His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers, the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab world, which recognises philanthropists for their charitable, social and humanitarian work.
Individuals, volunteering groups and non-profit organisations driving community change can nominate themselves or be nominated by others through arabhopemakers.com. The winner will receive AED1 million.
Sheikh Mohammed said nurturing hope is a triumph for life itself and the most valuable investment in the future of societies. He said the UAE will always remain a nation of good deeds and optimism.
The initiative operates under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). Secretary-General Mohammad Al Gergawi said it was inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed to spread optimism and celebrate people who give selflessly. He said it has contributed significantly to humanitarian action and volunteering across the region since its launch in 2017.
That first edition began when Sheikh Mohammed posted an ad offering a “Hope Maker” job with a AED1 million reward. It drew more than 65,000 submissions, far above the target of 20,000. Last year’s edition attracted over 15,800 participants, bringing the total across six editions to more than 335,000.
Moroccan Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi was crowned the 2025 Arab Hope Maker for her work with Operation Smile, which has performed more than 19,000 surgeries for children born with cleft lips and palates. Finalists Hend Alhajri of Kuwait and Abderrahmane Rais of Morocco also received AED1 million each, taking total prizes to AED3 million.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
