Dubai – Ahmed Zeinoon from Morocco has been crowned the Arab Hope Maker 2025, receiving Dh1 million to continue his humanitarian efforts in supporting children suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum, a rare genetic disorder that makes exposure to sunlight life-threatening. His work includes providing affected children—often called "Children of the Moon"—with full-face masks and protective gear to shield them from harmful UV rays.
Three Humanitarians Recognized for Their Work
In a remarkable gesture, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, awarded Dh1 million each to the other two finalists, Moroccan Khadeeja Al Karta and Egyptian Samar Nadeem, to support their ongoing humanitarian missions.
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Khadeeja Al Karta transformed her personal loss into a mission of hope. After losing her husband to cancer, she turned her home into a shelter for female cancer patients across Morocco, offering them food, accommodation, and transportation for medical treatments. Over the years, she has provided refuge for more than 60,000 women.
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Samar Nadeem, known as the "Flower of Egypt," has been tirelessly rescuing homeless and abandoned individuals off the streets. Facing resistance and hostility from those she tries to help, she remains undeterred in her mission to restore dignity to the most vulnerable. Overcome with emotion, she urged the audience to show compassion, especially toward their elderly parents.
A Celebration of Humanitarian Spirit
The winners were announced during a glittering ceremony at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, marking the fifth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative, the region’s largest platform dedicated to philanthropy and social impact.
This year, the initiative received a record-breaking 26,000 nominations from across the Arab world, highlighting the commitment of young changemakers to creating meaningful impact in their communities.
The judging panel, composed of experts and specialists, evaluated candidates based on:
- The significance and sustainability of their initiatives
- The challenges they faced and how they overcame them
- The real and lasting impact they have had on their communities
Last year’s winner, Iraqi pharmacist Tala Al Khalil, was recognized for her work supporting children battling cancer. Other finalists included an amputee who inspires others with disabilities, a YouTuber using his platform for social good, and a childless woman who adopted 34 girls—each awarded Dh1 million to continue their humanitarian work.
An Initiative That Inspires Millions
Since its launch in 2017, the Arab Hope Makers initiative has attracted over 320,000 nominations, celebrating unsung heroes who dedicate their time and resources to bettering lives.
Operating under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation, the project amplifies their stories through media and digital platforms, ensuring that their impactful work receives regional and global recognition.
With this year’s winners set to expand their efforts, the Arab Hope Makers initiative continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that acts of kindness and resilience can transform entire communities.
