Moroccan participants left a significant mark on the closing ceremony of the fifth edition of the “Hope Makers” initiative, held on Sunday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Two Moroccan social activists reached the final stage of the competition, with the title ultimately going to Ahmed Zennoun, president of the “Sout Al Qamar” association in Fez.
Joining Zennoun in the final round were Khadija Al-Qurti, president of “Jannat” associations for supporting women battling cancer, and Egyptian activist Samar Nadeem, founder of “Dar Zahra Egypt,” which shelters homeless women. Each finalist was awarded one million Emirati dirhams, with Zennoun earning the official title of “Hope Maker” for 2025.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who commended the three finalists for their efforts in supporting various communities across the Arab world.
He emphasized that “hope-making” is the highest expression of humanity and noble values, stating, “Spreading despair is the greatest challenge facing our Arab nations. We must continue to instill hope, optimism, and positivity in future generations.”
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering competition among Arabs to develop impactful humanitarian projects.
He noted that the program serves as encouragement for social and volunteer initiatives that drive positive change and combat negativity in society.
From Fez to Dubai: Ahmed Zennoun’s Mission
After receiving the “Hope Maker” award, Zennoun delivered an emotional speech about his dedication to supporting children with xeroderma pigmentosum, also known as “Children of the Moon.”
He explained, “I never imagined there were individuals who live in darkness, suffering from extreme sensitivity to light. These children often go unheard, so I took it upon myself to advocate for them with all my strength.”
Zennoun highlighted the challenges faced by these children, including the high cost of protective gear and social stigma associated with their condition. “Some of them dream of having protective equipment for up to four years before their condition worsens. Many also endure bullying because of the masks they must wear.”
Since 2019, he has been working tirelessly to provide protective tools for these children and raise awareness about their struggles. Following his victory, Zennoun expressed his ambition to establish a dedicated center for “Children of the Moon” in Morocco, offering medical support and treatment. He also noted that associations from other countries have begun reaching out for guidance based on his experiences.
A Moroccan Touch of Solidarity
Another inspiring story from this year’s initiative is that of Khadija Al-Qurti, whose association “Jannat” provides shelter for women battling cancer in Morocco. She was inspired to launch the initiative following the death of her husband from the same disease.
Al-Qurti shared the story of a young woman who once contemplated suicide before finding hope through the community at “Jannat.” She emphasized, “I opened one door, and God opened many others. Today, we accommodate nearly 30 patients daily, covering their transportation, accommodation, and meals so they can continue their treatment.”
The ceremony also shed light on the work of Egyptian activist Samar Nadeem, who provides shelter for homeless women and those abandoned by their families. “We founded ‘Dar Zahra Egypt’ to care for women who have suffered from neglect. We have rescued over 100 women from the streets and helped reunite some with their families,” Nadeem stated.
She urged Arab and Muslim communities to “fear God in their treatment of women,” highlighting the challenges of caring for older women in particular, as it requires a unique approach and sensitivity.
A Moroccan Presence Beyond Participation
Moroccan influence was also evident in the event’s entertainment lineup, with Moroccan producer RedOne leading the musical performances alongside artists such as Hamoud Al-Khoder, Walid Al-Shami, Balqees, and Omar Abdel Lat. The ceremony was hosted by Asmahan Al-Naqbi and journalist Nishan.
Traditional Moroccan celebrations, including “zagharid” (ululations), accompanied Zennoun and Al-Qurti’s advancement in the competition, highlighting the pride of their supporters. The event, watched by millions across the Middle East and North Africa, also revisited the journeys of past winners to showcase the long-term impact of their humanitarian efforts.
Numbers and Significance
The “Hope Makers” initiative was launched in 2017 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the umbrella of his Global Initiatives Foundation. According to organizers, the program aims to honor individuals who dedicate themselves to charitable and community-driven projects that uplift society.
The initiative carries strategic messages, including encouraging Arab youth to take an active role in making positive changes, combating despair, and shaping a better future. It also seeks to create inspiring role models who lead by example in fostering social change.
Since its inception, more than 300,000 participants have engaged with the initiative. The first edition received 65,000 applicants, the second 87,000, the third 92,000, and the fourth 54,000. The latest edition, in just two months, attracted over 26,000 submissions, demonstrating the ongoing enthusiasm for hope-making across the Arab world.
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