Arab Hope Makers Opens Applications for Seventh Edition
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched the seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers, an initiative recognising individuals and organisations whose voluntary work creates a positive impact on society. The programme offers a top prize of AED1 million, equivalent to approximately $272,294, to support efforts that improve lives and address community challenges.
Applications and nominations are open to individuals, volunteering groups and non-profit organisations undertaking community-focused projects. Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by others through the official website, arabhopemakers.com.
The initiative operates under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and aims to encourage humanitarian action, community development and innovative approaches to social challenges across the Arab world and beyond.
Recognising Initiatives That Make a Difference
Arab Hope Makers celebrates voluntary, non-profit initiatives that help communities overcome difficulties, alleviate suffering and improve access to essential opportunities and services.
Eligible projects may focus on social, economic, cultural or educational development. The initiative welcomes programmes, campaigns and creative ideas that deliver meaningful benefits to individuals and communities.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of nurturing hope and supporting people committed to positive change.
“Nurturing hope is a triumph for life itself. The hope we cultivate today will yield prosperity, peace and safety in people’s lives tomorrow,” he said.
He also encouraged individuals and organisations to apply and urged the public to nominate people whose efforts deserve recognition.
Beyond financial awards, the programme helps successful participants expand their initiatives and promotes their work through traditional, digital and emerging media platforms.
More Than 335,000 Participants Across Six Editions
First launched in 2017, Arab Hope Makers began with a public appeal by Sheikh Mohammed for individuals and organisations working to improve lives to come forward. The initial announcement attracted more than 65,000 submissions, exceeding the original target of 20,000.
The initiative has since developed into a platform celebrating humanitarian work, volunteering and community-led solutions across the region.
According to the programme’s reported figures, the previous edition attracted more than 15,800 participants, bringing cumulative participation across its first six editions to more than 335,000.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s continuing commitment to humanitarian and charitable work. He highlighted the importance of supporting innovative projects that help communities access education, healthcare and opportunities for a dignified life.
The programme also aims to draw attention to inspiring stories of individuals who use their skills, time and resources to serve others.
Meet the Previous Arab Hope Makers Winners
The sixth edition recognised three finalists whose work addressed different humanitarian and social needs.
Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi from Morocco was named the 2025 Arab Hope Maker after receiving the highest number of votes at the closing ceremony. She was recognised for her work with Operation Smile, a foundation supporting children born with cleft lips and palates. The organisation had carried out more than 19,000 surgeries, according to the supplied report.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented Mahmoudi with the AED1 million prize. He also directed that the other two finalists receive the same amount, bringing the total prize money for the edition to AED3 million, or approximately $816,882.
The other finalists were:
- Hend Alhajri from Kuwait: Founded Fatima House while volunteering in Tanzania, providing a safe haven for orphaned children.
- Abderrahmane Rais from Morocco: Established an initiative supporting widows and women facing difficult circumstances across Morocco.
Their recognition demonstrated the programme’s broad focus on healthcare, child welfare and support for vulnerable communities.
How to Apply for Arab Hope Makers 2026
Individuals, volunteer groups and non-profit organisations with impactful voluntary initiatives can submit applications or nominate deserving candidates through the official Arab Hope Makers website.
Applicants should highlight the purpose of their projects, the communities they serve and the positive outcomes their work has achieved. Initiatives must be voluntary and non-profit, with a clear focus on improving lives or addressing community needs.
The AED1 million prize is intended to help recognised Hope Makers strengthen and expand their work, while public recognition can introduce their initiatives to a wider audience.
As the seventh edition gets underway, Arab Hope Makers continues to encourage community participation and celebrate people whose efforts demonstrate how practical action and compassion can create lasting social change.
