Dh100m allocated to foster innovation as Dubai celebrates Great Arab Minds winners
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai was at the Museum of the Future yesterday as it was announced that Dh100 million ($27.2 million) will be allocated to fostering regional innovation at a new research centre.
The project was announced by Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, at the Great Arab Minds award ceremony at the museum.
Sheikh Mohammed honoured six Arab scientists and intellectuals who were among the first winners of the Great Arab Minds initiative. It was launched by Sheikh Mohammed in January last year to identify the brightest minds in the Arab world and harness their ideas.
“We are often asked what we have contributed to human civilisation beyond crises and wars,” he said, referring to western perceptions of the Arab world.
“The answer is that our region is the cradle of civilisations and the birthplace of knowledge.
“Our history shows a long-standing tradition of valuing scholars, from the Muslim caliphs who weighed books with gold to the renowned libraries of Baghdad, Andalusia, and Cairo.”
Dr Hani Najm, a Saudi heart surgeon renowned for his work in paediatric and congenital heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, was named a winner for his efforts in the medical sector.
Lebanese professor Lina Ghotmeh was recognised for her contributions to architecture and design. Dr Mohamed El Erian, an Egyptian-American economist and president of Queens’ College, University of Cambridge won the economics award.
The engineering and technology award was presented to Lebanese-born Professor Fadel Adib of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Lebanese professor Niveen Khashab was honoured in Natural Sciences.
They received Dh1m to fund their research and privileges including offices for programme fellows at the museum.
The initiative was launched by Sheikh Mohammed last year to identify the brightest minds in the Arab world