His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, crowned Ahmed Zainoun from Morocco as the top Arab Hope Maker. Zainoun received a prize of AED1 million.
Sheikh Mohammed also directed that the two other finalists, Samar Nadeem from Egypt and Khadija Al-Qorti from Morocco, also be honored with equivalent cash prizes of AED1 million, thus raising the total value of prizes presented with the Hope Makers awards to AED3 million.
“Hope Makers embody the true meaning of selfless giving, working tirelessly behind the scenes. They are inspiring role models, transforming lives without seeking recognition, leaving an enduring legacy of humanitarianism. The Arab world is rich in such examples of kindness and service. Recognizing these initiatives is an acknowledgment of the values of generosity and compassion,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Children of the Moon
Zainoun earned the top honors after receiving the highest number of votes during the closing ceremony of the 5th edition of the Hope Makers initiative, the largest of its kind in the Arab region dedicated to honoring people who make a difference in the lives of others.
Zainoun was recognized for his initiative to treat children with the disorder named Xeroderma Pigmentosum. Young patients suffering from the condition are also referred to as ‘Children of the Moon.’ Young people with this rare genetic disorder are extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light, raising their risk of skin cancer.
Since there is no cure, protection through special creams and UV-protective clothing is crucial. Zainoun cares for 144 children with XP, raising funds to provide them with necessary medications and protective gear.
Despite his efforts, some children have succumbed to the disease, motivating him to seek further support for Moon Voice to enable these children to live fulfilling lives and continue their education. Zainoun remains dedicated to his mission, hoping for greater community support to instill hope in young patients and to help them adapt to their condition and lead enriching lives.
“Thousands of inspiring individuals across the Arab world joined this fifth edition of Arab Hope Makers. These philanthropists embody generosity and a commitment to positive change, serving as beacons of hope for a brighter future. The UAE remains dedicated to supporting hope and inspiring initiatives, serving as a champion of optimism in the Arab world,” added Sheikh Mohammed.
Initiative receives over 26,000 nominations
The closing ceremony of the initiative was held at the Coca-Cola Arena today and its broadcasts were watched by tens of millions across the Arab world. The fifth edition of the Hope Makers initiative received over 26,000 nominations in just one month. Each nomination was carefully reviewed according to the initiative’s criteria. Over the past five editions, the initiative has engaged more than 320,000 participants.
“Since its inception in 2017, Hope Makers has become a landmark initiative in the Arab world’s humanitarian landscape. It inspires positive competition, motivating individuals to serve their communities and develop innovative projects that address the needs of thousands, empowering them to rebuild their lives with hope and confidence in the future,” stated Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
At Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, attendees watched videos showcasing the journeys of the three finalists, highlighting their humanitarian work and the impact they made in the lives of those in need, including orphans, the sick, the elderly, and the homeless. The audience also heard inspiring stories from two Hope Makers from Tunisia and Mauritania.
Sheikh Mohammed honors Samar Nadeem and Khadija al-Qorti
Samar Nadeem, founder of the ‘Zahrat Masr’ shelter, dedicated her life to helping others. Raised with a strong sense of compassion, she began her journey in 2016 by assisting an elderly woman living in her building, helping facilitate the basic necessities that she lacked.
After sharing the woman’s plight on Facebook and receiving an outpouring of support, Samar began receiving numerous requests for help from the public. She responded by aiding the homeless and placing them in shelters. In 2017, Samar founded ‘Zahrat Masr’ to provide safe housing for elderly homeless individuals, and today, the shelter houses dozens of people from across Egypt.
Meanwhile, Khadija al-Qorti has become a symbol of hope for cancer patients in Morocco, particularly women. Known affectionately as the ‘Mother of Morocco’s Patients,’ her journey began after losing both her husband and sister to cancer.
Turning personal tragedy into a mission for compassionate action, she opened the doors to her home in Rabat, providing free shelter, food, medicine, and emotional support to women battling the disease. With the help of donors, she later expanded her efforts by establishing the Jannat Association, a larger facility to continue her charitable work. Despite limited resources, Khadija has welcomed over 10,000 women from across Morocco since 2009, offering them a place to stay and daily meals for up to three weeks while they seek treatment.
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Hope Makers initiative highlights unsung heroes
Tunisian Hope Maker Karim Arfa builds and repairs bridges in his area using recycled materials. Inspired by the tragic drowning of a schoolgirl in 2019, he has proudly constructed over ten bridges around the town of El Mourouj to ensure safe passage over rivers and streams for locals. He also runs a small public works company and recycles old furniture to donate to those in need.
Mauritanian rapper Racine Dia, abandoned as a baby and raised by a loving family, now dedicates his life to rescuing orphaned and abandoned children. Inspired by his personal experience, he provides care, shelter, and a sense of belonging to dozens of children. To further his work, he founded the ‘Association for the Fight Against Child Abandonment,’ which, with the help of volunteers, provides a supportive environment for these children to thrive and integrate into society.
The Hope Makers initiative, operating under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, aims to highlight these unsung heroes – the men and women dedicating their time, effort, and resources to serving others, aiding those in need, and improving lives. It seeks to amplify their stories and projects through traditional and digital media, increasing their recognition within their communities and across the Arab world.
By showcasing these positive role models, particularly among youth, the initiative aims to inspire others towards constructive change and community development, celebrating them as true stars deserving of praise and recognition.
