Takreem
Takreem is a non-profit organization founded in 2009 by Ricardo Karam to recognize Arab individuals or organizations for their contributions to their communities and achievements in culture, education, science, environmental studies, humanitarian services, and socio-economic development.
History
The idea of Takreem was first introduced by Ricardo Karam in 2004, yet the actual foundation was only launched in 2009. Karam observed guests he had interviewed on his talk show and noted the need for greater recognition of Arab achievers. In one of his interviews, he states: “…every year we try to spot different achievers from different fields, and we try to give hope to the youth by telling look at these examples. You can make it as well."Karam officially announced the launching of Takreem at a press conference held at École supérieure des affaires, Beirut.
Takreem organizes conferences, symposiums, and meetings. It offers mentorships and holds an annual Awards Ceremony celebrated in a different city every year. By showcasing achievements from the Arab world, the foundation seeks to address stereotypes about the region and promotes creativity, freedom of thought, human rights, entrepreneurship, advanced technology, and gender equality.
In 2018, Takreem launched TAKminds, an interdisciplinary think-tank bringing together thought-leaders, change-makers, and professionals.
In 2019, Takreem decided to expand its activities to reach the Arab diasporas in both Americas. Takreem America was launched in 2022.
In 2023, Takreem organized the "Shining Stars of Hope" Christmas Special, a fundraising event that gathered significant attention and support for struggling Lebanese artists. This initiative raised substantial funds, which were channeled towards providing essential assistance and opportunities to artists facing challenges in the Lebanese creative industry.
Activities
Takreem organizes activities such as conferences, panel discussions, talks, and forums, in addition to its annual awards ceremony. These activities host speakers from different parts of the world who share their insights on important issues drawing on their life experiences and careers.Conferences
Panel discussions
TAKminds
TAKminds offers a platform for Arab professionals to connect, collaborate, and explore ways to create sustainable communities and opportunities for youth.Award ceremonies
| Location | Date | Year |
| Muscat | 3 February | 2023 |
| Abu Dhabi | 26 October | 2022 |
| Beirut | 3 December | 2021 |
| Online | 29 November | 2020 |
| Kuwait | 17 November | 2018 |
| Amman | 25 November | 2017 |
| Cairo | 26 November | 2016 |
| Dubai | 14 November | 2015 |
| Marrakesh | 8 November | 2014 |
| Paris | 14 November | 2013 |
| Manama | 30 November | 2012 |
| Doha | 30 April | 2011 |
| Beirut | 25 March | 2010 |
Laureates selection process
Nominations:Takreem uses a strict framework for its candidate selection process with one single mandatory prerequisite: Arab ancestry, except for one: the International Contribution to Arab Society category. This framework operates in an unbiased and non-discriminatory manner, giving equal rights to entry without regard to religion, gender, nationality, political beliefs, or age.
Once deemed eligible, candidates are classed in the most suitable category.
Selection process:
Takreem established an evaluation process to assess candidates, select finalists, and determine the winners. The two-stage screening process involves a Selection Board and a Jury Board whose experienced and diligent members evaluate eligible applicants through pre-determined by-laws.
The Selection Board drafts a short list of candidates for the Jury Board to appraise and select a laureate for each of Takreem's nine categories. The grading is classified, and the identity of the laureates is only disclosed on the night of the ceremony.
Award categories
Takreem presents annual awards in nine categories to individuals or institutions.- Young Entrepreneur
- Scientific and Technological Achievement
- Cultural Excellence
- Environmental Development and Sustainability
- Outstanding Arab Woman
- Excellence in Education
- Humanitarian and Civic Services
- Corporate Leadership
- International Contribution to Arab Society
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Special Distinction
- Legacy Award
Arbitration mechanism
Selection process
Takreem established a comprehensive evaluation process to assess candidates, select the finalists, and set the winners apart. The two-stage screening process involves a Nomination Board and a Jury Board whose experienced and diligent members evaluate eligible applicants through pre-determined by-laws.In the first phase, the Nomination Board identifies candidates deserving of the TAKREEM awards. These candidates are then screened by a committee of experts, which shortlists the finalists for each category.
In the second stage, the Jury Board convenes, deliberates, and selects a laureate for each of Takreem's nine categories. The grading is kept confidential, and the identities of the laureates are revealed only on the night of the ceremony. Throughout this process, the TAKREEM team acts solely as advisors and does not participate in the evaluation process.
Jury board members
| Years | Names |
| 2024 | Mr. Fares Akkad, Mrs. Paula Al Askari, HE Sheikha Alanoud Bint Hamad Al-Thani, Mr. Khalid Janahi, Mrs. Dania Haffar-Bazzy, Mr. Salah Khalil, Dr. Hiam Ali, Mrs. Mayada Himani, Mr. Karim Abdel Mottal, HE Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Mr. Ramez Shehadi, and Mr. Ziad Al-Turki. |
| 2023 | Mr. Fares Akkad, Mrs. Paula Al Askari, HE Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad Al-Thani, Mr. Khalil Janahi, Mrs. Rana Zaim Idriss, Mr. Maher Kaddoura, Mr. Salah Khalil, Mr. Shwan Taha, HE Sheikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Mr. Ramez Shehadi, Mrs. Basma Al Sulaiman, Dr. Hiam Ali. |
| 2022 | Mr. Youssef Dib, Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Lady Hayat Palumbo, HRH Princess Alia Tabbaa, HE Sheikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Khaled Janahi, Mrs. Paula Al Askari, Ms. Fadumo Dayib, Mr. Shwan Taha, Dr. Jala Makhzoumi, Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Mr. Ramez Shehadi, HE Dr. Farida Allaghi, Mr. Fares Akkad, Mrs. Hanan Sayed Worrell, Mr. Samir Brikho, Mr. Jassim Al Mansoori and Mrs. Maha Kaddoura. |
| 2021 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Princess Alia Tabbaa, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Khaled Janahi, Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Ms. Paula Al Askari, Ms. Fadumo Dayib, Mr. Emile Haddad, Mr. Shwan Taha, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Mrs. Maha Kaddoura, Dr. Farida Allaghi, Mr. Riad Al-Sadik, Mr. Elie Khouri, Dr. Paul Salem, Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, Mr. Samir Brikho, Dr. Akef El Maghraby and Faisal Tamer. |
| 2020 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Princess Alia Tabbaa, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Khaled Janahi, Mr. Abdul Hamied Seddiqi, Ms. Paula Al Askari, Ms. Fadumo Dayib, Mr. Emile Haddad, Mr. Shwan Taha, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Mrs. Maha Kaddoura, Dr. Farida Allaghi, Mr. Riad Al-Sadik, Mr. Elie Khouri, and Dr. Paul Salem. |
| 2019 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Princess Alia Tabbaa, Sheikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Khaled Janahi, Mr. Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, Ms. Paula Al Askari, Ms. Fadumo Dayib, Mr. Emile Haddad, Mr. Shwan Taha, Mr. Rafik Ben Ayed, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Ms. Maha Kaddoura, Dr. Hilal Al Sayer and Dr. Farida Allaghi. |
| 2018 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Dr. Akef El Maghraby, Princess Alia Tabbaa, Mr. Aziz Mekouar, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Dr. Elyès Jouini, Dr. Farida Allaghi, Sheikha Hala Al-Khalifa, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Mr. Khaled Janahi, Mrs. Nora Joumblatt, Dr. Nouha Alhegelan, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Mr. Riad Al Sadik, Sheikh Saleh Ali Al-Turki. |
| 2017 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Dr. Akef El Maghraby, Princess Alia Tabbaa, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Sheikha Hala Al-Khalifa, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Mr. Issa Abu Issa, Dr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Mr. Marc Levy, Mrs. Nora Joumblatt, Dr. Nouha Alhegelan, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Mr. Riad Al Sadik, Sheikh Saleh Ali Al-Turki, Mr. Samir Brikho. |
| 2016 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Princess Al Bandari bint Abdul Rahman Al Saud, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Dr. Farida Allaghi, Mr. Issa Abu Issa, Dr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Mr. Marc Levy, Queen Noor Al Hussein, Mrs. Nora Joumblatt, Dr. Nouha Alhegelan, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Mr. Riad Al Sadik, Sheikh Saleh Ali Al-Turki, Mr. Samer Khoury, Mr. Samir Brikho, Mr. Thomas Abraham. |
| 2015 | Dr. Ahmed Heikal, Mrs. Asma Seddiq Al-Mutawa, Princess Al Bandari bint Abdul Rahman Al Saud, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Dr. Farida Allaghi, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Mr. Issa Abu Issa, Dr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Prince Mansour bin Nasser Al Saud, Mr. Marc Levy, Queen Noor Al Hussein, Mrs. Nora Joumblatt, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Sheikh Saleh Ali Al-Turki, Mr. Samer Khoury, Mr. Samir Assaf, Mr. Samir Brikho, Mr. Thomas Abraham. |
| 2014 | Mr. André Azoulay, Princess Al Bandari bint Abdul Rahman Al Saud, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Lady Hayat Palumbo, Mr. Issa Abu Issa, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Mr. Marc Levy, Mr. Moataz Al-Alfi, Queen Noor Al Hussein, Mrs. Nora Joumblatt, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Raja Sidawi, Sheikh Saleh Ali Al-Turki, Mr. Samer Khoury, Dr. Suad Juffali. |
| 2013 | Prof. Alain Carpentier, Mr. Amin Maalouf, Mr. André Azoulay, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Dr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Dr. Leila Sharaf, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Mr. Marc Levy, Prince Mansour bin Nasser Al Saud, Dr. Nouha Alhegelan, Shaikha Paula Al Sabah, Mr. Raja Sidawi. |
| 2012 | Mr. Amin Maalouf, Mr. André Azoulay, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Dr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Dr. Leila Sharaf, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Mr. Marc Levy, Queen Noor Al Hussein, Dr. Nouha Alhegelan, Mr. Raja Sidawi. |
| 2011 | Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Dr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Queen Noor Al Hussein, Mr. Raja Sidawi. |
| 2010 | Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, Dr. Marwan Muasher. |