Mohammed Bin Rashid To Honour Top Arab Hope Maker At Ceremony On February 23 In Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will award the top Arab Hope Maker on 23 February at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. This event concludes the fifth edition of the Hope Makers initiative, which honours those committed to community service. The winner will receive AED 1 million.

The Hope Makers initiative, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), received over 26,000 nominations in just one month this year. Proceeds from the final ceremony will support humanitarian efforts aimed at enhancing lives across various communities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressed: "Life has taught me that creating hope fuels life. Hope is the bridge connecting our present reality to the future we aspire to. We have a responsibility to build bridges for millions of young people, empowering them against despair. To believe in hope is to believe in life itself."

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, highlighted that the Hope Makers initiative embodies His Highness's vision of fostering hope as a catalyst for positive change in Arab societies. He stressed its dedication to recognising those who quietly serve humanity and make a tangible difference.

Al Gergawi noted: "Since its 2017 launch, the Hope Makers initiative has inspired millions across the Arab world by showcasing over 320,000 stories that demonstrate the power of believing in humanity and the capacity of individuals to transform challenges into opportunities for community service." He added that this success reflects the UAE's dedication to promoting philanthropy and encouraging individuals and institutions to contribute to a brighter future for all.

The initiative awards AED 1 million to recognise humanitarian contributions and empower winners to further develop their programs. The ceremony will feature inspiring stories before announcing the top Arab Hope Maker.

Selection Process and Criteria

Candidates undergo a rigorous multi-stage selection process culminating in Dubai's final round. A specialised judging panel evaluates each nomination based on specific criteria like focus, challenges addressed, real-world impact, and audience reach.

Finalists are chosen based on measurable community impact, innovative solutions, effective resource use, and fostering volunteerism and social cohesion. The initiative targets individuals and organisations driving positive change through projects or initiatives that improve lives without financial gain.

Inspiring Positive Role Models

The initiative aims to highlight unsung heroes dedicating time and resources to aid others. It amplifies their stories through media, increasing recognition within communities and across the Arab world. By showcasing these role models, especially among youth, it inspires constructive change and community development.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launched the Hope Makers initiative in 2017 with a creative ad on social media offering a job as Hope Maker with an AED 1 million reward. The announcement received over 65,000 submissions from individuals and organisations around the Arab world.

Acknowledging Past Achievements

In its fourth season, H.H. honoured four finalists: Tala Al Khalil (Iraq), Mohamed Al Najjar (Iraq), Amine Imnir (Morocco), and Fathiya Al Mahmoud (Egypt). Their projects included community service initiatives leading humanitarian aid efforts followed by education, youth empowerment, health, culture, arts, and inspiring stories.

The season also partnered with ET Arabic under "Art Makes Hope," where Arab artists participated in humanitarian projects supporting those in need. This collaboration highlighted art's role in fostering hope within communities.

With inputs from WAM