His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, honored the six winners of the Great Arab Minds 2024 awards. The ceremony took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, marking a significant occasion for recognizing extraordinary contributions to humanity within the Arab world. This initiative is the largest of its kind in the region and aims to celebrate exceptional Arab personalities.

The Great Arab Minds 2024 initiative recognized six outstanding individuals from various fields. Syrian Professor Oussama Khatib received an award for his groundbreaking work in Engineering and Technology. Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi was honored for his contributions to Literature and the Arts. Jordanian scientist Professor Omar Yaghi was acknowledged for his achievements in Natural Sciences, while Algerian researcher Professor Yasmine Belkaid received recognition for her pioneering work in Medicine. Additionally, Jordanian engineer Sahel Al-Hiyari was awarded for his innovations in Architecture and Design, and Algerian Professor Yacine Aït-Sahalia was commended for his significant contributions to Economics.

During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the crucial role of the region’s exceptional talents in driving creativity, innovation, and progress. He stated that initiatives like the Great Arab Minds program reflect the Arab world’s commitment to advancing global knowledge and fostering human development. This commitment ensures that the contributions of Arab thinkers and innovators continue to shape a brighter future for all.

Emphasizing the importance of the program, Sheikh Mohammed noted that it represents a meaningful step towards reviving Arab civilization and enhancing the region’s role in human progress. The initiative aims to support innovators, scientists, and intellectuals while amplifying the global impact of their achievements. He remarked that the Arab world is on the verge of a new scientific and cultural renaissance, powered by knowledge and future technologies.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, along with several ministers and senior officials.

Al Gergawi emphasized Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s dedication to empowering exceptional Arab minds as catalysts for regional transformation. He pointed out Sheikh Mohammed’s visionary initiatives, which include launching the Arab world’s first space exploration project and implementing groundbreaking government and urban development programs. Al Gergawi remarked that Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership has positively impacted millions of Arab students through pioneering projects like the world’s largest reading initiative and innovative coding programs, aimed at equipping youth with skills for the future.

The Great Arab Minds awards underscore the importance of recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields, such as science, economics, medicine, literature and the arts, engineering and technology, as well as architecture and design.