Annual IEEE Honors spotlight the world’s most influential engineers and technologists
DUBAI, ABU DHABI, RIYADH, DOHA, 23rd April 2026. IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization, with more than 500,000 members worldwide and dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, has announced the recipients of its 2026 IEEE Honors. The awards celebrate engineers, scientists, and innovators whose work has had a lasting impact on technology, industry, and society, including in the Middle East.
Presented annually, the IEEE Honors span fields including wireless communications, healthcare technology, energy systems, education, and data infrastructure.
This year’s recipients include Erik Dahlman, honored for his role in the development of 4G and 5G technologies that underpin modern mobile connectivity. Eric R. Fossum is being recognized for inventing the CMOS image sensor, the breakthrough behind smartphone cameras and digital imaging. Karen Ann Panetta is being celebrated for her work in image processing and signal analysis, as well as her efforts to expand access to engineering careers, particularly for women and young people.
In a distinction of particular relevance to the region, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has been named an IEEE Honorary Member. Founder of Education City and a global advocate for education, research, and youth empowerment, Sheikha Moza has played a major role in advancing education in the Middle East and building a world class academic and research ecosystem through Qatar Foundation.
This year’s honors also cover breakthroughs in semiconductor technology, renewable energy systems, and data science, underlining the breadth of work recognized by IEEE.
The IEEE Honors Ceremony will take place in New York on April 24, bringing together leaders from across the engineering and technology communities.
With a history spanning decades, the IEEE Honors are among the most established awards in the field, highlighting the people whose work continues to shape the modern world.
###
About IEEE
IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization and is a public charity dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics.
Learn more at https://www.ieee.org