Dubai, December 5, 2016-- His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, presented the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award to 3 winners at the opening ceremony of the Knowledge Summit 2016, arranged by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) on December 5-7, 2016, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai hotel.

Bearing the theme "Knowledge ... Present and Future", the three-day Summit is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in addition to under the regulations and in the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of MBRF. The Summit unites popular ministers, executives, and intellectuals to talk about ways to enhance the production and dissemination of knowledge.

The 3 winners of the $1 million award were Melinda Gates Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, and The Arab Thought Foundation Chaired by HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal. Approving the award on behalf of Ms. Gates was Hassan Al-Damluji, Head of Middle East Relations, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, while H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State - Chairman of Masdar, accepted the award on behalf of the Abu Dhabi-based Masdar company. Finally, H.H. Prince Bandar bin Khalid AlFaisal Bin Abdul Aziz, Chair of Board at ATF, accepted the award in behalf of the Foundation.

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: "The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Honor recognises intellectual and creative achievements by honouring those innovators behind the global efforts to generate and disseminate knowledge, and motivating them to continue with their pursuit. The Honor reflects Dubai's decision to create an affordable environment that advertises a culture of innovation and creativity."

Meanwhile, H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Masdar, said: "I am honoured to be receiving this prominent award, which aims to encourage establishments working in the knowledge sector and promote innovation in the UAE and abroad, thus alining up with the UAE's forward-thinking vision."

H.E. added: "Masdar was founded in 2006 in action to instructions from our management, which required developing an integrated and sustainable renewable resource field-- one that is based on research, growth, and innovation-- all in an effort to lay the structures for the knowledge economy.

With the assistance of our management, Masdar accomplished many success over the past years, consisting of the application of possible renewable resource projects, the construction of Masdar City, and the Zayed Future energy Prize, which aims to motivate innovation. I am positive that the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award will be a new incentive for us to continue our efforts and enhance the renewable resource industry in the UAE."

For her part, Melinda Gates commented on winning the award, saying: "It is an honour to have the job of our Foundation acknowledged by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with this respected award. Bill and I believe that new knowledge is the key to addressing the world's most significant issues. We are honored to team up with the UAE to produce and share developments and insights so that even more people can lead healthy and productive lives."

The Arab Thought Foundation is a worldwide, independent and non-governmental organisation established in 2001 with an assisting goal to assist progress the financial,and social development of the Arab region. The Foundation launches developmental initiatives, programmes, and events in a proposal to help build cultural partnerships that promote innovation.