Moroccan humanitarian activist Fawzia Mahmoudi won the top prize Sunday at the sixth edition of the Hope Makers initiative in Dubai, securing the title for Morocco for another year.
Another Moroccan, Abderrahmane Raiss, founder of the “Suroor” initiative, was among the three finalists, along with Kuwaiti activist Hind Al Hajri, founder of the “Bayt Fatima”.
Fawzia Mahmoudi, president of the charity Operation Smile Morocco, was honored for her work providing free surgery to children suffering from cleft lip and palate across Morocco. She received the main prize of 1 million Emirati dirhams ($272,000).
According to organizers, Fawzia Mahmoudi’s association has helped more than 19,000 Moroccan children over the years by providing life-changing surgeries, enabling them to eat, speak and socialize normally, while reducing stigma and bullying linked to facial deformities.
Two other finalists were awarded the same amount. These are Moroccan content creator Abderrahmane Raiss, founder of the “Suroor” initiative to pay off debts of orphans, and Kuwaiti activist Hind Al Hajri, founder of the “Bayt Fatima” orphan care initi0ative in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The award ceremony was presided over by Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s crown prince, deputy prime minister and minister of defense.
The Arab Hope Makers initiative, launched in the United Arab Emirates, recognizes individuals and organizations across the Arab world for impactful humanitarian and social work aimed at improving lives and promoting dignity.
