Researchers Win the Arab Academy Scientific Research Award – First Edition (2024)

Dr. Abdullah Ahmed Hamoud Al-Awlaqi from the University of Ibb was awarded the Arab Academy Award for Scientific Research in Economic, Financial, and Banking Sciences (First Edition – 2024). The award was organized by the Arab Academy for Management, Banking and Financial Sciences under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, Technical Education and Vocational Training, and with the support of the Cooperative and Agricultural Credit Bank (CAC Bank).

The award ceremony was held under the theme "Scientific Research: A Fundamental Pillar for Achieving Development," in the presence of the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Yemen, presidents of public and private universities, college deans, academics, researchers, deputy ministers, and other distinguished guests in Aden.

In his address, H.E. Prof. Dr. Khaled Ahmed Al-Wasabi, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, Technical Education and Vocational Training, emphasized that scientific research is the cornerstone of educational and cultural advancement and a core function of higher education institutions. He noted that higher education in Yemen has witnessed significant progress in this field over the past two years through the organization of scientific conferences and initiatives that encourage research excellence and recognize outstanding researchers.

Prof. Dr. Al-Wasabi also announced that the Ministry is in the final stages of preparations for the Fourth Student Scientific Conference, scheduled to be launched in April of next year, with the participation of Yemeni students studying both inside and outside the country in accordance with international standards. He commended the efforts of the Arab Academy and CAC Bank in supporting scientific research and encouraged public and private universities, as well as the banking sector, to continue promoting research as a key driver of national development.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Murad Mohammed Al-Nashmi, Director of the Academy's Yemen Branch, stated that organizing the inaugural Scientific Research Award marks an important milestone in the Academy's mission to promote scientific excellence and honor distinguished researchers whose work contributes to societal development. He stressed that the award represents not only recognition of academic achievement but also a clear expression of the Academy's long-term commitment to encouraging scientific research as one of the most effective tools for national progress and for developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the economic, financial, and banking sectors in support of sustainable development.

He also highlighted the Academy's achievements in academic and knowledge development at both the national and Arab levels, as well as its efforts to strengthen partnerships across various sectors. He congratulated the award winners for their excellence, innovation, and dedication, reaffirming the Academy's ongoing commitment to supporting higher education and scientific achievement.

Meanwhile, Rafeeq Al-Qubati, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative and Agricultural Credit Bank (CAC Bank), stated that innovation and knowledge are the foundations of sustainable development. He noted that supporting education and scientific research is not merely a social responsibility for the Bank but a strategic investment in the country's future. He emphasized that the Bank's partnership with the Arab Academy reflects a shared commitment to advancing the financial and banking sectors through research and innovation.

Al-Qubati added that nations achieve progress through scientific research, and that Yemen possesses exceptional talent deserving of support and encouragement. He explained that CAC Bank seeks to foster healthy competition among financial institutions and the private sector to support outstanding researchers as part of its strategy to promote innovation and scientific research. He also expressed his appreciation to the Arab Academy and everyone involved in establishing transparent standards that ensure the quality and credibility of scientific research in Yemen.

The Second Prize was awarded jointly to Eng. Salah Abdo Mohammed Al-Hajri and Dr. Ghalib Hamoud Sultan Al-Jaafari for their research titled:

"Leveraging Chat-Based Machine Learning for Arabic Sentiment Analysis to Evaluate User Satisfaction with Mobile Banking Services: A Case Study of Yemeni Banks."

The Third Prize was awarded jointly to Dr. Ibtihal Ahmed Hussein Al-Ezzani of the University of Aden and Dr. Mervat Abdullah Awad Al-Sheikh of Abyan University for their research titled:

"The Impact of External Debt on Economic Development in Yemen During the Period 2000–2020."

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Omar Banajah, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Yemen; Prof. Dr. Sousan Mohammed Bakhabirah, Chairperson of the Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance Council for Higher Education; Prof. Dr. Al-Khader Nasser Lasour, President of the University of Aden; Prof. Dr. Abdulhakim Al-Sharjabi, President of Sana'a University; Prof. Dr. Abdulqader Assaj, President of Dhamar University; Prof. Dr. Abdulkarim Al-Bakri, President of عمران University; Prof. Dr. Abdulfattah Al-Saeedi, President of the German International University – Aden; Prof. Dr. Nahla Al-Kaaki, President of Al-Riyada University; deputy ministers from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, members of the Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance Council, directors general, and a number of academic and community leaders.