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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, awarded the five Arab Hope Makers finalists AED1 million each, crowning Ahmed Al Falasi, from the UAE, as the Arab Hope Maker 2020 for his humanitarian work in establishing advanced kidney dialysis centers and incubators in Kenya’s Mombasa, following an audience vote at a grand variety show in City Walk’s Coca-Cola Arena.

Besides the show proceeds, 10 entities and entrepreneurs collectively contributed AED44 million to supporting the construction of Magdi Yacoub Global Heart Center in Egypt that, once complete, will conduct over 10,000 free-of-charge heart surgeries annually, 70 percent to children from all over the Arab world.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced a AED44 million match to the contributions raised during the event, bringing the total amount to AED88 million that the Arab Hope Makers initiative will dedicate to support the cause.

Al Falasi was selected from an overwhelming 92,000 participations from 38 countries in the third edition of the Arab Hope Makers that honors individuals, teams or entities with philanthropic effort that makes a positive difference in their communities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, "Hope Makers are the real champions of giving and inspirational examples of leaders taking the initiative to make a positive difference in other people’s lives."

He added, "Through working for their communities, Hope Makers lead a positive societal movement that supports development and restores faith in the future of the Arab world."

"We followed tens of thousands of inspiring stories of the Arab Hope Makers who, with their positivity and optimism, emerged as beacons of hope in their communities."

Sheikh Mohammed noted, "The Hope Makers sincerely help others without seeking recognition or personal gains, setting a great example for others on turning challenges into opportunities."

He added, "this year, we dedicated the proceeds of the final Arab Hope Makers show to supporting an Arab humanitarian project that provides free healthcare to save thousands of hearts."

"Our message through the Arab Hope Makers initiative is well delivered by these champions in our region who demonstrate that positivity brings innovation and progress is the outcome for those who turn opportunities into challenges to light other people’s paths and leads initiative in their communities."

He noted, "The Arab world has a flowing stream of potential, capabilities and energies as witnessed through the champions of giving we continue to celebrate."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum concluded, "I’m proud of the 92,000 champions of giving in the Arab Hope Makers initiative have now become pioneers in the Arab world’s humanitarian field."

During the event, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, MBRGI, announced the Egyptian actor and comedian Ahmed Helmy as the "Ambassador of Hope." The artist surprised the audience by donating one million Egyptian pounds (AED230,000) to the cause.