His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has inaugurated the sixth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative, a pioneering programme recognising individuals, volunteer groups, and organisations that dedicate themselves to improving lives, fostering hope, and driving positive change across the Arab world. The initiative, which has become the largest of its kind in the region, seeks to honour those whose contributions often go unrecognised, offering both recognition and financial support to extend their impact.Since its inception in 2017, Arab Hope Makers has aimed to spotlight the Arab world’s unsung heroes—men, women, and organisations working tirelessly to serve their communities. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasised the moral and societal significance of hope, stating, “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.”Through this initiative, the UAE leadership seeks to cultivate a culture of giving, volunteerism, and social responsibility, combating despair and negativity by shining a light on those who dedicate their resources and efforts to the welfare of others.
Scope and reach of the initiative
Arab Hope Makers operates under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and has become a benchmark for recognising impactful community work across the Arab world. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, outlined the initiative’s goals:
- To foster a culture of giving and highlight exemplary acts of philanthropy.
- To empower individuals and institutions to contribute positively to society.
- To spread optimism and hope through tangible examples of service.
Since 2017, the initiative has received over 320,000 nominations, reflecting both the scale and quality of humanitarian and community projects. It has demonstrated measurable social impact, inspiring increased participation in volunteerism and community development across the region.Arab Hope Makers welcomes nominations from individuals, voluntary groups, and non-profit organisations with projects, programmes, campaigns, or initiatives that have measurably improved lives, alleviated suffering, or addressed local social, economic, cultural, or educational challenges—all on a voluntary, non-profit basis. Applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by others.
Notable achievements and awards
The initiative has previously recognised projects with far-reaching social impact. Last year, Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco was crowned top Arab Hope Maker for his work with children suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare genetic condition known as Children of the Moon. Zainoun has personally cared for 144 children, raising funds to provide medications and protective gear.In recognition of extraordinary efforts, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also 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 awards not only reward past contributions but enable recipients to scale their initiatives and extend their reach.
Participation and future vision
For 2025, the sixth edition of Arab Hope Makers has opened nominations through www.arabhopemakers.com, inviting tens of thousands of stories from across the Arab world. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasised the transformative potential of hope in society, tweeting, “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.”He added, “In every village and city, there are people who have devoted themselves to humanity and to fostering hope. They do not seek fame or chase the limelight. We seek them out to honour them and raise awareness of their deeds, so that they can serve as role models in our societies.”Through Arab Hope Makers, MBRGI seeks not only to reward extraordinary service but also to inspire a new generation of leaders, volunteers, and philanthropists. By amplifying stories of hope, the initiative encourages youth and communities alike to engage in meaningful social action, cultivating a legacy of generosity and resilience throughout the Arab world.
