His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Professor Badi Hani for winning the “Arab Geniuses 2025” award in the field of Economics. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that resilient and sustainable economic growth forms the foundation of societal progress and human civilization.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mohammed stated: "Congratulations to Professor Badi Hani from Lebanon for winning the Arab Geniuses Award in Economics 2025. A distinguished professor at Syracuse University, he has made exceptional contributions in econometrics and the development of economic data analysis models, with over 200 published research papers. His book on economic data model analysis is a global reference for researchers."
Sheikh Mohammed added: "Our Arab societies need professional economists; effective policies rely on sound knowledge and accurate data. The nation’s economy is shaped by its people, and with their determination, the Arab world can write a new chapter in its economic advancement."
Established three years ago by Sheikh Mohammed, the “Arab Geniuses” award honors outstanding Arab minds in critical fields that drive societal development and human progress.
Professor Hani’s selection reflects his pioneering work in econometrics and economic data analysis, particularly in integrating multiple data sources and time periods, enabling governments and institutions to assess policy impacts accurately and design data-driven economic strategies.
Professor Hani has also conducted specialized training for economists at international institutions, including the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. His research has become a cornerstone for modern economic studies, especially in labor, health, and predictive economic modeling.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Statistics from the American University of Beirut, a Master’s from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, with more than 200 publications, including his seminal work, Economic Data Model Analysis.
According to Mohammed Al Qurqawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the “Arab Geniuses” initiative, the program serves as a platform to recognize Arab talent and inspire new generations of economists to contribute to sustainable development in the region.
The initiative has grown into a strategic project for building Arab human capital, fostering innovation, and motivating youth to make meaningful contributions, earning it the nickname "Arab Nobel Prize" and establishing it as a benchmark for excellence in the Arab world.
