Dh100 million will be allocated to fostering regional innovation as a new research centre was launched at Dubai's Museum of the Future.
The project was announced by Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, during the Great Arab Minds (GAM) award ceremony held at the museum on Monday.
The event also saw Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, honouring six Arab scientists and intellectuals who were among the first winners of the Great Arab Minds initiative.
The initiative 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,” said Mr Al Gergawi, 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.”
Great Arab Minds celebrated
During the ceremony Sheikh Mohammed honoured six Arab scientists and intellectuals.
US-based Saudi surgeon Dr Hani Najm, a Saudi heart surgeon renowned for his work in paediatric and congenital heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, was named as a winner of the award for his efforts in the medical sector.
“Its an incredible moment and an interjectory in our lives as Arabs,” Dr Hani told The National.
He said the award would certainly attract the brilliant Arab minds back to their native lands.
“Providing the appropriate environment for inventors to continue their work here would be the future of this platform.”
Lebanese Professor Lina Ghotmeh, recognised for her significant contributions to Architecture and Design globally, spoke about her approach.
“Architecture is our language to express our culture, history, and aspirations. I see this award as a recognition of the pivotal role of our discipline in shaping the Arab world's identity.”
Speaking to The National Dr Mohamed El Erian, an Egyptian-American economist and president of Queens' College, University of Cambridge who won the economics category award said the award would bring hope to those in need.
“Given the tragedy happening in Gaza and the need for hope for the Arab youth, this initiative is not only a reminder of how Arab thought has contributed to global advancements, It’s also a beacon of hope in these challenging times,” he said.
Addressing Arab youth, Mr El Erian said there will be many challenges ahead and the road will not be smooth.
“But persist, have a purpose and enable others in this journey because it's a very important journey not just for you but for our society,” he said.
The engineering and technology award was presented to Lebanese-born Professor Fadel Adib of Massachusetts Institute of Technology who has a track record of over 80 research papers and patents.
“This recognition is not just for my work but for the potential of Arab minds in engineering and technology. It's a testament to our capability to address complex global challenges.”
Algerian Professor Waciny Laredj, winner of the award in Literature and Arts, spoke of the broader implications of the award for the Arab intellectual community.
“This award raises an important question: Why do so many of our intellectuals and scientists seek opportunities abroad?”
“The true value of this initiative lies in its potential to create environments where Arab minds can thrive in their own countries.”
Lebanese Professor Niveen Khashab, honoured in Natural Sciences said her decision to join King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in 2008, was initially met with scepticism from peers.
“Many thought it was crazy to pursue a scientific career in an Arab country,” she said.
“This award brings hope, signalling a shift towards a brighter future for all Arab countries.
“Often, singers are more renowned than scientists here. But now, we're building a new generation that will recognise and value their scientists and inventors.”
They each received Dh1m to fund their research and privileges including offices for programme fellows at the museum.
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
THE%20HOLDOVERS
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Your Guide to the Home
- Level 1 has a valet service if you choose not to park in the basement level. This level houses all the kitchenware, including covetable brand French Bull, along with a wide array of outdoor furnishings, lamps and lighting solutions, textiles like curtains, towels, cushions and bedding, and plenty of other home accessories.
- Level 2 features curated inspiration zones and solutions for bedrooms, living rooms and dining spaces. This is also where you’d go to customise your sofas and beds, and pick and choose from more than a dozen mattress options.
- Level 3 features The Home’s “man cave” set-up and a display of industrial and rustic furnishings. This level also has a mother’s room, a play area for children with staff to watch over the kids, furniture for nurseries and children’s rooms, and the store’s design studio.
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
