Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi wins 2024 Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts

Iraqi artist Dia Al-Azzawi has been named the 2024 winner of the Great Arab Minds Award (Nawabgh Al Arab) Award in the Literature and Arts category.

Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to X to make the announcement.

Sheikh Mohammed said Al-Azzawi deserved the award this year as he "drew inspiration from the heritage of Mesopotamia to present many works of art that were displayed in the most prominent museums and exhibitions in the world".

He added that Al-Azzawi's works "dealt with Arab humanitarian issues, and combined calligraphy, poetry and heritage in a contemporary artistic style".

The prestigious award program was launched by the ruler of Dubai in 2022, offering each winner a whopping AED 1 million, global acclaim, alongside funding to support future research and projects.

Each year, the Great Arab Minds initiative selects six exceptional individuals and honors them across various fields, including science, innovation, and culture.