Mohammed crowns Tala Al Khalil as Arab Hope Maker
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, crowned the 4 Arab Hope Makers finalists, awarding them a financial reward of Dhs 1 million each, in the presence of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker of the 4th season of the largest initiative of its kind in the Arab region celebrating philanthropists, to Tala Al Khalil who received the highest number of votes during the ceremony. Sheikh Mohammed also directed that all four finalists be awarded the title of Arab Hope Maker, who are, in addition to Tala Al Khalil, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Amine Imnir from Morocco and Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt.
“In our part of the world, hope making is life making. The only way we can overcome challenges is through collaborative efforts,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“Hope for a beter future is what keeps people going. Every new generation bears the responsibility of creating a beter reality in their communities. On the other hand, spreading despair is our major challenge, which is why we need to continue to nurture hope, optimism and positivity among the new generation,” he concluded.
Iraqi pharmacist Tala Al Khalil started her journey as a Hope Maker in 2015, when she started receiving young cancer patients in a special ‘caravan’ at the Basra Children’s Hospital to help them overcome challenges associated with their illness, including studying and inclusion in society. This initiative offered children with cancer a room for hope and optimism away from the hard reality of treatments and hospital wards. This was the start that inspired Tala to establish her Warriors Academy in 2018, to care for young people of determination who suffer various illnesses. Today, Tala personally cares for 200 children with Down Syndrome and cancer.
Offering much-needed psychological support to the children who now call her ‘mama’, Tala is a strong believer in the role of good mental health in enhancing immunity and the body’s ability to fight illness.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid awarded the top Arab Hope Maker title to Tala Al Khalil for her initiative to mentally support and heal children with Down Syndrome and cancer patients.
The closing ceremony was atended by Sheikha Latifa bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, alongside ministers, senior officials and a host of media representatives.
Mohmmad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives said the Hope Makers initiative reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed of instilling the culture of giving across the Arab world, while celebrating those who launch life-changing initiatives that benefit communities and inspire the new generation to create a beter future.
“The 4th season of Hope Makers revealed a number of unique charity initiatives that serve Arab communities and help thousands of people around the world. More than 58,000 Arab hope makers have proved that our region enjoys a wealth of philanthropists who renew our faith in our ability to become a global model of giving and philanthropy, regardless of color, race or religion,” he added.
Al Gergawy affirmed that Hope Makers initiative will continue to support voluntary work aiming to improve quality of life across Arab communities, and to celebrate efforts to serve vulnerable populations and alleviate their suffering, in line with MBRGI’S objectives of promoting a culture of hope and nurturing innovative ideas that can be transformed into sustainable projects in the Arab World.
The closing ceremony saw the participation of several Arab celebrities, including Ahlam, Hussain Al Jassmi and Assala, alongside artists and media personalities.
Amidst a massive audience of 12,000 people, the closing ceremony at the Cocacola Arena, Dubai, showcased the inspiring stories of the four Hope Makers finalists Tala Al Khalil from Iraq, Mohamed Al Najjar from Iraq, Fathiya Al Mahmoud from Egypt and Amine Imnir from Morocco.
‘Hope for a better future is what keeps people going. Every new generation bears the responsibility of creating a better reality in their communities,’ says VP.