Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF)

A nonprofit foundation established by Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2007 to promote knowledge, scientific research, literacy and the Arabic language. The foundation funds research, events, awards and other related initiatives. It aims to position Dubai as a global leader in knowledge and development as well as strengthen its communities and promote the Arabic language and culture. Flagship initiatives include House of Poetry, The Knowledge Award, and The Nobel Museum.

  • Organisation type Foundation
  • Year founded 2007
  • Headquartered Dubai
  • Registration United Arab Emirates
  • Website https://www.mbrf.ae

Related sustainable development goals

  • Quality Education
  • Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Reduced Inequalities
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities

Focus areas

Focus sectors

  • Arts
    • Humanities
      • Languages
      • Literature and writing
    • Performing arts
      • Spoken word
  • Communications
    • Libraries
  • Development
    • Business and industry
      • Entrepreneurship
    • Sustainable development
  • Education
    • Education services
      • Reading promotion
      • Educational exchanges
    • Elementary and secondary education
      • STEM education
  • Public affairs
    • Leadership development
  • Science
    • Technology

Focus populations

  • Academics
    • Researchers
  • Students
  • Teachers

Focus geographies

  • Middle East
  • North Africa

Partners

  • LinkedIn
  • Nobel Prize
  • UNDP
  • UNESCO

Programmes

  • Bil Arabi

    Launched in 2013, this programme aims to encourage Arabs to use their mother tongue via the internet and social media channels, and to contribute to the development of the knowledge role of the Arabic language in the international community. In November 2021, the new identity of the initiative was launched under the slogan “Arabic is a language of science and knowledge”.

  • Digital Knowledge Hub

    This is an electronic platform supporting a culture of reading by showcasing an extensive collection of Arabic books, including written or translated works covering all areas of life. It also features Arabic and international periodicals, dictionaries, biographies, photographs and maps. 

  • Dubai International Program for Writing

    This programme launched in 2013 to empower and encourage young talented writers in a range of fields, from science and research, to literature and poetry. There are competitions, exchanges, translation training, and publiction opportunities.

  • House of Poetry

    Bait El Shaier (House of Poetry) is located in Al Shindagah, on the banks of Dubai's Creek. It celebrates poetry activities while also hosting events, meetings and exhibitions for various other literary arts in Dubai throughout the year.

  • The Knowledge Award

    Established in 2015, the Knowledge Award recognises exceptional and innovative leaders in knowledge around the world that have made significant contributions to their communities. Winners receive prizes of US$1m to continue their endeavours in spreading and promoting knowledge.

  • The Knowledge Project

    This programme was launched in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to produce research papers and reports on knowledge in the Arab region. Under the auspices of this programme, three new indices were developed to track regional development: Arab Knowlege Index, Arab Reading Index, and the Global Knowledge Index.

  • The Knowledge Summit

    An annual event hosted by the foundation that brings together Arab and international experts and policy leaders to discuss issues related to advancing knowledge and sustainable development in the region.

  • The Nobel Museum

    The Nobel Museum, located in Jumeriah, is an educational centre hightlighting the achievements of Nobel Prize winners.

Financials

Funding model

  • Foundation-administered programme awards
  • Grants to Individuals
  • Grants to organisations
  • Programme related investment

Primary funders

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Funding source

  • Government
  • Private
  • Royal

Operations

Key staff

  • Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO

Contact details

More

Resources

Great Arab Minds: New prize funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid recognises contributions in science, literature, technology, economics, medicine, and architecture. Read more