Sheikh Mohammed Seeks Hope Makers for AED1 Million Award

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers on October 18, 2026, inviting individuals, volunteer groups and humanitarian organisations to apply for an AED1 million award. The initiative, organised under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), recognises people making a meaningful difference through charitable work, community development and humanitarian projects. Nominations are now open through arabhopemakers.com, allowing individuals to submit their own initiatives or recommend others whose contributions deserve recognition.

Sheikh Mohammed Calls for New Arab Hope Makers

The launch of Arab Hope Makers 2026 continues a regional initiative dedicated to recognising individuals who improve lives through acts of generosity, volunteering and community service. Sheikh Mohammed encouraged people across the Arab world to highlight those working to address social challenges, support vulnerable communities and create opportunities for others.

Announcing the new edition, he emphasised that building hope is an important investment in the future of societies, highlighting the role of individuals whose everyday efforts bring lasting improvements to people’s lives. He also called on the public to nominate inspiring community figures who may not have received widespread recognition for their contributions.

The initiative seeks to celebrate these individuals as positive role models while encouraging younger generations to participate in volunteering, charitable work and community development.

Who Can Apply for the Arab Hope Makers Award?

The Arab Hope Makers award welcomes applications from individuals, volunteer teams, nonprofit organisations and humanitarian groups involved in initiatives that have created measurable benefits for communities. Participants can nominate themselves or be recommended by members of the public who believe their work deserves wider recognition.

Eligible projects may focus on improving access to education and healthcare, supporting disadvantaged individuals, addressing economic and social challenges or helping communities recover from difficult circumstances. Cultural initiatives, educational programmes, humanitarian campaigns and innovative community projects can also qualify when they demonstrate meaningful social impact.

Eligibility and Selection Requirements

According to the initiative’s official guidelines, nominated projects should demonstrate originality, innovation, community impact and long-term sustainability. Applicants are expected to show how their work has improved people’s lives or responded to an important humanitarian or social need.

Crucially, the work must be conducted on a voluntary, nonprofit basis, without personal financial gain. Organisations and associations applying for the award must also be registered as nonprofit entities, while projects should demonstrate the potential to expand and benefit more people.

Organisers may request additional documentation to verify applications and assess the impact of nominated initiatives.

How to Apply for Arab Hope Makers 2026

Applications for the seventh edition are available through the official Arab Hope Makers website, arabhopemakers.com. Individuals who wish to participate can access the online registration process and submit information about their humanitarian or community initiative.

The application should clearly explain the purpose of the project, the communities it serves and the results achieved. Members of the public can also nominate individuals or organisations whose work has demonstrated a positive impact.

The winner will receive an AED1 million award in recognition of their contribution, with the initiative also seeking to give outstanding humanitarian projects greater public visibility and support their continued development.

An official closing date for the seventh edition has not yet been specified in the launch announcement.

Arab Hope Makers Has Recognised Thousands Since 2017

First introduced by Sheikh Mohammed in 2017, Arab Hope Makers began with a social media announcement inviting people across the region to apply for the role of a Hope Maker. The original campaign generated more than 65,000 nominations, significantly exceeding its initial target and demonstrating strong interest in community service and humanitarian initiatives.

Since its introduction, the programme has expanded into one of the Arab world’s most prominent platforms for recognising charitable efforts. Across its first six editions, the initiative attracted more than 335,000 participants and nominations, highlighting projects focused on healthcare, education, poverty relief and community empowerment.

The sixth edition alone attracted more than 15,800 participants, reflecting continued interest in the programme and the diversity of humanitarian projects operating across the region.

Moroccan Humanitarian Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi Honoured in Previous Edition

At the sixth edition’s closing ceremony in February 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, honoured Moroccan humanitarian Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi as the leading Arab Hope Maker.

Mahmoudi was recognised for her involvement with Operation Smile, an initiative supporting children born with cleft lips and palates. The programme has helped facilitate more than 19,000 surgeries, providing treatment and support to children and families.

Two other finalists also received recognition. Hend Alhajri from Kuwait was honoured for establishing Fatima House in Tanzania, a home supporting orphaned children, while Abderrahmane Rais from Morocco was recognised for humanitarian work assisting widows, women and vulnerable families.

All three finalists received awards of AED1 million each, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to supporting impactful community projects.

UAE Continues Supporting Humanitarian Initiatives

The seventh edition of Arab Hope Makers reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to charitable initiatives, volunteering and community empowerment. Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of MBRGI, highlighted the importance of celebrating people who dedicate their resources and efforts to helping others without expecting personal rewards.

Beyond financial recognition, the initiative aims to bring inspiring humanitarian stories to wider audiences through media coverage and public engagement. By showcasing projects that improve everyday lives, Arab Hope Makers seeks to encourage more people to participate in social initiatives and develop sustainable solutions to community challenges.

With nominations now open for Arab Hope Makers 2026, the programme once again invites the public to recognise individuals and organisations whose compassion, creativity and determination are helping build stronger communities across the Arab world and beyond.