The winner of each award is selected by a judging panel comprised of leading figures within the award fields.
Dr Salim Adib: Professor of Epidemiology, St Joseph University Beirut,
Dr Adib is a renowned epidemiologist and public health specialist. He is also an advisor to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
Dr Saleh Al-Azel: An engineer by training,
Prof. Al-Athel is President of the King Abdul Azis City for Science and Technology – Saudi Arabia’s leading science and technology institute. He is a member of the UN World Commission on Environment and Development and the UN Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development, amongst many other roles. He is also on the Scientific Committee of the Pio Manzu International Research Centre – a UN consultative body dedicated to enhancing awareness and knowledge of economic and scientific issues.
Dr Mohammed Al Nashai: Professor at the British University in Egypt and The German University in Egypt.
Dr Mohammad Bin Atik Al Dosari: King Abdul Aziz City for Science & Technology, Saudi Arabia
A Thabet Al-Taher: As General Manager of The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, Mr Al-Taher is dedicated to encouraging international scientific research and cultural cooperation. The foundation, supported by the Arab Bank, is one of the leading scientific and cultural foundations in the Arab world. Mr Al-Taher has also been a minister in the Jordanian government.
Dr Samir Makdisi: Dr. Makdisi has a PhP in economics, and is a widely published academic with a particular interest in democracy in the Middle East and its links to economic development. He was Deputy President of the American University Beirut, a member of the board of the Global Development Network and Director of the Institute of Financial Economics.
Dr Kamal Hamdan: Dr Hamdan is a senior Economist and a founding member of the Economic Research Forum, Beirut. A leading economic thinker, he has been a consultant for several UN missions in Lebanon alongside the World Bank
Dr Magdy Shehab: Professor Shehab is the Dean of the Faculty of Legal Studies and International Relations at Pharos University, Alexandria.
Professor Radwan Al-Sayed: Professor Al-Sayed is a respected academic, author and sought after commentator on Middle East politics for publications such as Time magazine. He is a long standing advocate of greater democratization in the Arab World. Dr. Al-Sayed is currently a Professor of Islamic Studies at the American University in Beirut, and was the speech writer for former Lebanese Prime Minister, Fouad Siniora,
Dr Ali Fakhrou: Dr. Fakhro is a well-respected voice on Arab culture. During his long career serving the people of Bahrain he had been Minister of Education and Health, Bahrain
Ahmad Al-Ghez: Adviser to the President Arab Thought Foundation Beirut, Lebanon
Jihad Al-Khazen: Mr. Khazen is the Editor of Al-Hayat, the leading Arab daily newspaper, and a well-known columnist. He is also on the advisory board of the Arab Thought Foundation.
Salah Salam: Salah Salam is the long-standing Editor-In-Chief of Al-Liwaa, in Lebanon.
Magdy el-Galad: Magdy is the Editor of Al Masry Al Youm, Egypt’s leading independent newspaper and has an established reputation as a campaigning journalist.
Ahmad Fathi Amer: Board member of the Arab Thought Foundation
Dr Abdullah Al-Uthaymeen: Dr. Al-Uthaymeen is the Secretary General of the prestigious King Faisal International Awards, promoting the culture and art of the Arab world.
Ali Okla Ersan: Board member of the Arab Thought Foundation
Dr Walid Gholmieh: Dr Gholmieh is Director of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music, based in Beirut. He is one of the most prominent Middle Eastern conductors and composers and the founder of the Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra.
Dr Henry Awit: Vice-President of the University of St. Joseph University ,Lebanon