Dubai: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the sixth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative, the largest philanthropic movement of its kind in the Arab world.
The initiative is dedicated to recognizing individuals and organisations who devote their time, effort, and resources to improving lives and spreading hope across their communities.
Highlighting the power of optimism and service, Sheikh Mohammed said that, “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.”
يحيا الإنسان بالأمل .. وتستبشر المجتمعات بالأمل وبالقادم الأجمل ..
الأمل عنوان قوة، ومحرك للتغيير، وسر للتجدد ومصدر لا ينضب لخير البشر .في كل قرية .. وفي كل مدينة هناك أناس نذروا أنفسهم لخير البشر .. وصناعة الأمل .. أناس لا يبحثون عن الشهرة .. ولا يجرون خلف الأضواء ..
نبحث… pic.twitter.com/tpXRyxTbmm
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 11, 2025
“Today, we launch a new edition of the Hope Makers initiative to celebrate the tens of thousands who work away from the spotlight, nurturing trust in a better future. Hope Makers deserve to be recognized and celebrated. We invite them to participate and encourage everyone to nominate a Hope Maker they know,” His Highness added.
The initiative embodies Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to foster values of giving, generosity, and volunteerism, encouraging philanthropists to combat despair and create positive social change.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), stressed that the Hope Makers initiative embodies the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to foster a culture of giving, highlight inspiring examples from across the Arab world, and spread a message of optimism and hope.
Al Gergawi said that, “Since its launch in 2017, this unique initiative has significantly raised awareness of the impact of both individual and institutional volunteering. It has demonstrated its ability to improve lives, empowering more people to contribute to their communities and plant the seeds of determination and hope.”
“The Hope Makers initiative continued to draw a strong response over its past five editions, receiving over 320,000 nominations. This resounding success, reflected in both the volume and quality of the projects, is a testament to the limitless potential for good in our Arab world and the countless noble efforts worthy of recognition,” Al Gergawi added.
Participation in the 6th edition is open to individuals, volunteer teams, and non-profit organizations making an impact through projects or campaigns that alleviate suffering, improve education, empower communities, or enhance quality of life on a non-profit basis. Hope Makers can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The winner will receive AED 1 million ($272,300) in recognition of their achievements.
Operating under MBRGI, the initiative seeks to collect thousands of stories of compassion and perseverance from across the Arab world and beyond, celebrating these heroes through traditional, digital, and new media to amplify their reach and impact.
Since the first launch in 2017, when Sheikh Mohammed announced a creative ‘job opening’ for a Hope Maker with a reward of AED 1 million ($272,300), the initiative has seen tremendous engagement, with over 65,000 submissions in its debut year, far surpassing the original target of 20,000.
In last year’s edition, more than 26,000 nominations were received in one month. Sheikh Mohammed crowned Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco as the top Arab Hope Maker for his project supporting children suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), known as Children of the Moon.
Zainoun has dedicated his efforts to caring for 144 children, raising funds for medication and protective equipment. In recognition of exceptional efforts, Sheikh Mohammed also directed that the two other finalists receive equivalent AED 1 million ($272,300) prizes each, bringing the total awards presented to AED 3 million ($816,900).
The Arab Hope Makers initiative serves as a beacon of hope, positivity, and generosity, highlighting individuals who transform adversity into opportunity. By celebrating these role models, especially among youth, it seeks to inspire others to serve humanity, strengthen community spirit, and create a culture of enduring optimism across the Arab world.
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