77th Annual Gala Dinner
The Middle East Institute was pleased to host its 77th Annual Gala Dinner on April 17th in Washington, D.C.
About the Awards
The Visionary Award recognizes the positive impact of trailblazers whose achievements compel progress, inspire positive change, and instill hope for a brighter future. The Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence, endowed by the former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister, 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. The Chairman’s Award, established in 2024, recognizes individuals or organizations whose achievements embody MEI’s mission and values.
Past Award Recipients
2024
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Rayyanah Barnawi
First Saudi & Arab Woman in Space
Chairman's Award
Fatih and Eren Ozmen
Owners of SNC and Sierra Space, Turkish-American Philanthropists and Entrepreneurs
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
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
2023
Distinguished Global Leadership Award
His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak
Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Mubadala Investment Company
2022
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
General (ret.) John P. Abizaid
Former Commander of U.S. Central Command
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2021
Distinguished Global Leadership Award
H.E. Yasir Othman Al-Rumayyan
Chairman, Saudi Aramco
Governor, Public Investment Fund
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
LIFE
Lebanese Diaspora Philanthropic Organization
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Fawzia Koofi
Afghan Women's Rights Activist
2020
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Altibbi
Digital Health Platform
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Egyptian Food Bank
Humanitarian Organization
2019
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Nadine Labaki
Lebanese Actor and Director
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Othman & Leila Benjelloun
Co-chairs of the BMCE Bank Foundation
2018
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
The American University of Beirut (AUB)
Institution of higher learning
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Huda Alkhamis Kanoo
Philanthropist dedicated to arts, education, and women's empowerment
2017
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah
Kuwaiti art collector and curator
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Fadi Ghandour
Social entrepreneur and philanthropist
2016
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Vera Baboun
Mayor of Bethlehem Municipality
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Syria Civil Defense
"The White Helmets"
2015
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Sheika Hoor Al-Qasimi
President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Mohamed A. El-Erian
Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz, and Chair, President's Global Development Council
2014
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Ayman Asfari
CEO of Petrofac and chairman of the Asfari Foundation
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Shafik Gabr
Founder of the Shafik Gabr Foundation
2013
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Zaha Hadid
Iraq-born architect
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Abdlatif Al-Hamad
Kuwaiti philanthropist
2012
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Dr. Hanan Ashrawi
Palestinian legislator, activist and scholar
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel
President, Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd.
2011
Issam M. Fares Award for Excellence
Amb. Lakhdar Brahimi
Fmr. under-secretary general of the League of Arab States
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Esraa Abdel Fattah
Egyptian human rights and democracy activist
2010
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Issam M. Fares
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon
2009
Middle East Institute Visionary Award
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish
Palestinian doctor