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MEI’s Annual Gala Dinner honors individuals from the United States and Middle East whose achievements embody our mission to foster peaceful and prosperous cooperation. This year’s event recognized five exemplary individuals whose contributions as peacebuilders, philanthropists, and trailblazers have set a precedent for peace, established a platform for innovation, and ushered in a future of unbounded possibility.
View Program Book [PDF]
Visionary Award
The Visionary Award recognizes the positive impact of trailblazers whose achievements compel progress, inspire positive change, and instill hope for a brighter future.
Rayyanah Barnawi
First Saudi & Arab Woman in Space
Chairman's Award
Established in 2024, the inaugural Chairman’s Award will be personally presented by MEI Board Chairman General (Ret.) John Abizaid. The award recognizes individuals or organizations whose achievements embody MEI’s mission and values.
Fatih and Eren Ozmen
Owners of SNC and Sierra Space
Turkish-American Philanthropists and Entrepreneurs
Issam M. Fares Award For Excellence
Endowed by the former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister, the Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence honors inspirational individuals or organizations whose contributions have had a positive impact on a global scale and left a legacy of excellence atop their respective fields.
James A. Baker, III &
George J. Mitchell
61st U.S. Secretary of State/Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and Special Envoy for Middle East Peace
Middle East Peacemakers
2024 Titular Honorary Chairs
MEI was honored to have former President Bill Clinton and former President George W. Bush associate their names with the evening’s proceedings as Titular Honorary Chairs.
April 17th, 2024
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Washington, D.C.
To read about past MEI Awardees, click here.