Arab Hope Makers 2025 Finale in Dubai on Feb 15

Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Arab Hope Makers initiative will host the closing ceremony of its sixth edition on 15 February at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Arab Hope Makers is one of the largest humanitarian initiatives in the Arab world. The ceremony will honour the most inspiring individuals and organisations who have created a real impact through humanitarian and community work. The top winner will receive AED 1 million as recognition for their exceptional efforts.

Over 15,800 nominations received

The sixth edition has received 15,802 nominations. With this, the total number of participants since the initiative began in 2017 has crossed 335,000 Hope Makers.

Sheikh Mohammed’s message on hope

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that hope is the spirit of determination and the pulse of life, describing it as a constant goal of humanity across time.

He urged people across the Arab world to join the journey of hope and positive change by contributing to their communities and making giving a part of their lives.

He added that the Arab world needs hope and renewed confidence to rebuild its place in civilisation and shape a stronger future.

Sheikh Mohammed also said that each edition brings thousands of inspiring stories, and the initiative is proud to see the spirit of giving and the competition to create hope growing every year.

MBRGI highlights the mission

His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said the Hope Makers initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of making giving and generosity key values in the Arab world.

He said the initiative encourages community leaders and volunteers to fight despair and negativity through unique humanitarian work. He also described hope as the bridge between today’s reality and the future people want to build.

Al Gergawi added that since 2017, the initiative has created a wide movement across the Arab world by highlighting real stories of humanitarian work, innovative ideas, and projects that uplift communities.

Who can participate in Hope Makers

The Hope Makers initiative is open to individuals and organisations across the Arab world and globally who are working on non-profit, voluntary projects.

These initiatives must clearly improve lives, reduce suffering, strengthen social, economic, cultural or educational environments, or solve community problems. Participation must be voluntary and non-profit, with no financial benefit.

How Hope Makers started

The initiative was launched in 2017 when Sheikh Mohammed posted a creative announcement on his official social media, offering a “Hope Maker” role with a reward of AED 1 million.

The response was massive, with over 65,000 submissions, far more than the original goal of 20,000.

Hope Makers Academy

Sheikh Mohammed also introduced the AED 50 million Hope Makers Academy, created to support humanitarian projects across the Arab world.

The academy helps develop humanitarian initiatives by providing specialised leadership and executive training in collaboration with experts and institutions.

Last year’s winner

The fifth edition received more than 26,000 nominations in one month. It ended with Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco being crowned the top Hope Maker.

He was recognised for his initiative to treat children suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, also known as “Children of the Moon.”

Sheikh Mohammed also directed that the other two finalists be awarded AED 1 million each, making the total prize value AED 3 million.

Main goal of the initiative

Arab Hope Makers aims to highlight unsung heroes who dedicate their time, effort, and resources to helping others. It also works to share their stories through traditional and digital media to increase recognition and inspire more people.

The initiative promotes a culture of giving, hope and positivity across the Arab world, while encouraging young role models to lead positive change.