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.
Prof Hani holds a bachelor’s degree in statistics from the American University of Beirut, a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. His research spans economic theory, data analysis, and econometrics, with a focus on the impact of public policy on health outcomes, wages and economic development.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Great Arab Minds, informed Professor Hani of his win during a video call. He highlighted the lasting value of Prof Hani’s research, analytical tools, and economic models, which have become fundamental to economic planning and long-term development forecasting.
Mr Al Gergawi said that Prof Hani’s achievement offers strong motivation for the next generation of Arab economists and researchers shaping the next phase of development across the region.
The Economics Committee for the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award was chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. Committee members included Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre; Dr Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF; Dr Rabah Arezki, Senior Fellow at the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University; Dr Mohammed Madhi, Dean of the College of Business and Economics at UAE University; and Ferid Belhaj, Fellow at the Policy Centre for the New South.
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.
