His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honoured the six winners of the Great Arab Minds 2024 awards at a ceremony held on Thursday at the Museum of the Future in Dubai.
\nThe largest initiative of its kind in the Arab world, the Great Arab Minds initiative seeks to recognise Arabs who have made extraordinary contributions to humanity.
\nThe Great Arab Minds 2024 initiative honoured six exceptional personalities from across the Arab world.
\nSyrian Professor Oussama Khatib was honoured for his groundbreaking work in Engineering and Technology, while Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi received the award for his contributions in Literature and the Arts. Jordanian scientist Professor Omar Yaghi received recognition for his remarkable achievements in Natural Sciences, and Algerian researcher Professor Yasmine Belkaid was honoured for her pioneering work in Medicine. Jordanian engineer Sahel Al-Hiyari received the award for his innovation in the field of Architecture and Design, while Algerian Professor Yacine A\u00eft-Sahalia was recognised for his outstanding contributions to Economics.
\nHis Highness said that the region\u2019s exceptional talents are vital drivers of creativity, innovation, and progress.
\nInitiatives like the Great Arab Minds programme reflect the region\u2019s commitment to advancing global knowledge and fostering human development, ensuring that the contributions of Arab thinkers and innovators continue to shape a brighter future for all.
\nCongratulating the six winners, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the Great Arab Minds programme represents a significant step in reviving Arab civilisation and strengthening the region\u2019s role in advancing human progress. The programme is a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting the region\u2019s innovators, scientists, and intellectuals, while amplifying the global impact of their achievements.
\nHe 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.
\nHis Highness also underscored the immense potential of Arab youth, emphasising that the future holds great promise for them. He expressed confidence that the Great Arab Minds will serve as inspiring role models, guiding the next generation towards success.
\nThe award ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture); H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed 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 a number of ministers and senior officials.
\nAl Gergawi emphasised His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid \u2018s commitment to empowering exceptional Arab minds as catalysts for regional transformation. He highlighted Sheikh Mohammed\u2019s visionary initiatives across multiple domains, including launching the Arab world\u2019s first space exploration project and leading groundbreaking government and urban development programmes.
\n\u201cThis visionary leadership also extends to education, where Sheikh Mohammed has positively impacted millions of Arab students through pioneering projects such as the world\u2019s largest reading initiative and innovative coding programmes aimed at equipping youth with future-ready skills,\u201d Al Gergawi said.
\nThe largest initiative of its kind in the Arab world, the Great Arab Minds awards recognise outstanding contributions across various fields, including science, economics, medicine, literature and the arts, engineering and technology, and architecture and design.<\/p>\n