UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honoured five Arab Hope Makers during a mega ceremony at Dubai Media City’s Sound Stage, according to WAM.
The winners were Ma’ali Al Asousi, the migrant of hope to Yemen, Hisham Al Dahabi, the golden heart of Iraq, Mama Maggie, who is in service of humanity in Egypt, Nawal Al Soufi, the refugees’ lifeline in Italy, and the White Helmets, who find life in the rubble of war-torn Syria.
The Dubai Ruler was expected to name only one winner but he surprised the audience by awarding each of the five candidates with a AED1 million bounty.
The Arab Hope Makers were selected from over 65,000 participants from 22 countries. The candidates dedicate their lives to spreading hope and helping communities as well as those less fortunate throughout the Arab world.
More than 2,500 people attended the prize-distribution ceremony, including ministers, officials and media professionals.
"There is no force stronger than hope for revitalising societies. We wish to spread hope to as many young people as possible, so they may carry its spirit and dedicate their time to serving their communities. The Arab Hope Makers we see here today prove to us that regardless of how bleak the situation may seem, there is still optimism in the Arab world," said Shaikh Mohammed.
"Without hope, we have no chance of restoring our success and the development of the Arab world. We must embrace hope in all our communities, especially during this turbulent and sensitive time in our history. We have artists and athletes who are role models for our youth – it is time we celebrated the real heroes and role models, the Arab Hope Makers, who have dedicated their lives to serving others. The initiative aims to influence the complacent mentality of waiting for luck to happen, and change it to a mentality of pro-activity and action."
"The Arab Hope Makers initiative falls under the Year of Giving; it is a message of encouragement and gratitude from the UAE to all those who dedicate their lives for the betterment of our Arab world. Every person who commits to spreading hope, whether big or small, has done a great deed, and is a winner today."
A jury and the audience were invited to vote for one Arab Hope Maker. Jury members included UAE Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Dean of the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Communications and Group TV Director of MBC Ali Jaber and media personality Ahmad Al Shugairi, known for his passionate advocacy of philanthropy and improving the Arab world.
TV Anchor Nishan Derharoutyounian and media journalist Ola Al Fares hosted the ceremony.
Renowned entertainers Mohammed Assaf, Lynn Al Hayek, Alaa Nasser and Nouhaila El Kalai from MBC’s "The Voice Kids" and violinist Jihad Akl also gave special performances in celebration of the inspirational people at the heart of the Arab Hope Makers initiative.
The initiative was launched through Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s social media channels in late February. It triggered an unprecedented reaction, receiving over 65,000 submissions through various channels, which were assessed with specific criteria including originality, size of impact and effort exerted by the hope makers.
The original submissions were narrowed down to 20 finalists, who were invited to Dubai in April to discuss their humanitarian work further. A jury selected the five finalists who attended the event today. The initiative highlights the flashes of hope in the Arab World, and tells the stories of the women and men who devote their lives to those in need.