Dubai Ruler calls on Arab philanthropists to 'cultivate hope' for region

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid delivers optimistic message as Dh1m Arab Hope Makers award is launched

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid with winners of the Arab Hope Makers award at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena in February. Photo: Ruel Pableo for The National

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday called on philanthropists across the Arab world to stand up as "beacons of hope" against those seeking to sow "despair in our region" as he announced a fresh search for humanitarian champions to vie for a Dh1 million prize.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Prime Minister, delivered an uplifting message over the need to celebrate those seeking to change lives in their communities through acts of goodwill and generosity, as he invited applications for the fifth Arab Hope Makers award.

The initiative was established in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed and has attracted more than 300,000 nominations during its first four editions.

This year's awards ceremony, held at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena in February, was attended by 12,000 people, among them leading humanitarian and cultural personalities. A date and venue for the 2025 event was not disclosed.

“Humans are nourished by hope. Communities flourish on hope, and even the most daunting challenges become manageable with genuine hope. While some sow despair and frustration in our region, we cultivate hope and champion optimism,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Arab Hope Makers 2024 – in pictures

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, with the four Arab Hope Makers winners, at the award ceremony in Dubai. All photos: Ruel Pableo for The National

Sheikh Mohammed with the four winners, from left, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt, Moroccan YouTuber Amine Imnir, and Tala Al Khalil from Iraq,

Emirati musician Hussain Al Jassmi performs at the Arab Hope Makers ceremony, at the Coca Cola Arena

Youtuber Amine Imnir, whose social media account ‘Faysboki’ strives to improve living conditions for underprivileged Moroccans, was one of the winners

Iraqi Mohamed Al Najjar, one of this year's winners, did not let losing his leg limit his ambitions

Egyptian Fathiya Al Mahmoud, known as ‘the mother of orphans', was another winner

Iraqi pharmacist Tala Al Khalil, another of the four winners, has been helping children living with cancer

Singer Humood performs

Singer Humood performs

Al Jassmi and fellow Emirati singer Ahlam share the stage

Influencer, author and researcher Dr Khaled Ghattas takes to the stage

“In every community, there are individuals who dedicate themselves to fostering hope and spreading kindness. Let us celebrate these Hope Makers, recognise their contributions, and showcase them as role models.”

The Dubai Ruler encouraged people to nominate themselves or others on the Arab Hope Makers website.

“May God guide us to be beacons of hope, positivity, and optimism for a brighter future in our region,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, spoke of the importance of the award in showcasing charitable endeavours all over the region.

"This initiative is a realistic call to combat despair and negativity by focusing on the positive within our Arab communities," Mr Al Gergawi said.

"It highlights initiatives that alleviate suffering among the sick, needy, orphaned, and unemployed. By opening nominations to any individual, team, or organisation working to improve local living conditions, the Hope Makers initiative has attracted over 300,000 nominations in its first four editions, fuelling optimism and driving hope across the region."

The winning Hope Maker will receives a Dh1m prize in recognition of their humanitarian contributions and to support the development of their projects.