UAE to Host Grand Closing Ceremony for Arab Hope Makers Initiative in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates is set to host the closing ceremony for the sixth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative on February 15 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The prestigious event will be graced by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. This ceremony serves as a culminating celebration for one of the Arab world's most significant humanitarian movements.
Honoring Humanitarian Excellence Across the Arab World
The ceremony is designed to recognize and honor leading humanitarian initiatives from throughout the Arab region. A highlight of the evening will be the announcement of a distinguished winner who will receive a substantial AED1 million award. This recognition underscores the initiative's commitment to rewarding those who make tangible differences in their communities through selfless service.
Arab Hope Makers has evolved into the largest humanitarian initiative in the region, dedicated to celebrating individuals and organizations that invest their time, effort, and resources into improving lives. The program specifically focuses on voluntary, non-profit efforts that address real-world challenges, ranging from alleviating human suffering to strengthening social, educational, cultural, and economic environments.
From Humble Beginnings to a Regional Powerhouse
Since its inception in 2017, the Arab Hope Makers initiative has attracted an impressive more than 335,000 Hope Makers across the Arab world. The sixth edition alone witnessed a remarkable 15,802 nominations, demonstrating sustained public engagement and a rapidly growing culture of philanthropy and community service. This movement, built on the foundational pillars of hope and actionable compassion, continues to expand its reach and impact.
The initiative was first announced in 2017 through an innovative message shared by Sheikh Mohammed on his official social media platforms. The announcement offered a role titled "Hope Maker" with a reward of AED1 million. The public response was overwhelming, with over 65,000 submissions from individuals, volunteer groups, and humanitarian organizations, far surpassing the original target of 20,000 entries.
Evolution into a Comprehensive Humanitarian Platform
Over the years, Arab Hope Makers has transformed from a single award program into a robust platform that highlights impactful humanitarian ideas and actively supports their expansion. A significant development from this initiative was the launch of the Hope Makers Academy, a AED50 million program specifically designed to strengthen and professionalize Arab humanitarian work.
The academy provides crucial support to promising humanitarian projects by transferring global expertise and offering specialized leadership and executive training. This training is conducted in collaboration with leading international experts and institutions, ensuring that Arab humanitarian efforts benefit from world-class knowledge and practices.
Recognition Events and Lasting Community Impact
Each edition of Arab Hope Makers concludes with a public ceremony that honors finalists and announces the top Hope Maker. Last year's event attracted 12,000 attendees, including numerous humanitarian and cultural leaders from across the region. During the fifth edition, Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco was named the top Hope Maker for his initiative to treat children with xeroderma pigmentosum, commonly known as Children of the Moon.
In that same edition, two other finalists were also awarded AED1 million each, bringing the total prize value distributed to an impressive AED3 million. This substantial financial support enables winners to significantly expand their humanitarian projects and create broader community impact.
Visionary Leadership and Philosophical Foundation
Speaking about the initiative's philosophical underpinnings, Sheikh Mohammed has consistently described hope as a driving force that fuels determination and progress. In a message shared on social media platform X, he emphasized that optimism spreads across people and institutions, and that planting the seeds of hope leads to generations committed to serving their communities and believing in achievement.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has articulated that the Arab Hope Makers initiative reflects a visionary perspective that places generosity and giving at the very heart of Arab society. By spotlighting inspiring philanthropy and innovative humanitarian action, he noted, Arab Hope Makers has empowered hundreds of thousands of people with the confidence and insight necessary to transform community and volunteer work across the region.
As the sixth edition prepares to draw to a close in Dubai, Arab Hope Makers continues to position hope not as an abstract or theoretical concept, but as practical, actionable compassion that actively reshapes lives and communities throughout the Arab world. The initiative stands as a testament to the power of collective humanitarian action and the enduring spirit of regional solidarity.
