement to the music played during the gala dinner, is taken from customs established by Ziryab in the ninth century, which are part of the contemporary hospitality traditions observed until today.

Chef Al Shaheen conceived the lavish menu based on Kitab al-Tabikh, or Book of Cooking, written by Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Baghdadi. This book is one of the earliest surviving Arabic cookbooks and provides recipes from almost eight centuries ago during the Abbasid era.

This book encompasses much more than a list of recipes. It discusses every detail of this practice, from cooking utensils and spices to the kind of wood chosen for the fire. Indeed, it preserves the ways of preparing dishes that are still common throughout the Arab world, such as rummaniyya, soups, and mujaddara.

The musical segment of the ceremony featured the talented Syrian musician, Malek Jandali, known for his track record of success. Jandali enchanted the audience with his “For Peace” symphony, conveying deep emotions of love and peace. Alongside him, the young qanun virtuoso, Naghm Al-Dabal, offered a harmonious fusion of classical and contemporary Arabic melodies. Their performances enriched the evening with an exquisite touch of elegance, thoroughly enchanting the attendees.