Knowledge Award Board of Trustees approves general polices and application process

The Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award has approved the general policies of the award, formulated an application process, and set a financial budget.

The decision was taken at a meeting held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, MBRF, and of the Board of Trustees of the Award, at the office of the foundation.

The winners of the US$1 million award will be announced during the Knowledge Summit in December.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Secretary-General of the award chaired the meeting, which was attended by members of the board including, Nick Rawlins, Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, David Bennett, Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships at National Geographic, Dr. Ali Ahmed Al Ghafli, Vice Dean for Social Sciences at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, UAE University, Alexander J.B. Zehnder, visiting Professor and member of the Board of Trustees of Nanyang Technological University, NTU, Singapore.

The award’s main objective is to galvanise the shift towards a knowledge economy in the UAE, the region, and the world, as well as to establish a culture built on exchanging knowledge and honouring intellectual and creative achievements that serve to produce and disseminate knowledge.

Jamal bin Huwaireb said, "The award seeks to raise awareness about the importance of spreading knowledge as a means to achieve sustainable development by honouring the pioneers working to revolutionise the knowledge industry."

He went on to explain that the award builds on the international momentum created by the Knowledge Summit since its first edition back in 2012. The award reflects the determination of the Emirate of Dubai and its ruler to honour intellectual achievements around the world, especially those that stand to procure benefits for the people.

The Board of Trustees will hold a series of executive meetings to determine application requirements and selection criteria for the winners, as well as to prepare for the award ceremony.