UAE honours Iraqi artist with 'Great Arab Minds' award

Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi has won the UAE's Great Arab Minds award in the Literature and Arts category.

Al-Azzawi, a visual artist specialising in contemporary Arab art, has showcased Arab culture and heritage to the world through his diverse works for over fifty years.

He is distinguished for his use of visual art, Arabic calligraphy and sculpture to highlight events and challenges relevant to the Arab world in a contemporary style that resonates with global audiences.

His innovative approach integrates Arabic letters and poetry into modern artistic expressions, skillfully blending text and imagery in a creative manner.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Al-Azzawi.

In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed praised Al-Azzawi for drawing inspiration from Mesopotamian heritage, creating art that addresses key Arab humanitarian issues and combines calligraphy, poetry and tradition in a contemporary form.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Great Arab Minds Higher Committee, in a video call, informed Al-Azzawi of his award win, highlighting his global impact on contemporary Arab art.

The Great Arab Minds award is the largest of its kind in the Arab world. It recognises outstanding contributions across various fields, including science, economics, medicine, literature and arts, engineering and technology, and architecture and design.

.@HHShkMohd congratulates artist Dia Al-Azzawi on winning the Great Arab Minds Award in the Literature and Arts category.https://t.co/dmoXzmzS08 pic.twitter.com/qORZR5PlWR

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 19, 2024