His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially inaugurated the sixth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative. This pioneering programme continues its mission to recognize exceptional individuals, volunteer groups, and organizations dedicated to transforming lives and spreading hope throughout the Arab world.
Celebrating Unsung Heroes Across Arab World
The Arab Hope Makers initiative, established in 2017, has grown to become the largest programme of its kind in the region. It specifically aims to honor those remarkable people and organizations whose contributions often remain unnoticed despite their significant impact on communities.
During the launch, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the profound importance of hope in society. He stated, "Creating hope is the highest and most noble achievement for those seeking to serve their communities. Hope makers open the door to dreams and a sense of security. Our Arab world is home to heroes who make us proud, offering daily examples of generosity and dedication in serving others."
The initiative operates under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and has become a benchmark for recognizing impactful community work across Arab nations.
Massive Reach and Social Impact
Since its inception, the Arab Hope Makers initiative has demonstrated remarkable growth and social influence. The programme has received over 320,000 nominations since 2017, reflecting both the scale and quality of humanitarian projects across the region.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, outlined the initiative's core objectives:
- Fostering a culture of giving and highlighting exemplary philanthropy
- Empowering individuals and institutions to contribute positively to society
- Spreading optimism through tangible examples of service
The initiative has successfully inspired increased participation in volunteerism and community development activities throughout Arab communities.
Substantial Awards and Recognition
The Arab Hope Makers programme not only provides recognition but also substantial financial support to scale impactful projects. In the previous edition, Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco was crowned the top Arab Hope Maker for his extraordinary work with children suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare genetic condition.
Zainoun has personally cared for 144 children affected by this condition, raising crucial funds to provide essential medications and protective equipment.
In a remarkable gesture, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awarded the two other finalists equal prizes of AED 1 million each, bringing the total prize value distributed through the initiative to AED 3 million. These substantial awards enable recipients to expand their initiatives and reach more beneficiaries.
Nominations Open for 2025 Edition
The sixth edition of Arab Hope Makers has officially opened nominations through their official website www.arabhopemakers.com. The initiative invites tens of thousands of inspiring stories from across the Arab world.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlighted the transformative power of hope in his recent tweet: "People live on hope and societies rejoice in hope and a brighter future. It is a source of strength, a driver of change and the secret to renewal. It is also an inexhaustible source of goodness for humanity."
The programme welcomes nominations from individuals, voluntary groups, and non-profit organizations that have implemented projects, programmes, campaigns, or initiatives demonstrating measurable improvement in lives, alleviation of suffering, or addressing local social, economic, cultural, or educational challenges. Importantly, all nominated work must be conducted on a voluntary, non-profit basis.
Through Arab Hope Makers, MBRGI aims not only to reward extraordinary service but also to inspire a new generation of leaders, volunteers, and philanthropists. By amplifying stories of hope and resilience, the initiative encourages youth and communities to engage in meaningful social action, cultivating a lasting legacy of generosity throughout the Arab world.
