Application deadlines for the Mohammed bin Rashid Knowledge Award 2017 have been extended to the end of August.
The award aims to honour people and institutions that have made significant contributions to the knowledge sector and to science-based sustainable economies.
The extension, announced by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation on Wednesday, came in response to demand from knowledge experts and professionals from around the world.
“We were delighted with the extensive and positive interaction exhibited by the global knowledge community during the application period,” said the foundation’s chief executive, Jamal bin Huwaireb. “Applicants are reaching out to us from far beyond our borders and our region, which reaffirms that the UAE has become an influential player in the global knowledge sector, a beacon of science and thought and a magnet for intellectuals and innovators.”
The foundation – a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives – will continue to accept entries submitted through the website www.knowledgeaward.com in an effort to increase competition and allow the largest number of qualified contestants to apply for the award.
Categories include development, innovation, leadership and creativity as well as the development of educational institutions, scientific research, communication technology and literature. Others include publishing, printing, paper and electronic documentation.
This year, candidates can be individuals - Emirati or foreign - and of any nationality, gender, race or religion, as well as local, regional or international organisations, such as academic institutions, government entities, corporations or NGOs.
“The award is a platform that supports Arab and international talent,” Mr bin Huwaireb added. “It sheds light on the influential role that thought and knowledge can play in the advancement of human societies, in the hopes of encouraging innovation and creativity.”
Mariam Al Mansouri, an Emirati mechanical engineer graduate, said the awards showed the the country’s leadership is forward-thinking.
“Science is the future and the UAE has realised that,” said the 24-year-old. “That’s why the country is pushing towards all these topics and rewarding any contribution in that sector. Innovation and science are probably the two most important subjects to pursue.”
Ali Al Nuaimi, a 25-year-old from Abu Dhabi, said the Emirates was moving towards a knowledge-based economy. “I’m very proud of all these initiatives,” he said. “It shows the UAE is leading the region in this field and we are thankful as Emiratis to have such leaders.”
Applications can be submitted in Arabic or English, and candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by others.
