Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, honoured the winners of the 6th Arab Hope Makers initiative at a ceremony held at the Coca-Cola Arena. Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi from Morocco was awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker and a cash prize of AED1 million for her project, ‘Operation Smile’. In a show of generosity, Sheikh Hamdan also awarded AED1 million each to the other two finalists, Hend Alhajri from Kuwait and Abderrahmane Rais from Morocco, bringing the total prize money to AED3 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi earned the top honours after receiving the highest number of votes during the event. Her initiative, ‘Operation Smile’, provides comprehensive care for children born with cleft lips and palates across Morocco. The foundation operates multiple medical centres and has conducted numerous mobile medical missions, successfully performing over 19,000 surgeries since its inception.
The Arab Hope Makers initiative, the largest of its kind in the Arab world, attracted 15,800 participants this year. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan congratulated all participants who strive to make a lasting positive impact in their communities. He emphasised the importance of hope in overcoming challenges and achieving progress, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to fostering hope and uplifting humanity.
Fouzia’s success in the initiative highlights the significant impact of humanitarian work. Her dedication, along with the efforts of Hend Alhajri and Abderrahmane Rais, exemplifies the spirit of giving and community service that the Arab Hope Makers initiative seeks to promote.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), noted that the initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to foster optimism and champion noble causes. The initiative has expanded the horizons for humanitarian work across the Arab world, recognising selfless acts that transform ideas into projects offering hope for a better life.
Al Gergawi highlighted the success of the initiative in capturing inspiring stories across its six editions, underscoring its significance as a platform to celebrate unsung heroes and inspire future generations. The initiative continues to generate growing interest, with participants aspiring to earn the prestigious Arab Hope Maker title.
The inspiring stories of the finalists demonstrate the transformative power of hope and community service. Hend Alhajri’s ‘Fatima House’ in Zanzibar provides shelter and care for orphaned children, while Abderrahmane Rais’s ‘Suroor’ initiative supports widows and women in need across Morocco. Both projects exemplify the impact of individual efforts in driving positive change.
The Arab Hope Makers initiative, launched in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to highlight individuals and organisations making a difference through innovative projects addressing community challenges. It seeks to amplify their stories, fostering a culture of hope and positivity across the Arab world. The initiative rewards acts of generosity, encouraging young role models to inspire positive change.