In January 2022, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, launched the ‘Great Arab Minds’ initiative backed by a budget of AED 100 million. Described as “the largest scientific movement in the Arab world,” the initiative is a pursuit to discover exceptional individuals in the Arab community, spanning scholars, intellectuals, inventors, innovators, and creators across diverse fields. The primary objective is to support, empower, and enhance their ideas through collaborative efforts with leading global partners, ensuring the maximization of their positive influence within the region.
Now, in January 2024, for the inaugural ‘Great Arab Minds’ award ceremony, Emirati designer Yasmin Al Mulla was tasked to design the trophy for the same. Taking to Instagram, Al Mulla expressed her gratitude for the faith placed in her and went on to explain the design details of the prestigious trophy.
The award has been meticulously crafted with intricate details, each carrying profound symbolism. The silver metal base serves as a representation of the enduring strength and resilience inherent in the Arab world, symbolizing the dynamic culture of the region.
The upper part, adorned with a white stone surface, encapsulates notions of purity and creativity deeply embedded in the tapestry of Arab culture. The award’s sides feature carved letters from the Ugaritic alphabet, the first alphabet in history established by the Arabs, paying homage to the rich heritage of the Arab homeland and underscoring the Arab world’s historic contributions to knowledge and science.
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