World's leading scientists, explorers and distinguished achievers attend Rolex Awards ceremony in Dubai

The awards ceremony, traditionally held in world capitals including New York, Paris, Singapore and Geneva, was held in the Middle East for the first time. Among the internationally renowned personalities in attendance were Gilbert Grosvenor, Chairman of the National Geographic Society; distinguished heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub; NASA astronaut Dr. Kathryn Sullivan; polar explorer Erling Kagge; global sustainable development champion Yolanda Kakabadse; and Egyptian Member of Parliament Farkhonda Hassan.

The evening was hosted by Rolex SA CEO Patrick Heiniger, visiting from Geneva for the occasion. Senior government leaders from the region were also present, including UAE Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Anwar Gargash and UAE Minister of Environment and Water HE Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahd. Arab media personality Georges Kordahi served as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Among the five 2008 Rolex Awards Laureates named during the ceremony was the first Middle East Laureate in the programme's 32-year history: Talal Akasheh, a chemistry professor from Jordan, who is working to preserve the ancient city of Petra.