The Rolex Awards Week was held in the UAE from 16 to 19 November 2008. This year, the Rolex Awards are being held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein and is a tribute to the Arab world’s long-standing tradition of innovation and scientific discovery and its rich cultural heritage.
Events during the week included the forum ‘Encouraging Innovation for the next Generation’, held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research.
The Rolex 2008 Awards Secretariat received a record 138 applications from 16 Middle East & North Africa (MENA) nations, 300 % higher than in previous years.