Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2016 goes to Melinda Gates

The opening ceremony of the 2016 Knowledge Summit, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), took place at the Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel Dec. 5-7.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum, deputy governor of Dubai, honored three recipients of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award.

The event, titled “Knowledge ... Present and Future,” brought together well-known ministers, executives and businessmen to conjure ways to increase intelligence and distribution of that knowledge.

Three honorees received a $1 million prize. The winners include Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, the Arab Thought Foundation chaired by Saudi Prince Khalid Al Faisal, and Melinda Gates, co-chair at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"It is an honor that the work of our foundation is recognized by Her Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum through this prestigious award,” Gates said. “Bill and I believe that new knowledge is the key to solving The greatest problems in the world. We are proud to collaborate with the UAE to generate and share innovations and perspectives so that more people can lead healthy and productive lives.”

Hassan Al-Damluji, director of Middle East Relations at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, collected the prize on her behalf.

"The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award recognizes the intellectual and creative achievements honoring the innovators behind the global efforts to produce and disseminate knowledge and encourage them to carry out their search,” Jamal bin Huwaireb, managing director at MBRF, said. “The award reflects Dubai's determination to create a competitive environment that promotes a culture of innovation and creativity.”

The Arab Thought Foundation was established in 2001 with the purpose of promoting the economic, social and cultural growth of the Arab region. The foundation is an internal, independent and nongovernmental organization; it organizes and promotes projects and programs that help join cultures and encourage innovation.