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.
