From humble beginnings as a refugee, Professor Omar Yaghi was one of six exceptional individuals honoured with the Great Arab Minds Award on Thursday, sharing the Dh6 million prize for their groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields.<\/p>\n
Honoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, Professor Omar reflected on his journey, “I didn\u2019t wait for ideal circumstances to pursue my passion for molecules. From the simplest drawings in my youth, I saw beauty and potential. Today, my work has led to solutions for clean air, water, and energy,\u201d he told\u00a0Khaleej Times<\/em>.<\/p>\n Born into a refugee family, Professor Omar rose to become a professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, and a world-renowned scientist, known as the father of reticular chemistry. \u201cThis award is a testament to the power of persistence and the belief that discovery can begin anywhere \u2014 even in a refugee camp,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Yaghi has made groundbreaking advancements in reticular chemistry, resulting in pioneering applications for pressing global challenges. He has published over 300 research papers, with more than 250,000 citations of his work.<\/p>\n The Great Arab Minds initiative, now in its second edition, seeks to recognise and honour exceptional Arab individuals whose remarkable contributions drive progress and enrich knowledge on both regional and global scales. The initiative encompasses six distinct categories, including medicine, engineering and technology, economics, natural sciences, architecture and design, and literature and arts.<\/p>\n In the medicine category, Professor Yasmine Belkaid was recognised for her pioneering work in immunology, infectious diseases, and microbiology. Trained in Algeria, Belkaid attributed her success to her father\u2019s unwavering belief in education.<\/p>\n \u201cThis award celebrates collective resilience and determination. I dedicate it to the extraordinary women of the Arab world \u2014 mothers, grandmothers, and leaders \u2014 who inspire and drive change every day,\u201d Belkaid shared.<\/p>\n Her research at the Pasteur Institute has bridged science and humanity, addressing pressing global health challenges while inspiring the next generation of scientists.<\/p>\n Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi was honoured for his contributions to art and literature. Al-Azzawi\u2019s works combine calligraphy, poetry, and tradition in a contemporary context.<\/p>\n \u201cThis recognition affirms the importance of Arab art in shaping cultural identity and addressing humanitarian issues,\u201d he said. He expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose vision of honouring Arab achievements extended beyond the conventional domains of science and technology to include the often-overlooked field of the arts.<\/p>\n \u201cIn many parts of the Arab world, art is not always given its rightful place in the process of development and cultural preservation. This award not only validates the role of art in society but also sends a powerful message that creativity and cultural heritage are integral to the progress and identity of our region.\u201d<\/p>\n Architect Sahel Al Hiyari was celebrated for his innovative blend of modern design with traditional Arab architecture. His projects emphasise sustainability and cultural preservation.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough architecture, we honour our heritage while building for the future. This award reflects our collective commitment to shaping spaces that inspire,\u201d Al Hiyari remarked.<\/p>\n In the economics category, Professor Yacine A\u00eft-Sahalia was recognised for developing cutting-edge methods for analysing financial markets, forecasting trends, and evaluating risk. His work has become a cornerstone for central banks, regulators, and financial institutions worldwide.<\/p>\n \u201cThis award is a celebration of decades of dedication to advancing knowledge and its practical application,\u201d he stated, emphasising the transformative power of data-driven insights.<\/p>\n