Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Monday launched the third round of the award, dedicated to promoting people in the Arab world who spread hope, and encompass values of giving and positivity, by dedicating their lives to helping others.
“Calling all hopemakers in the Arab world, those who dedicate their lives to help others: We want to hear their stories and honour them. Whether in education, healthcare, humanitarian work or any other sector, they are credits to our societies,” Sheikh Mohammed said on the launch of the third round of Arab Hope Makers initiative. “Every one of us is capable of giving. Every one of us has a talent that can be harnessed to serve their community. Rivers begin with a drop. The creation of hope in our region is of paramount importance, and we need to hear every story of hope,” His Highness added.
He further said: “Water drops make a river, and reigniting civilizations starts with giving. Creating hope will spark a new life in our region.”
The third round of Arab Hope Makers initiative, the largest of its kind in the region, launched to celebrate more inspiring philanthropic efforts that serve humanity and make a difference in societies.
The winner will be announced in May and receive Dh1m in recognition of their efforts, and as financial support to develop and expand their humanitarian projects to help more people.
The award, launched by Sheikh Mohammed three years ago, celebrates members of a community in the Arab world who are combatting social, economic, health and psychological issues with humanitarian initiatives, empowering marginalised groups in society, alleviating the suffering of the poor and sick, and investing in the neglected segments of a particular group.
Last year's winner, from a record 87,000 submissions, was Mahmoud Wahid, chairman of Together to Save a Human, who provides homeless people in Egypt with food and medical care. The Egyptian, 35, first began working with the homeless after spotting an elderly man living on the street. Recognising that there was no authority in his home country to help the homeless, he set up an association to help provide them with shelter and health care.
During the award ceremony in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed announced the formation of an Arab Hope Makers Academy, with a budget of Dh50m. Though only one winner is announced each year so far, Sheikh Mohammed has awarded each of the five finalists Dh1m to invest in their work and continue their philanthropic efforts.
In 2017, the inaugural year of the award, Nawal Al Soufi was announced the winner for her work to save refugees from sinking boats in the Mediterranean.