His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, has emphasized that creating hope is among the noblest and most valuable investments societies can make in their present and future. He reaffirmed that the UAE will remain a nation of generosity and optimism, inspiring positive change throughout the region and beyond.
His Highness made the remarks while announcing the search for new Hope Makers across the Arab world for 2026, marking the launch of the seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers, the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab world dedicated to recognizing individuals whose humanitarian, charitable, and community efforts make a meaningful difference.
The initiative continues to bring attention to inspiring stories of generosity and service, celebrating individuals and volunteer organizations working to improve people’s lives. Their projects, programs, and campaigns support vulnerable communities, provide assistance to those in need, help people affected by disasters, and create opportunities for a better quality of life.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Nurturing hope is a victory for life… And the hope we spread and nurture today will, God willing, bring prosperity, tranquility, and security to people’s lives tomorrow.”
His Highness added: “We take pride in everyone who takes the initiative to change their reality through the power of goodness… We invite them to nominate themselves, and we invite people to nominate those they believe deserve recognition through the website arabhopemakers.com.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded: “The story of human civilization began with hope… Societies will remain well as long as they are capable of creating hope… Hope Makers offer inspiring examples of people who have turned doing good into a daily practice and a community culture.”
In a post shared on the social media platform X, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also highlighted the importance of hope in people’s lives and the role of those who dedicate themselves to helping others, stating: “Societies live on hope… People look forward with optimism to a more beautiful tomorrow… Young people live with the hope of a better future… In every village and city, there are people who have dedicated themselves to the good of humanity… To creating life and hope… They do not seek the spotlight or fame… But we are looking for them… To honor them and highlight the nobility of their work… And the beauty of their values in life.”
His Highness added in the same post: “A new edition of Hope Makers… In which we search for people of goodness… And those who do good in their communities… Our journey to inspire people… Create hope… And move societies toward a better future will not stop.”
Changing Reality
His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, emphasized that Arab Hope Makers reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to spread optimism, combat despair, and recognize individuals whose exceptional initiatives serve their communities without expecting anything in return.
His Excellency noted that since its launch in 2017, the initiative has made significant contributions to volunteer and humanitarian work across the Arab world. It has also strengthened confidence in the ability of younger generations to bring about positive change and help lead their communities toward a better future.
His Excellency said: “The seventh edition comes as part of the UAE’s distinguished journey in charitable and humanitarian work, and its continued efforts to embrace innovative and noble projects, highlight the bright aspects of our Arab societies, and showcase the talents and capabilities they possess in sincere efforts to improve people’s lives and enable segments of society to obtain their right to education, healthcare, and the basic necessities of a decent life, as demonstrated by tens of thousands of humanitarian stories in each new edition.”
Through these efforts, the initiative continues to provide a wider platform for people making a difference to share their experiences, while encouraging projects capable of bringing meaningful improvements to individuals and communities.
Positive Impact
Arab Hope Makers welcomes nominations from individuals involved in humanitarian or community initiatives, regardless of their field of work. Organizations, charitable associations, volunteer groups, and institutions carrying out activities that benefit society are also eligible to participate.
Members of the public can nominate individuals they believe deserve the title of Hope Maker. The winner receives a financial award of AED 1 million in recognition of their humanitarian contributions and to support the continued development of their projects and programs.
Nominations are accepted through the initiative’s official website, arabhopemakers.com. The initiative aims to gather tens of thousands of inspiring stories from across the Arab world, bring attention to the people behind them, and recognize the positive influence they have within their communities.
Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, Arab Hope Makers focuses on individuals and organizations that have developed creative projects, programs, or campaigns with a clear impact on people’s lives.
These efforts may involve easing the suffering of disadvantaged groups, improving social and economic conditions, supporting education and cultural development, or finding practical solutions to challenges facing local communities.
To qualify, initiatives must be voluntary and carried out without financial compensation, commercial profit, or personal material gain, reflecting the values of generosity, community responsibility, and genuine humanitarian service.
An Inspiring Initiative
Arab Hope Makers began in 2017, when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched its first edition through an unconventional announcement published on his official social media accounts.
The announcement invited applications for the role of a “Hope Maker,” describing a person with the ability to give, serve others, maintain a positive outlook, and believe in the potential of people across the Arab world.
Applicants were also expected to have practical experience through participation in at least one community initiative.
The opportunity came with an award worth AED 1 million, while participation was open to people of all ages, without restrictions.
The announcement received an overwhelming response across the Arab world. More than 65,000 nominations were submitted by individuals, volunteer groups, and humanitarian and community organizations, far exceeding the original target of 20,000 applications.
The first edition brought forward several remarkable humanitarian stories.
Among them was Nawal Al Soufi, a Moroccan woman living in Italy who devoted her efforts to helping refugees attempting to reach Europe by sea. Her work contributed to saving the lives of more than 200,000 refugees.
Another inspiring participant was Iraq’s Hisham Al Dhahabi, who dedicated himself to supporting children living on the streets. Through the establishment of the Iraqi House of Creativity, he provided these children with care, support, and opportunities for a better life.
Five Heroes
The second edition of Arab Hope Makers attracted more than 87,000 nominations, reflecting growing interest in the initiative across the region.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored the five finalists, awarding each of them AED 1 million and bringing the total prize value to AED 5 million.
His Highness also announced the establishment of the Hope Makers Academy with funding of AED 50 million.
The academy was created to support humanitarian initiatives across the Arab world by providing a supportive environment for projects, facilitating access to international expertise, and offering executive and leadership training programs in cooperation with leading specialized institutions and organizations.
One of the notable participants in the second edition was Egyptian humanitarian Nawal Mustafa, who dedicated her work to supporting female prisoners and their children.
She established the Children of Female Prisoners Care Association to draw attention to the needs of children living inside prisons alongside their mothers and to provide them with essential care and assistance.
The third edition saw participation rise to 92,000 Hope Makers.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recognized the five finalists, granting each an award of AED 1 million in appreciation of their humanitarian efforts.
Among the inspiring stories was that of Egyptian physician Dr. Mujahed Mustafa Ali Al Talawi, who has spent decades providing medical care to poor and disadvantaged patients, either free of charge or for a symbolic fee.
Alongside his medical work, he has supported orphans, vulnerable families, and people in need in the village of Tala in Upper Egypt.
The same edition also recognized the humanitarian contributions of American journalist Steve Sosebee, who received Palestinian citizenship in recognition of his efforts to support Palestinian children who had lost limbs.
He worked to encourage doctors and volunteers from around the world to assist Palestinian medical teams and founded the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, extending support to children requiring medical care.
Great Appreciation
The fourth edition attracted more than 58,000 Hope Makers from across the Arab world and concluded with Iraqi humanitarian Tala Al Khalil receiving the title of Hope Maker after securing the highest number of votes during the closing ceremony.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed that all four finalists be recognized as winners of the title.
Alongside Tala Al Khalil, they included Iraq’s Mohammed Al Najjar, Morocco’s Amine Imnir, and Egypt’s Fathiya Al Mahmoud.
Dr. Tala Al Khalil, an Iraqi pharmacist, made a significant difference in the lives of children facing serious health challenges.
She established the Warriors Academy in Basra and, through her personal efforts, provided care and support to more than 200 children affected by Down syndrome and cancer, helping them cope with medical and social difficulties.
Fellow Iraqi finalist Dr. Mohammed Al Najjar helped restore hope among people who had lost limbs.
He also succeeded in establishing a soccer team representing Iraq in international competitions, offering participants the opportunity to pursue their sporting ambitions.
In Morocco, Amine Imnir turned his social media presence into a platform for humanitarian giving.
He organized charitable initiatives and relief campaigns that included distributing assistance to people in need, digging wells, and building bridges, transforming online engagement into practical support for communities.
Egyptian humanitarian Fathiya Al Mahmoud, widely known as the “Mother of Orphan Girls” and “Mama Fathiya,” also received widespread appreciation for her dedication to children without parental care.
She welcomed 34 orphaned girls into her home, taking responsibility for their upbringing, education, and daily needs.
Her humanitarian work also led to the establishment of the Touch of Hope Association, which focuses on supporting orphans.
The fifth edition continued the initiative’s success, receiving more than 26,000 nominations in just one month.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum crowned Moroccan humanitarian Ahmed Zainoun as the leading Hope Maker after he received the highest number of votes during the closing ceremony.
Zainoun was recognized for his initiative to help children living with xeroderma pigmentosum, a rare condition commonly associated with the term “Children of the Moon.”
His efforts focused on providing treatment and support to affected children while helping improve their quality of life.
His Highness also directed that all three finalists receive AED 1 million each, bringing the total value of the fifth edition’s awards to AED 3 million.
Moving Stories
The sixth edition of Arab Hope Makers attracted more than 15,800 participants, bringing the overall number of people who had taken part in the initiative across its first six editions to more than 335,000.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, crowned Morocco’s Fawzia Jbara Mahmoudi as the Arab world’s leading Hope Maker, awarding her AED 1 million.
His Highness also directed that the other two finalists, Hind Al Hajri from Kuwait and Abdelrahman Al Rayes from Morocco, each receive AED 1 million.
The decision brought the total prize value of the sixth edition to AED 3 million.
Fawzia Jbara Mahmoudi earned the title after receiving the highest number of votes during the closing ceremony.
Her recognition followed the success of her humanitarian initiative, which led to the establishment of the Operation Smile Association and the completion of more than 19,000 surgical procedures, making a substantial difference in the lives of beneficiaries.
Another moving story came from Kuwaiti volunteer Hind Al Hajri, who established Fatima House while working as a volunteer teacher in Tanzania.
Through this initiative, she provided shelter, care, and support for dozens of orphaned children, creating a safer and more supportive environment for them.
Moroccan finalist Abdelrahman Al Rayes was recognized for his humanitarian programs dedicated to helping widows and women in need across different parts of Morocco.
His efforts focused on providing assistance and improving their living conditions through community-based charitable work.
Spreading Optimism
Arab Hope Makers continues to discover and celebrate inspiring humanitarian figures across the Arab world.
The initiative recognizes women and men who devote their time, energy, and personal resources to helping others, supporting vulnerable families, assisting those affected by hardship, and improving the communities around them.
An important part of its mission is to bring these stories to a wider Arab audience through traditional media, digital platforms, and social networks.
By highlighting the people behind these initiatives, Arab Hope Makers gives their efforts greater visibility and recognition while encouraging others to participate in charitable and volunteer activities.
The initiative also seeks to support the most influential humanitarian projects through financial awards that allow their founders to maintain and expand their work.
Such support helps existing programs reach more beneficiaries, develop their services, and continue making a meaningful difference in their communities.
At the heart of Arab Hope Makers is a commitment to spreading optimism and positivity throughout Arab societies.
The initiative encourages individuals to believe in their ability to help others and bring about change, regardless of their personal circumstances or the challenges they face.
It places particular importance on showcasing inspiring young people whose commitment to generosity and community service can encourage others to follow their example.
