Mohammed bin Rashid crowns Morocco's Ahmed Zainoun as top Arab Hope Maker

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, honored Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco as the winner of the Arab Hope Makers initiative. The event, which took place at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, celebrated individuals who work selflessly to help others and bring positive change to their communities.

Ahmed Zainoun was awarded the title of the top Arab Hope Maker after receiving the highest number of votes during the ceremony. His work focuses on helping children suffering from a rare genetic disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), also known as ‘Children of the Moon.’ These children have extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making them vulnerable to severe skin conditions. Zainoun provides them with protective gear and medical assistance, helping them live better lives. For his dedication, he received a prize of AED 1 million.

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During the event, Sheikh Mohammed also announced that the two other finalists, Samar Nadeem from Egypt and Khadija Al-Qorti from Morocco, would receive AED 1 million each in recognition of their humanitarian efforts. This brought the total prize amount for the Hope Makers initiative to AED 3 million.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the participants, saying, “Hope Makers are real-life heroes who dedicate their lives to helping others. They do not seek recognition but continue to make a difference in society. Their efforts reflect the values of kindness and compassion that are deeply rooted in our region.”

The fifth edition of the Hope Makers initiative saw over 26,000 nominations within just one month. The initiative, which began in 2017, recognizes individuals who develop projects that positively impact their communities. Over the years, it has engaged more than 320,000 participants, spreading hope and inspiring many across the Arab world.

Stories of the Finalists

Samar Nadeem – Helping the Homeless in Egypt
Samar Nadeem started her journey in 2016 when she helped an elderly woman in her building who had no access to basic needs. She shared the story on social media, and the overwhelming support encouraged her to do more. In 2017, she founded ‘Zahrat Masr,’ a shelter that provides a safe home for elderly homeless people. Today, her shelter helps dozens of individuals across Egypt, giving them food, care, and a place to call home.

Khadija Al-Qorti – Supporting Cancer Patients in Morocco
After losing her husband and sister to cancer, Khadija Al-Qorti turned her pain into a mission to help others. She opened her home in Rabat to women battling cancer, providing them with food, shelter, and emotional support. With the help of donors, she later established the Jannat Association, a larger facility where she has welcomed over 10,000 women since 2009. Despite limited resources, she continues her work, ensuring that no woman fights cancer alone.

Special Mentions

Apart from the three winners, two more inspiring individuals were recognized at the event:

Karim Arfa – Building Bridges in Tunisia
After a tragic accident where a young girl drowned in a river, Karim Arfa took action. He started building bridges using recycled materials to ensure safe crossings for people in his town. His work has helped many, preventing further accidents and making daily travel safer for locals.

Racine Dia – Rescuing Orphaned Children in Mauritania
Racine Dia, a Mauritanian rapper, was abandoned as a baby and raised by a kind family. Inspired by his own experience, he now dedicates his life to saving orphaned and abandoned children. He founded the ‘Association for the Fight Against Child Abandonment,’ which provides shelter, food, and care for dozens of children. His goal is to give them a loving home and a chance at a better future.

A Celebration of Hope

The closing ceremony featured musical performances from well-known artists, including Hammoud Al-Khader, Walid Al-Shami, Balqees, and Omar Al-Abdallat. Internationally recognized singer RedOne also performed, adding to the evening’s excitement.

Throughout the event, videos were shown highlighting the journeys of the finalists and the impact of their work. The audience also heard stories of hope from individuals in Tunisia and Mauritania, further emphasizing the power of kindness and community support.

Encouraging a Culture of Giving

His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), said that the Hope Makers initiative reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of fostering a culture of generosity and humanitarianism.

“The response we received, with 26,000 nominations in just one month, proves that the Arab world is filled with people eager to help others,” he said. “Hope Makers is not just an event; it is a movement that inspires people to take action and bring positive change.”

The Hope Makers initiative aims to recognize and support these unsung heroes, sharing their stories through media and digital platforms. By highlighting their efforts, the initiative hopes to inspire more individuals to make a difference and create a better future for all.

As Sheikh Mohammed stated, “The UAE will always be a land of hope and optimism. We will continue to support those who bring light into the lives of others.”

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