Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will officially crown the leading Arab Hope Maker on February 23rd at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. This event marks the conclusion of the fifth edition of the Hope Makers initiative, which is recognized as the largest of its kind in the region, celebrating individuals devoted to contributing to their communities. The winner will be awarded AED 1 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Hope Makers initiative, operating under the auspices of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), attracted over 26,000 nominations in just one month. The funds raised from the closing ceremony will be directed toward supporting humanitarian efforts and initiatives aimed at enhancing lives across various communities. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that hope is a vital element that fuels life and serves as a bridge connecting the present with future aspirations. He emphasized the responsibility to empower young people against despair by building bridges of hope.
His Highness elaborated on the success of the fifth edition of the Hope Makers initiative, highlighting the reception of over 26,000 inspiring stories within a month. These narratives reflect young people's positivity, initiative, and potential in addressing community challenges. The ceremony on February 23rd will celebrate these promising individuals and their contributions.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the MBRGI, noted that the Hope Makers initiative represents Sheikh Mohammed's vision of fostering hope as a driver for positive change in Arab societies. The initiative is committed to recognizing those who dedicate themselves to serving humanity and making a significant difference. Al Gergawi mentioned that since its inception in 2017, the initiative has inspired millions across the Arab world by showcasing over 320,000 stories that highlight the potential for individuals to transform challenges into opportunities for community service.
He further described the fifth edition of the initiative as a notable milestone in fostering optimism and acknowledging humanitarian efforts. It aligns with MBRGI's mission to cultivate hope and empower positive change agents across the Arab world. The closing ceremony will serve as a tribute to philanthropists, encouraging their continued generosity and supporting their projects to extend hope's reach and inspire future generations.
The Hope Makers initiative awards AED 1 million to the winning Hope Maker in recognition of their humanitarian efforts, enabling them to further develop their programs. The ceremony will feature inspiring stories before announcing the top Arab Hope Maker. Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process evaluated by a specialized judging panel, focusing on the initiative's impact, challenges addressed, and community engagement.
The initiative targets individuals and organizations worldwide, recognizing those making positive changes through voluntary and non-profit projects. It seeks to amplify the stories of these unsung heroes, inspiring others towards constructive change and community development across the Arab world.