Dia Al Azzawi wins Great Arab Minds award for 'unparalleled contributions' to art

Dubai Ruler, who launched the prize in 2022, congratulates Iraqi painter's focus on humanitarian issues

Dia Al Azzawi has been a major figure of Arab art for decades. Photo: The Great Arab Minds Award

Dia Al Azzawi is the winner of this year's Great Arab Minds award in literature and arts.

The Iraqi painter has been a major figure in Arab art for decades. His works, which range across a variety of mediums, often reflect Arab culture and history, while touching on contemporary issues. Al Azzawi will be presented with the Great Arab Minds Award during a ceremony at the Museum of the Future on January 16.

“Dia Al Azzawi's unparalleled contributions to modern Arab art place him at the forefront of artistic excellence, blending heritage and modernity with a profound narrative voice,” a representative for the awards body told The National. “His enduring legacy lies in his ability to immortalise cultural stories and struggles, inspiring generations to come.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, publicly congratulated Al Azzawi on Thursday with a post on X.

“We congratulate the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award in Literature and Arts, Dia Al Azzawi from Iraq,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote. “The artist drew inspiration from the heritage of Mesopotamia to present a range of works that have been exhibited at the most prestigious museums and institutions across the world. His works deal with Arab humanitarian issues, combining calligraphy, poetry and heritage in a contemporary artistic style.”

Sheikh Mohammed launched the Great Arab Minds Award in January 2022, allocating Dh100 million ($27.2 million) to fund the initiative. The prize is aimed at celebrating achievements by Arab thinkers and cultural figures. It is segmented into six categories, including natural sciences, economics, medicine, literature and arts, engineering and technology, as well as architecture and design.

Last year's recipients for the award included Algerian novelist Waciny Laredj, who won in the literature and arts category, as well as Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, who was awarded the architecture and design prize.