UAE's Mars Mission, Scientists Honored At Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award

The UAE's Mars Mission team and COVID-19 scientists were among those honored at the 7^th Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award Ceremony, held at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City Tuesday.

The annual award ceremony aims to celebrate global innovation and ingenuity and recognizes people and organizations that have made significant contributions to the world, Khaleej Times reported.

During the ceremony, the UAE's Mars Mission's Hope probe was honored for its achievements in the organization category. The Hope probe has been in Mars orbit since February 2021.

Doctors from the UAE were recognized, including Zhang Yongzhen, who was acknowledged for his unprecedented work in controlling and preventing of rabies and hemorrhagic fever. He was also hailed for his contribution to sequencing and publishing the genome of Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Other Emirati doctors who were honored included biochemist and researcher Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman. Both professionals made significant contributions to mRNA technology and the development of COVID-19 vaccines during the height of the pandemic in the country.

Sheikha Latifa bin Mohammed, chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, said the award aims to boost knowledge-based economic growth and sustainable development. "In line with Dubai's vision for social, cultural, and economic development, the award seeks to promote knowledge, innovation, creativity, and enterprise in the region and beyond," she said.

"We are committed to launching initiatives that can advance Dubai's goal of stimulating knowledge and innovation-driven growth, especially by harnessing young talent," she added.

During the ceremony, Sheikh Latifa also announced the results of the Global Knowledge Index 2022, which places the UAE on top of the list in the technical education category after besting 132 other countries worldwide.

Sheikh Khalifa noted the results of this year's Global Knowledge Index are dedicated to enriching society and serving as a powerful driver of sustainable development. "Education, a vital element in building a nation's knowledge capital, is one of the most important categories of the index," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also expressed his appreciation for all the awardees, reiterating the UAE's commitment to promoting "sustainable development driven by knowledge and innovation."