Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award to Celebrate Innovations Transforming Lives in Dubai

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA) is preparing for its ninth edition on November 24, 2026, highlighting the role of knowledge and innovation in advancing heritage preservation, theoretical physics, digital education and mental healthcare.

The award ceremony will take place as part of a special edition of the Knowledge Summit in Dubai. The upcoming edition builds on the achievements of the eighth edition’s laureates, whose work demonstrates how research, education and practical initiatives can contribute to societal progress and improve lives.

The eighth edition, held in 2024, recognised five distinguished figures for their contributions across different fields of knowledge, from preserving historical materials and expanding access to artificial intelligence education to advancing scientific research and improving psychological treatments.

Juma Al Majid Recognised for Preserving Cultural Heritage

Juma Al Majid was honoured for his contribution to preserving historical and cultural materials through the establishment of the Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage.

The centre collects, preserves, restores and digitises manuscripts, books and historical resources, making them accessible to researchers and future generations.

His work highlights the role of knowledge institutions in protecting cultural heritage while expanding access to historical information and research materials.

Dr Ahmed Almheiri Advances Theoretical Physics

Dr Ahmed Eid Almheiri was recognised for his scientific contributions to theoretical physics, particularly research involving black holes, gravity and quantum information.

His postdoctoral research at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, United States, explored the relationship between gravity and quantum mechanics.

Almheiri also received the Pride of the Emirates medal in 2019 and the Breakthrough Prize's New Horizons in Physics Prize in 2020.

His recognition by MBRKA reflects the contribution of fundamental scientific research to expanding humanity's understanding of the universe.

Dr Andrew Ng Expands Access to Artificial Intelligence Education

Dr Andrew Ng received the award for his contributions to digital education and improving access to knowledge, particularly in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Through initiatives including Coursera, Google Brain and DeepLearning.AI, Ng has helped make technical education available to wider audiences.

In 2011, he taught a machine-learning course at Stanford University that broadened access to technical learning. His work demonstrates how digital platforms can help learners access specialised knowledge beyond traditional classroom settings.

Dr David Clark and Dr Anke Ehlers Recognised for Mental Healthcare Research

Dr David Clark and Dr Anke Ehlers were recognised for developing evidence-based psychological treatments and translating research findings into practical therapeutic approaches.

Their work connects scientific research with clinical practice, supporting the development of treatments designed to improve mental healthcare.

According to the University of Oxford, their recognition marked the first time the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award had been presented for mental health research.

The award highlighted the importance of applying scientific knowledge to healthcare challenges and improving access to effective psychological interventions.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award Promotes Innovation

Established in 2014 and administered by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the MBRKA recognises achievements in knowledge and innovation across diverse fields.

The award supports the creation, sharing and practical application of knowledge as a means of advancing society and improving human well-being.

As the ninth edition approaches, the achievements of previous laureates illustrate the wide-ranging impact of knowledge, from protecting cultural heritage and advancing fundamental science to expanding digital education and improving mental healthcare.

The November 24 ceremony is expected to continue this focus on individuals and initiatives whose contributions demonstrate how knowledge can be translated into meaningful outcomes for communities worldwide.