His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, announced on Saturday that he will crown Arab Hope Makers on February 15 at the Coca-Cola Arena.
The AED 1 million award, which is in its sixth edition, will honour individuals for outstanding humanitarian work.
Posting a video on social media, Sheikh Mohammed said this year's title has attracted more than 15,000 youngsters.
“Hope is the spirit of determination and the pulse of life. It is humanity’s eternal quest throughout time and everywhere," His Highness said, calling upon the Arab world to join the journey of hope and positive change, urging them to contribute actively to the building of communities and embrace the value of giving in their lives.
"The Arab world is in profound need of hope-making and a renewed confidence in our ability to resume our place in civilisation, and shape a future worthy of our glorious history," he said, adding, "Every edition of Hope Makers brings us tens of thousands of inspiring stories of giving and generosity. We are proud of this drive to do good, and this spirited competition to create hope."
#علمتني_الحياة
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 7, 2026
علمتني الحياة بأن القادم أجمل .. لأن الأمل قوة .. واليأس كفر .. وسوء ظن بالله.
علّمتني الحياة أن روح التفاؤل معدية بين الأشخاص، وفي المؤسسات، وحتى بين الدول، وأن غرس بذور الأمل من أعظم الأعمال، لأن بذورها سوف تزهر بساتين من الشباب والشابات المؤمنين… pic.twitter.com/ZZF0AIqdqv
The latest edition of the Hope Makers initiative, organised under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), has received 15,802 nominations, bringing the total number of hope makers joining the initiative since its launch in 2017 to over 335,000.
When Sheikh Mohammed launched the initiative, he had posted a creative ad on his official social media accounts, offering a job for the position of Hope Maker for a reward of AED1 million. The announcement met with a wide response with over 65,000 submissions by individuals, volunteer groups and humanitarian and community organisations around the Arab world, far exceeding the initiative’s original target of 20,000 submissions.
Sheikh Mohammed had also unveiled the AED50 million Hope Makers Academy, designed to bolster Arab humanitarian efforts by serving as a dedicated incubator for humanitarian projects. The Academy facilitates the transfer of global expertise and offers specialised leadership and executive training in collaboration with top experts and institutions to enhance the impact of these initiatives.
UAE air defences intercept 10 ballistic missiles and 26 drones on Thursday
UAE allows residents with expired residency to re-enter without new visa
Sharjah issues public safety guide for emergencies
UAE and Syrian Presidents stress importance of dialogue, diplomacy
Dubai Health reports 46% rise in kidney transplants
UAE reviews community wellbeing initiatives for Year of Family
UAE's 'Edge of Life' campaign scales up efforts to fight child malnutrition
UAE leaders condole with Sultan of Oman over passing of Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud
