Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Professor Badi Hani on winning the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award in the Economics category. His Highness emphasised that sustainable and balanced economic growth is essential to societal progress and long-term development.
According to Emirates News Agency, His Highness expressed his congratulations in a post on X, commending Professor Hani from Lebanon on his achievement. Professor Hani is a distinguished professor of economics at Syracuse University, with significant contributions to econometrics and economic data analysis. He has published over 200 academic papers, and his book on economic analysis is a key reference for researchers globally.
His Highness highlighted the importance of professional economists in society, stating that effective policies rely on science, accurate data, and rigorous analysis. He noted that a nation's economy is built by its people and their determination to revive Arab civilisation.
The Great Arab Minds initiative, launched three years ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recognises exceptional Arab talent across fields contributing to human development and scientific and cultural advancement. Professor Hani was awarded for his pioneering work in econometrics, especially in panel data analysis, which enhances the study of economic trends by combining data across time and multiple sources.
Professor Hani's methodologies enable precise evaluation of long-term economic policy impacts across regions, aiding governments and institutions worldwide in assessing public spending, labour regulations, and policy effectiveness. He has also conducted training programs at leading institutions like the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
His research has fortified modern econometrics, particularly in labour economics, health economics, and economic forecasting. His publication, "Econometric Analysis of Panel Data," is extensively used by students and researchers. Professor Hani's academic background includes a bachelor's degree in statistics from the American University of Beirut, a master's from Carnegie Mellon University, and a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Great Arab Minds, informed Professor Hani of his award win during a video call, emphasizing the significance of his research and models in strategic economic planning and forecasting.
Al Gergawi noted that the establishment of Great Arab Minds, directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aimed to showcase Arab role models and inspire Arab youth participation in development. Professor Hani's accomplishment serves as motivation for future Arab economists and researchers.
The Economics Committee for the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award was chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, with members including Essa Kazim, Dr Jihad Azour, Dr Rabah Arezki, Dr Mohammed Madhi, and Ferid Belhaj.
Now in its third year, Great Arab Minds is a leading platform promoting excellence across various fields, supporting intellectual and scientific progress in the Arab world. The initiative aims to develop Arab talent, regional expertise, and innovation, earning recognition as the 'Arab Nobel.'