Sheikh Hamdan Honours Arab Hope Maker with AED3 Million Awards

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, crowned Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi of Morocco as the Arab Hope Maker during a grand ceremony held at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside several senior dignitaries and officials.

AED3 Million Awarded to Top Finalists

Fouzia Mahmoudi received a cash prize of AED1 million after securing the highest number of votes during the sixth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative.

In a special directive, Sheikh Hamdan ordered that the two other finalists — Hend Alhajri from Kuwait and Abderrahmane Rais from Morocco — also be awarded AED1 million each. This brought the total prize value for this edition to AED3 million.

The initiative attracted 15,800 participants this year and continues to be the largest platform in the Arab world dedicated to recognising individuals who positively impact communities through humanitarian work.

Sheikh Hamdan: Hope is the Foundation of Progress

Congratulating the winners and participants, Sheikh Hamdan praised their dedication to serving society.

He emphasised that hope is essential for achieving success and overcoming challenges. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to spreading optimism, supporting humanitarian initiatives, and nurturing projects that uplift communities across the Arab world.

Fouzia’s ‘Operation Smile’ Transforms Lives

Fouzia Mahmoudi was recognised for founding Operation Smile in 1999, a foundation providing free medical care to children born with cleft lips and palates.

The foundation operates three specialised medical centres in Casablanca, El Jadida, and Oujda, with a fourth centre nearing completion in Marrakech. It has conducted 164 mobile missions across 30 cities, performing over 19,000 surgeries and offering dental care to more than 120,000 individuals.

Backed by over 650 volunteers, the initiative has become a leading humanitarian medical project in Morocco.

Hend Alhajri’s ‘Fatima House’ in Zanzibar

Kuwaiti finalist Hend Alhajri was honoured for establishing ‘Fatima House’ in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

After witnessing the hardship faced by orphaned children during the rainy season, Hend built a large residential facility to keep siblings together and provide safe shelter. Today, the house supports 47 children, offering them stability, education, and dignity.

Hend resides in Zanzibar and personally oversees the children’s daily care and development.

Abderrahmane Rais’ ‘Suroor’ Initiative

Moroccan finalist Abderrahmane Rais was recognised for launching ‘Suroor,’ a humanitarian initiative supporting widows and vulnerable women in remote villages.

Through anonymous donations, he settles grocery debts for struggling families and documents his work on YouTube while protecting beneficiaries’ dignity. His efforts have assisted over 7,000 individuals and supported more than 20,000 beneficiaries through various projects, including well construction and home building.

Vision of Hope and Positivity

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, stated that the Arab Hope Makers initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote optimism and celebrate unsung heroes across the Arab world.

Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has received more than 335,000 inspiring stories, highlighting a strong culture of volunteering and humanitarian work in the region.

A Platform for Real Change

The Arab Hope Makers initiative honours individuals and organisations creating measurable impact through voluntary, non-profit humanitarian projects. It seeks to amplify their stories and inspire new generations to embrace giving, compassion, and community service.

By recognising changemakers and rewarding generosity, the UAE continues to reinforce its commitment to building a future rooted in hope, positivity, and sustainable humanitarian impact.