Mohammed Bin Rashid Congratulates Professor Abbas El Gamal On Winning Great Arab Minds 2025 Engineering Award

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, extended his congratulations to Professor Abbas El Gamal for receiving the Great Arab Minds 2025 award in Engineering and Technology. Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the role of Arab innovators in advancing engineering and technology, which strengthens regional development and contributes to global scientific progress.

Professor El Gamal's pioneering work in network information theory has significantly influenced modern digital communications. His research established the mathematical limits of communication networks, impacting the design of contemporary communication protocols worldwide. He also advanced Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), revolutionising electronic circuit design and computing systems.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed stated: "As we do every year to honour Arab researchers and innovators through Great Arab Minds, and after receiving thousands of nominations, we announce the winner of the 2025 Great Arab Minds in Engineering and Technology Abbas El Gamal from Egypt, Hitachi America Professor in the School of Engineering at Stanford University. Professor Abbas has made pioneering contributions to network information theory, which laid the foundation for many modern digital networks around the world."

Professor El Gamal's contributions extend to developing CMOS image sensors used in most smartphones and digital cameras today. His innovations have supported advancements in digital sensing, computing, and communication systems. He has authored over 230 scientific papers, with his book "Network Information Theory" serving as a global reference for students in engineering and technology.

The Great Arab Minds initiative was launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to recognise outstanding Arab achievers across six categories: Engineering and Technology, Medicine, Economics, Natural Sciences, Literature and Arts, and Architecture and Design. The initiative aims to inspire future generations by celebrating exceptional talent within the region.

Born in Egypt, Professor El Gamal earned his bachelor's degree with honours from Cairo University in 1972. He later obtained a master's degree in statistics and a PhD in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1978. He served as Director of Stanford University's Information Systems Laboratory from 2003 to 2012 and chaired its Electrical Engineering Department from 2012 to 2017.

Acknowledging Scientific Achievements

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, informed Professor El Gamal about his win during a video call. Al Gergawi praised El Gamal's scientific achievements and research contributions that have significantly impacted digital transformation, communication systems, and machine learning across vital sectors.

The Engineering and Technology Committee for the 2025 edition was chaired by Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education. Members included Dr. Arif Al Hammadi from Khalifa University, Dr. Mohammed Qasem from Dubai Future Academy, Professor Ismael Al-Hinti from Al Hussein Technical University, and Adel Darwish from the International Telecommunication Union.

Impact on Future Generations

The Great Arab Minds initiative is recognised as the largest of its kind in the region. It seeks to counter brain drain by inspiring younger generations to turn their aspirations into meaningful achievements that create lasting impacts within their communities. The initiative continues to spotlight exceptional Arab achievers who shape scientific progress across various fields.

Professor El Gamal holds 35 patents and is a member of both the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and IEEE. He has co-founded startups in semiconductor and biotechnology sectors while serving on their boards. His work exemplifies how Arabs are not just consumers but creators shaping technology's future.

With inputs from WAM