His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has formally extended congratulations to Lebanese economist Professor Badi Hani for his remarkable achievement in securing the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award in the Economics category. The announcement was made via Sheikh Mohammed’s official social media channel on December 21.
Professor Hani, a distinguished academic at Syracuse University, was recognized for his groundbreaking research that has established the fundamental theoretical and practical frameworks for panel data econometrics. His pioneering work has significantly advanced the field of economic data analysis, with substantial applications in critical areas including wage studies, public health economics, and macroeconomic forecasting.
With an illustrious career marked by over 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications, Professor Hani has authored a seminal reference text on economic data model analysis that has become essential reading for researchers and economists worldwide. His contributions have provided the methodological tools necessary for more accurate and nuanced economic policymaking.
In his statement, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the vital role of expert economists in Arab societies, noting that effective national policies must be built upon rigorous scientific foundations and precise data analysis. The Dubai Ruler further articulated that the economic future of the Arab world is fundamentally shaped by its intellectual capital and the determination of its people to contribute to the ongoing development of Arab civilization.
The Great Arab Minds initiative continues to identify and celebrate exceptional Arab intellectuals across various disciplines, highlighting their contributions to global knowledge and regional development.