AUC Honors Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister Of Cabinet Affairs With the Global Fellow Award

November 28, 2024, Cairo – The American University in Cairo (AUC) welcomed His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, during a special visit to its campus. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to international leadership and innovation, AUC President Ahmad Dallal presented Minister Al Gergawi with the prestigious Global Fellow Award, the highest recognition the University confers to distinguished individuals who have outstanding achievements in international leadership, global relations and initiatives that address the world’s most pressing challenges. “Over the course of his distinguished career and through his groundbreaking contributions to government innovation and public policy, His Excellency has exemplified what it means to be a true leader in the 21st century,” said Dallal. 

During the visit, Minister Al Gergawi toured key areas of the AUC campus, including the academic area, AUC Libraries, and the Center for Applied Research on the Environment and Sustainability (CARES). The visit underscored a pivotal step toward deepening collaboration between AUC and regional leaders, paving the way for innovative partnerships in higher education. Minister Al Gergawi engaged in discussions about AUC’s academic degrees and extended education programs. 

Commenting on receiving the award, His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi remarked, "The American University in Cairo is one of the region's foremost beacons of knowledge and thought, serving as a model for universities of the future by bringing together some of the finest academic and intellectual minds." He continued, "This honor represents a meaningful acknowledgment and serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation of leaders in the region to dedicate themselves to greater effort and contribution. It also underscores the essential partnership between the academic and governmental sectors."

His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, alongside his role as Minister of Cabinet Affairs, holds several distinguished leadership positions. These include serving as Deputy Chairman of the Ministerial ‎Development Council, Chairman of the Executive Office in Dubai, Chairman of the World Government Summit, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives, Chairman of the Museum of the Future, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Great Arab Minds.

On the global stage, His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi holds several prestigious memberships, including the membership of the World Economic Forum’s Global Leadership Council, entrusted with overseeing the forum’s strategic direction and its platforms. Furthermore, he serves as Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, a visionary initiative jointly organized by the Government of the UAE and the World Economic Forum. In 2018, Al Gergawi was chosen to be a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, aiming to lay the foundations for enabling governments address the challenges of the rapid technological advancements.

In the business sector, Al Gergawi founded the Dubai Holding and served as its Chairman until 2017, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of several specialized cities. These include the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai Humanitarian City, Dubai Design District, Dubai Academic City, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Outsource City, and Dubai Science Park, among others. He also held the position of Chairman of the Dubai Investment and Development Authority.

Over the past years, he has held prominent positions in various sectors, including: Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, Chairman of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Investment Authority, Founding Chairman of the Young Arab Leaders (YAL), Managing Director of Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI). In the academic field, Al Gergawi has served as a member of a number of national and international higher education institutions, including the Board of Directors of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU); the Board of Trustees of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), and the Supreme Council of the UAE National Defence College (NDC). He was the Founding President of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) and also served as a member of the International Advisory Board of the American University of Beirut (AUB). 

In the social field, Al Gergawi has supervised a number of social initiatives such as establishing the Dubai Autism Center (DAC) and the UAE Disabled Sports Federation. In addition, he represented his country as a member of the UAE national volleyball team in international competitions.

Al Gergawi has received numerous honors, awards, and academic recognitions. Among the most notable are an honorary doctorate in government administration from Georgetown University, an honorary doctorate in government administration and future strategies from ESCP Business School in Paris, and an Honorary Fellowship of the London Business School (LBS). In addition to the Order of Friendship bestowed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev; the Moroccan Royal Order of Merit from His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and the American Business Award.

Al Gergawi holds a bachelor’s degree from the United States of America.

AUC continues to play a vital role in fostering collaboration with influential leaders and institutions, reaffirming its commitment to addressing global challenges and shaping the future of education and innovation in the region.