The Great Arab Minds Award

The Great Arab Minds Initiative
The Great Arab Minds Initiative is an annual award launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates to honor Arab scholars.

The Great Arab Minds award is given in six categories: Natural Sciences, Medicine, Literature & Arts, Economics, Engineering and Technology, and Architecture and Design.

History
In June 2014 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum published an article titled 'Reverse Brain Drain', highlighting the loss faced by the Arab nations due to the emigration of scholars. Eight years later, in January 2022, he inaugurated the award in the hopes of reducing brain drain in the Arab world.

== Main Objectives ==


 * Reduce the emigration of Arab scientists, specialists, intellectuals, doctors, and engineers.
 * Build a network of Arab thinkers, scientists, and exceptional talents to work as one team to drive the Arab world's intellectual renaissance.
 * Support and encourage Arab scholars and scientists.
 * Empowering a cluster of Arab scientists and thinkers to serve as role models for future Arab generations.

The Award Value
One million Dirhams is awarded for each winner in each category to support research and projects.

Nominations
Nominations for the award are open throughout the year on the official website of the Great Arab Minds.

Assessment Method and Evaluation Criteria
All nominations are reviewed and evaluated annually by specialized committees. Afterwards, all the information and documents mentioned for the nomination are verified. Then, a group of candidates is selected for each category based on specific criteria and standards. From among these groups, one winner is chosen for each category.

Award Recipients 2023

 * Doctor Hani Najm : Winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Medicine Category.
 * Professor Fadel Adib : Winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Engineering and Technology Category.
 * Professor Niveen Khashab : Winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Natural Sciences Category.
 * Doctor Mohamed El Erian : Winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Economics Category.
 * Architect Lina Ghotmeh : Winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Architecture and Design Category.
 * Professor Waciny Laredj : Winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Literature and Arts category.