A Lebanese professor noted for his “significant contributions to econometrics and economic data” has been named a Great Arab Minds winner.
Badi Hani received the 2025 award in economics in recognition of his contributions, particularly in panel data analysis, a field that allows researchers to study trends more accurately by combining data across time periods and numerous sources.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated the academic in a post on X.
“We congratulate Professor Badi Hani from Lebanon on winning the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award in Economics,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote. “He is a distinguished professor of economics at Syracuse University and has made significant contributions to econometrics and economic data analysis. He has published more than 200 academic papers and his book on economic analysis is regarded as a key reference for researchers worldwide.
“Our societies need professional economists. Effective policies depend on science, accurate data and rigorous analysis.”
Prof Hani has also delivered training programmes for economists and analysts at leading international institutions, including the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and central banks in several countries.
He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and written several influential academic works, most notably Econometric Analysis of Panel Data, which is widely used by economics students and researchers worldwide.
What is the Great Arab Minds award?
Sheikh Mohammed launched the Great Arab Minds award in January 2022, allocating Dh100 million ($27.2 million) to fund the initiative. The first winners were announced the following year.
The award aims to “celebrate scientists, thinkers and innovators every year”. The winners’ contributions span various fields including medicine, natural sciences, economics, engineering, architecture and the arts.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
