Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has extended his congratulations to Professor Charbel Dagher for winning the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award in the Literature and Arts category. His Highness emphasized the significant role that literature and the arts have historically played in shaping societies and civilizations.
According to Emirates News Agency, His Highness shared his congratulatory message on X, acknowledging Professor Dagher's extensive intellectual contributions across various literary fields, including poetry, writing, and literary criticism. Known for his in-depth studies of Arab arts, Professor Dagher has explored their historical development and transformations. His substantial body of work includes over 70 published books, recognized as key references in the study of Arab literature and art.
His Highness also congratulated all the winners of the Great Arab Minds Award, inspiring Arabs to believe in their potential and their role in renewing civilization. The Great Arab Minds Award, launched by His Highness, is considered the Arab equivalent of the Nobel Prize, celebrating exceptional Arab minds and their contributions across six categories: Literature and Arts, Architecture and Design, Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Economics, and Natural Sciences.
Professor Dagher, a leading cultural figure in Lebanon and the Arab world, is a poet, critic, and academic who has influenced aesthetic studies and Arab art criticism. His prominent works, which include "Islamic Art in Arabic Sources" and "Arabic Hurufiyya: Art and Identity," are essential references in the study of Islamic and Arab art. Writing in both Arabic and French, he bridges heritage and modernity, contributing significantly to discussions on cultural identity.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the Higher Committee for the Great Arab Minds initiative, informed Professor Dagher of his win via video call, acknowledging the international recognition of his work. The award reflects His Highness's confidence in Arab creativity and the potential of Arab minds to shape future generations.
The Literature and Arts Committee for the 2025 award was chaired by Mohammed Al Murr and included notable figures like Dr. Ahmed Zayed. The announcement of Professor Dagher's win completes the list of winners for the third edition, which included distinguished figures in various fields. The evaluation process involved specialized committees reviewing nominations with scientific and transparent criteria.
The Great Arab Minds Award aims to recognize outstanding Arab individuals in sectors critical to the revival of Arab civilization and its contribution to global progress. Now in its third year, the initiative continues to celebrate Arab creativity and excellence, inspiring future generations to contribute to the rich legacy of Arab knowledge and culture.