Sheikh Mohammed invites 'role models' for Dh1 million 'Hope Makers' award

A Dh1 million prize awaits the winner of the seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers, an initiative that celebrates individuals and organisations making a positive difference through charitable and humanitarian work.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the launch of the new edition, inviting people across the Arab world to nominate individuals whose efforts have improved lives and supported communities in need.

Organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), the initiative recognises individuals, volunteer groups and non-profit organisations that create meaningful social change.

“Nurturing hope is a triumph for life itself. The hope we cultivate today will yield prosperity, peace and safety in people’s lives tomorrow,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

He also encouraged people working to improve their communities to participate and urged the public to nominate deserving individuals through the official website, arabhopemakers.com.

Who Can Apply for Arab Hope Makers?

Arab Hope Makers recognises people and organisations that voluntarily work to improve lives without seeking financial profit.

Eligible initiatives include projects, campaigns, programmes and creative efforts that address community challenges, alleviate suffering and support social, economic, cultural and educational development.

The initiative also highlights efforts that improve access to education, healthcare and a dignified life.

Applicants can nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Through the seventh edition, organisers aim to collect tens of thousands of inspiring stories from across the Arab world.

Initiative Aims to Promote Hope and Humanitarian Work

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, said the initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of spreading optimism, overcoming despair and recognising people who serve their communities without expecting anything in return.

The programme highlights inspiring humanitarian stories and encourages people to contribute to society through volunteering, charitable activities and community service.

By showcasing these efforts, Arab Hope Makers aims to demonstrate how individuals and organisations can improve lives and help communities access essential services and opportunities.

Arab Hope Makers Launched in 2017

Sheikh Mohammed launched Arab Hope Makers in 2017 through a social media announcement offering Dh1 million to the individual selected as the Hope Maker.

The first call attracted more than 65,000 submissions from individuals, volunteer groups and humanitarian and community organisations across the Arab world, exceeding the initial target of 20,000.

Since its launch, the initiative has continued to recognise people whose dedication and humanitarian efforts inspire others to make a difference.

The sixth edition attracted more than 15,800 participants, bringing the total number of participants across the first six editions to more than 335,000.

Who Won the Previous Edition of Arab Hope Makers?

At the 2025 awards ceremony, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council, announced Morocco’s Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi as the winner.

Mahmoudi received the Dh1 million prize for her work with Operation Smile, a foundation that supports children born with cleft lips and palates. The initiative has facilitated more than 19,000 surgeries.

The other two finalists also received Dh1 million each on Sheikh Hamdan’s direction, bringing the total prize money for the sixth edition to Dh3 million.

The finalists included Kuwait’s Hend Alhajri, who founded Fatima House in Tanzania to provide a home for orphaned children, and Morocco’s Abderrahmane Rais, who launched a humanitarian initiative supporting widows and women in need.

How Arab Hope Makers Inspires Communities

Beyond financial rewards, Arab Hope Makers aims to bring attention to people who dedicate their time, effort and resources to helping others, often without receiving public recognition.

By sharing their stories through traditional and digital media, the initiative seeks to inspire more people, particularly younger generations, to volunteer, support those in need and contribute to their communities.

The financial support also helps selected Hope Makers expand their initiatives, reach more beneficiaries and continue their humanitarian work.

How to Nominate a Hope Maker

Applications for the seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers are open through the official website.

Individuals can nominate themselves or recommend someone whose charitable, volunteer or humanitarian work has made a positive impact on society.
Visit arabhopemakers.com to submit a nomination and learn more about the initiative.

The seventh edition continues the programme’s mission of celebrating generosity, encouraging community service and recognising people whose efforts bring hope and positive change across the Arab world.