Mohammed bin Rashid crowns Ahmed Zainoun as Arab Hope Maker

Honouring the finalists

Along with Zainoun, two other finalists—Samar Nadeem from Egypt and Khadija Al-Qorti from Morocco—were also honoured with equivalent cash prizes of AED 1 million each, raising the total prize value of the Hope Makers awards to AED 3 million.

Zainoun's inspiring initiative

Zainoun earned the top honor after receiving the highest number of votes. He was recognised for his initiative to treat children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare genetic disorder, also known as ‘Children of the Moon.’ The initiative was celebrated during the closing ceremony of the 5th edition of the Hope Makers initiative, which aired across the Arab world.

The spirit of Hope Makers

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised Hope Makers for their selfless giving and humanitarian work, noting that they serve as inspiring role models. He highlighted the importance of recognising these individuals and initiatives, which reflect the values of generosity and compassion.

UAE's support for positive change

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the winners and emphasised that the UAE is dedicated to supporting hope and inspiring initiatives that champion optimism and social progress across the Arab world.

The closing ceremony

The closing ceremony, attended by prominent figures such as H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, featured musical performances and inspiring videos about the finalists' journeys. The ceremony also included appearances from international artists and a spotlight on humanitarian efforts in the Arab region.

Hope Makers Initiative's growing impact

The Hope Makers initiative received over 26,000 nominations in its fifth edition, demonstrating the Arab world's vibrant humanitarian spirit. The initiative has engaged over 320,000 participants since its inception in 2017.

Highlighting humanitarian stories

The ceremony shared moving stories about the finalists: Samar Nadeem’s work with the homeless in Egypt, Zainoun’s dedication to children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum, and Khadija Al-Qorti’s support for cancer patients in Morocco. Other notable Hope Makers included Tunisian Karim Arfa and Mauritanian rapper Racine Dia, who are dedicated to community service and environmental sustainability.

Recognising unseen heroes

The Hope Makers initiative, part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, aims to celebrate unsung heroes across the Arab world. By showcasing these positive role models, the initiative seeks to inspire youth and encourage social change, offering them the recognition they deserve for their dedication to improving lives and helping others.