In 2023, Dr Mohamed El-Erian, an international economist and the President of Queen’s College at the University of Cambridge, was honoured in the Economics category of the Great Arab Minds Award. He is considered one of the greatest economic advisors of his generation, with his theories and strategic visions influencing many development policies at the local and international levels. 

Dr El-Erian previously worked for the International Monetary Fund and served as President of the World Development Council, as well as CEO at numerous major international institutions, where he oversaw the management of assets totalling over USD 1.1 trillion. During his tenure as CEO of Harvard Management Company, he achieved record-setting returns for the university’s educational endowment. 

He has strengthened the economic and international presence of his home country of Egypt and the Arab world as a whole with his research, participation in economic conferences and economic consultations. His research has provided a wealth of economic advice, visions and concepts, and is an essential reference in finance, economics and business. He was also selected as one of the ‘Top 100 Global Thinkers’ for four consecutive years by Foreign Policy magazine.

On receiving this award, Dr El-Erian said: “This initiative is important because it reflects the vision of the UAE and Dubai to make a positive impact, and it inspires the Arab youth to make a difference in their communities, which is crucial in our current time.”