H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum crowned Fouzia Jbara Mahmoudi of Morocco as the Arab Hope Maker and awarded her AED1 million during the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Arab Hope Makers initiative held at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The ceremony took place in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Hamdan also directed that the two other finalists, Hend Alhajri from Kuwait and Abderrahmane Rais from Morocco, each receive AED1 million, bringing the total prize value this year to AED3 million.
Fouzia received the most votes for her initiative, “Operation Smile”, which provides free, comprehensive treatment for children born with cleft lips and palates. She was selected from among 15,800 participants in the sixth edition of the initiative.
Founded in 1999, Operation Smile operates three medical centres in Casablanca, El Jadida and Oujda, with a fourth facility nearing completion in Marrakech. The foundation has conducted 164 medical missions across 30 cities and performed more than 19,000 surgeries. It has also provided dental care to over 120,000 individuals, supported by more than 650 volunteers across Morocco.
Sheikh Hamdan congratulated the winners and participants, saying, “Congratulations for possessing this energy to give and dedicate yourselves to the service of others. Congratulations for having this impactful humanitarian presence, which is shaping both the present and future of our nations”.
He added, “The UAE remains committed to its great mission to create hope. It is our duty and our responsibility to sow the seeds of goodness, and to nurture every noble initiative aimed at uplifting humanity".
Kuwaiti finalist Hend Alhajri was recognised for establishing “Fatima House” in Zanzibar, providing shelter and care to 47 orphaned children. Moroccan finalist Abderrahmane Rais was honoured for his “Suroor” initiative, which settles grocery debts of widows and supports vulnerable families in rural areas of Morocco. His projects have assisted more than 20,000 beneficiaries.
Launched in 2017, the Arab Hope Makers initiative honours individuals and organisations carrying out voluntary and non-profit humanitarian work addressing community challenges. The sixth edition continued the program’s focus on highlighting grassroots efforts and encouraging volunteerism across the Arab world.