From science to literature, Dubai celebrates six exceptional Arab thinkers at Great Arab Minds 2025, sending a powerful message of ambition, pride and intellectual leadership across the region….reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured six exceptional Arab thinkers at the 2025 edition of the Great Arab Minds initiative, celebrating achievement, creativity and intellectual leadership across the Arab world.
The awards ceremony, held at Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, brought together senior UAE leaders, ministers, scientists, academics and diplomats, underscoring the initiative’s growing stature as the Arab world’s foremost platform for recognising excellence in science, culture and knowledge.
Launched by Sheikh Mohammed, the Great Arab Minds initiative is widely regarded as the “Arab Nobel”, designed to spotlight Arab individuals whose work advances human civilisation and strengthens the region’s contribution to global knowledge. It aims not only to recognise achievement but to invest in talent, inspire ambition and nurture future generations of Arab innovators.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed said the initiative reflects a long-term commitment to supporting Arab minds dedicated to innovation, creativity and excellence. From the Museum of the Future, he reaffirmed Dubai’s support for thinkers and creators whose work helps build societies and push the boundaries of science, research and culture.
He congratulated the six winners of the 2025 edition, praising their impact across diverse fields. The awardees were Professor Abbas El Gamal in Engineering and Technology, Dr Nabil Seidah in Medicine, Professor Badi Hani in Economics, Professor Majed Chergui in Natural Sciences, Dr Suad Amiry in Architecture and Design, and Professor Charbel Dagher in Literature and Arts.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed confidence in the ability of Arab talent to drive progress in scientific research, knowledge creation and cultural production, supported by strong institutions and the ambition of young people across the region. He said the initiative would continue to highlight Arab achievements rooted in optimism, vision and a belief that ambition should know no limits.
The ceremony was attended by several members of Dubai’s ruling family, including H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the Higher Committee for Great Arab Minds, was also among the senior figures present.
Al Gergawi said the initiative represents a strategic investment in Arab intellectual capital and a powerful recognition of Arab achievement across disciplines. He described it as a message of confidence in Arab capabilities and a call for renewed contributions to a region with a deep civilisational legacy in science, literature, architecture and thought.
Each of the six awardees was honoured for a lifetime of work and influence. Dr Nabil Seidah was recognised for groundbreaking research in cardiovascular health and cholesterol regulation. Professor Badi Hani was honoured for pioneering econometric tools that transformed economic analysis, particularly in panel data research. Professor Abbas El Gamal was awarded for his foundational contributions to network information theory, shaping modern communications.
Professor Majed Chergui received recognition for advancing understanding of light-matter interactions at the atomic level, while Dr Suad Amiry was honoured for preserving Palestinian architectural heritage through documentation and restoration. Professor Charbel Dagher was recognised for a body of work that remains a key reference in Arab and Islamic arts, calligraphy and modern visual culture.
In their remarks, several winners spoke of the deep personal significance of receiving recognition from the Arab world. They described the award as both a professional milestone and a shared honour reflecting the people, places and cultures that shaped their journeys.
Chosen by high-level specialised committees comprising global experts, economists, scientists and cultural leaders, the award process reflects the initiative’s rigour and credibility. For the third consecutive year, Great Arab Minds continues to strengthen its position as a beacon for Arab creativity, celebrating achievements that inspire young people and reaffirm the Arab world’s role in advancing global civilisation.
