The winner will be announced next month…

Remember how H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, launched a search for the next “Arab Hope Maker” earlier this year – a job that will come with a Dhs1 million cash prize to help the person do good.

Well, Sheikh Mohammed has just announced that the Hope Makers initiative received more than 65,000 applications from people who believe they have a plan that will help improve quality of life in the Arab world. 

The Dubai ruler took to Twitter to thank the applicants – and while applications are now closed, 12 top applicants will be chosen during a nomination stage (April 11 to May 2). 

Five finalists will then be chosen after the top 12 are interviewed in person, and the first place winner will be announced on May 10. The winner will receive the Dhs1 million toward their project, while the other four finalists will be given support for their initiatives too.

So what did the submissions focus on? Well, there were 12,483 submissions in the field of education, 5,913 submissions in health, 19,053 submissions in volunteering, 12,877 submissions in youth work, 4,828 submissions in media and 10,335 submissions in other fields.

MORE ON THE ARAB HOPE MAKER IDEA…

What’s a hope maker, you may ask? Well, it’s basically a person who has a proven track record of doing good deeds for others.

The ruler explained the initiative is an extension of the Year of Giving 2017, and hopes it will shine a light on ordinary people who are serving their communities, while providing role models for the next generation.

“We are a nation which did not and will not despair. There is a wave of frustration and pessimism engulfing our region, and we must overcome it,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“No nation can carry on with its progress if its youth are in despair. Therefore, everyone is responsible for inspiring hope in the region.”

More…
*Sheikh Mohammed orders dangerous drivers to clean Dubai streets*
*Get ready to volunteer, because 2017 will be ‘the year of giving’*

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Submissions were sent in via the website, arabhopemakers.com.

 

But only one winner will take the title of Arab Hope Maker (and the Dhs1 million prize).

WHO COULD APPLY?

Participation is open to all residents in the Arab region.

The Hope Maker must be a resident of an Arab country – but you don’t have to hold that country’s passport (this means expats can apply).

The age limit has been set between five and 95.

The successful candidate will be a source of inspiration in their community, and a master of self-sacrifice and serving others.

They also must have a background in humanitarian work or volunteering.

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