UAE Launches Second Edition of Great Arab Minds Initiative with AED 6 Million Prize Pool

Dubai,: Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE has officially launched the second edition of the prestigious Great Arab Minds initiative, offering a prize pool of AED 6 million.

Dubbed the ‘Arab Nobel Prize,’ this initiative stands as a tribute to Arabs who have made remarkable contributions to humanity, aiming to revive the Arab world’s legacy of scientific inquiry and leadership. The Great Arab Minds initiative honours outstanding individuals whose work has positively impacted the Arab world and beyond, across a wide range of disciplines.

Celebrating Arab Excellence Across Six Key Fields

The initiative focuses on six vital categories:

• Medicine
• Engineering and Technology
• Economics
• Natural Sciences
• Architecture and Design
• Literature and Arts

These fields reflect the breadth of human knowledge and the pivotal role that Arab minds have played in advancing them historically. Nominations for the second edition will close on 31 October 2024, and both individuals and institutions can submit their entries via the official website: https://greatarabminds.ae/ar/nomination-process.

Inspiring Future Arab Generations

The Great Arab Minds initiative celebrates not only pioneers but also creators and innovators who shape new paths for their nations, communities, and the world. By showcasing creative ideas and accomplishments, the initiative positions these Arab intellectuals as role models for younger generations, uplifting the Arab world’s stature in global science, culture, and knowledge.

His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds initiative, highlighted the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Al Gergawi emphasized the mission to create an enduring project that celebrates Arab intellectuals and provides a platform for them to inspire the next generation.

“The Great Arab Minds is a strategic project aimed at showcasing the capabilities and potential of Arabs and reviving their historical role in shaping the future of the world. It seeks to elevate the pillars of human knowledge through the values of partnership, cooperation, and future readiness,” Al Gergawi stated.

Encouraging Arab Role Models

Al Gergawi further stressed the importance of the initiative in fostering Arab role models who will serve as a guiding force for future generations, particularly in priority sectors. He expressed optimism about the broader positive impact the second edition aims to achieve, stating, “Our goal with the Great Arab Minds initiative is to reignite the centuries-long leadership of the Arab world in its scientific contribution to humanity.”

The initiative also aims to reverse the ‘brain drain’ by attracting talented Arabs back to the region to contribute to its development, innovation, and creativity.

AED 6 Million Prize Pool

The second edition of Great Arab Minds will honor six distinguished winners, with each category’s winner receiving AED 1 million. Thousands of nominations from the Arab region and beyond are expected, as the initiative garners increasing recognition globally.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each submission, expert judging panels have been appointed for each category, consisting of ministers, officials, experts, and specialists from the UAE and the wider Arab world. The judging process is rigorous, considering various criteria such as patents, publications, research, and demonstrated achievements.

The second edition of the Great Arab Minds initiative builds on the success of its inaugural year, strengthening its role as a beacon of intellectual achievement and a catalyst for progress in the Arab world.