By Staff Reporter
DUBAI – UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the seventh edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative, which recognises individuals and organisations making a difference through humanitarian, charitable and social work.
The initiative invites individuals, volunteer groups and non-profit organisations involved in improving communities to nominate themselves or be nominated by others through the official website, arabhopemakers.com. The winner will receive AED1 million.
Sheikh Mohammed said nurturing hope was a triumph for life and a valuable investment in the future of societies, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian work and optimism.
The initiative operates under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). Its Secretary-General, Mohammad Al Gergawi, said the programme reflected Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of promoting hope and recognising people who dedicate themselves to helping others.
Launched in 2017, Arab Hope Makers has encouraged humanitarian action and volunteering across the Arab region. Its inaugural edition attracted more than 65,000 submissions, exceeding the initial target of 20,000.
The previous edition attracted more than 15,800 participants, bringing the cumulative number of participants across the first six editions to over 335,000.
Moroccan humanitarian Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi was named the 2025 Arab Hope Maker in recognition of her work with Operation Smile, which has carried out more than 19,000 surgeries for children born with cleft lips and palates.
The other finalists, Hend Alhajri of Kuwait and Abderrahmane Rais of Morocco, also received AED1 million each, bringing the total prize money awarded in the previous edition to AED3 million.
The seventh edition continues the initiative’s efforts to spotlight people whose work improves lives and strengthens communities across the Arab world.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
