Al-Maktoum launched a foundation that organizes high-quality research programs and activities in universities in the region as well as providing scholarships and research grants. Al-Maktoum has taken bold steps to prepare the Arab world for the academic, economic, and social demands of the 21st century. The German Minister for Economics and Technology, Michael Glos, held the laudatio in the Henry Ford Building of Freie Universtät Berlin.

The Medal of Honor in Gold of Freie Universität Berlin is presented to outstanding personalities in international politics during state visits. Previous recipients include Kim Dae-jung, Suzanne Mubarak, and Vaira Vike-Freiberga.