In a ceremony to celebrate Arab Hope Makers, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, crowned the four finalists. Moreover, he awarded them AED1 million each.
Addressing the audience, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the significance of hope in navigating challenges. “In our part of the world, hope-making is life-making. The only way we can overcome challenges is through collaborative efforts,” Sheikh Mohammed said. The visionary leader stressed the responsibility of each generation to create a better reality, emphasizing the need to counter despair with optimism and positivity.
Arab Hope Makers
Sheikh Mohammed awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker to Tala Al Kalil, who received the highest number of votes during the ceremony. He also awarded the title to the three other finalists including Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Amine Imnir from Morocco, and Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt.
Among the Hope Makers finalists, Tala Al Khalil, a dedicated Iraqi pharmacist, was honored for her initiative in supporting children with Down Syndrome and cancer. Tala established her Warriors Academy in 2018 to care for ill young people. Today, Tala personally cares for 200 children with Down Syndrome and cancer.
Football fan Dr. Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq lost his leg in 2014. In Iraq, he formed a football team of amputees that now ranks 19th globally out of 70 amputee football teams.
Among the Hope Makers is Youtuber Amine Imnir from Morocco, who strives to improve living conditions for underprivileged Moroccans. Heading the AFTAS Society for Development and Solidarity, Amine has sponsored several humanitarian initiatives and aid campaigns in his country.
Egyptian hope maker Fathiya Al Mahmoud offers an inspiring example of selfless giving and nurturing hope. In 2005, Al Mahmoud decided to adopt 34 orphan girls. With her husband, she founded A Touch of Hope society to care for orphans. Moreover, Fathiya and her husband established a charity hospital that offers free healthcare to orphans and people of determination.
A platform for philanthropy
The 4th season of Hope Makers, under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), serves as a beacon of giving across the Arab world. More than 58,000 Arab hope makers applied, which underscores the region’s wealth of philanthropists. Mohammad Al Gergawi, secretary general of the MBRGI, emphasized the award’s role in promoting a culture of hope and inspiring innovative projects for a better future.
Al Gergawi affirmed that the Hope Makers initiative will continue to support voluntary work aiming to improve the quality of life across Arab communities. Moreover, it will celebrate efforts to serve vulnerable populations and alleviate their suffering. Hence, this falls in line with MBRGI’s objectives of promoting a culture of hope and nurturing innovative ideas that can be transformed into sustainable projects in the Arab World.
Amidst a massive audience of 12,000 people, the closing ceremony showcased the inspiring stories of the four Hope Makers finalists.
Read: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed welcomes FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Abu Dhabi
Art creates hope
In its fourth season, the Arab Hope Makers initiative partnered with ET Arabic to launch “Art Creates Hope.” The campaign aims to engage Arab celebrities and artists in various humanitarian projects and initiatives across the Arab world. This collaborative effort aims to spread kindness, generosity, and hope. Moreover, it aims to nurture a positive culture in Arab societies and amplify the impact of philanthropic efforts.
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