First-Class Seats, Surprise Announcement: How Dubai Welcomed Great Arab Mind Winners

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The recipients of the Great Arab Minds Awards, who are set to be awarded on a grand stage by none other than Dubai's Ruler himself for their brilliance, were honoured in the skies too, before they touched down in the city that never sleeps.

Winning a prestigious award - like the Great Arab Minds - is no small feat. Flying to receive the award would be quite a memorable trip, one could safely assume. Emirates, in its classic fashion, made sure the winners never forget that flight.

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As they travelled from home countries across the Arab world, the six winners were surprised during their flight with announcements by the cabin crew, who called out their names and notified all passengers of their presence onboard.

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"Ladies and gentlemen, we are honoured to have the winner of Great Arab Minds Award 2025 onboard today."

Flying in first class, the awardees were presented with special desserts congratulating them on their win, which is the Arab world's version of the Nobel Prize.

Once they landed, security officials welcomed them at Dubai's Terminal 3 and helped them reach their respective destinations, while immigration officers stamped their passports with a special stamp titled 'Great Arab Minds'.

The ceremony, set to take place at the Museum of the Future today, will honour the six winners of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025, who are: Professor Majid Chergui in the Natural Sciences category, Professor Abbas El Gamal in the Engineering and Technology category, Dr Nabil Seidah in the Medicine category, Professor Badi Hani in the Economics category, Dr Souad Al Amri in the Architecture and Design category, and Professor Charbel Dagher in the Literature and Arts category.

Marking the third edition of the largest award of its kind in the Arab world, it will be attended by the winners' families, along with academics, diplomats, officials, scientists, and specialists from various sectors.

The museum, which serves as the official headquarters of the Great Arab Minds Initiative, also hosts a permanent research and knowledge centre that supports award recipients by helping expand the reach and impact of their scientific, creative, and intellectual work.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Great Arab Minds initiative, said that honouring Great Arab Minds represents recognition of Arab achievement in knowledge, science, and creativity, and its contribution to the advancement of societies and human civilisation.

“The Great Arab Minds initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the most comprehensive strategic initiative of its kind. It not only honours outstanding Arab minds, but also highlights their achievements and encourages governments, sectors, and institutions to invest in their research, innovation, and intellectual and creative output," he said.

Honouring the winners of the Great Arab Minds Award aims to encourage them to continue their scientific, cultural, and creative contributions in fields that drive human and civilisational progress.

The award also presents Arab youth with leading examples across Medicine, Natural Sciences, Economics, Engineering and Technology, Architecture and Design, and Literature and Arts, encouraging them to build on these achievements and strengthen the Arab region's contribution to development and human civilisation.

With inputs from Wam

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