UAE's Dh1 million Hope Makers award receives 21,000 submissions in three weeks

A Dh1 million UAE award, the Hope Makers initiative, has garnered over 21,000 nominations and applications within just three weeks of its seventh edition being announced. The initiative, launched in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, aims to recognize the efforts of individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations in transforming lives across the Arab world through various charitable, social, and humanitarian projects.

Fouzia Mahmoudi, from Morocco, was recently announced as the latest Hope Maker winner for her foundation, Operation Smile, which has performed more than 19,000 surgeries on children born with cleft lips and palates. The Hope Makers scheme, run by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), seeks to celebrate unsung heroes who have dedicated time and resources to help those less fortunate and work towards a brighter future in the region.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, secretary general of MBRGI, emphasized the importance of community culture shifting towards positivity and optimism to drive sustainable change. Hope Makers continues to accept nominations and applications on its official website www.arabhopemakers.com, which can be submitted by individuals or groups or nominated by others.

To be eligible, the proposed initiative must show originality and innovation, contribute to improving people's lives, support vulnerable or underserved groups, alleviate suffering, or provide relief to disaster-affected populations. Applicants must have a proven track record of community service and humanitarian work, demonstrating dedicated effort and commitment in mobilizing resources for their initiative's success.

The project must also be sustainable, scalable, and deliver measurable, verifiable change among its target beneficiaries.