Applications from 92,000 humanitarian projects from 38 countries applied to be part of this year’s Arab Hope Makers event, the largest humanitarian initiative of its kind in the Arab world.

With around 15,000 participants set to attend the star-studded event at the Coca-Cola Arena on February 20, all proceeds this year will go to fund the construction of the new Magdi Yacoub Global Aswan Heart Center in Cairo.

“Arab Hope Makers initiative attracted 92,000 humanitarian projects from 38 countries worldwide in its third round. In the UAE, we have unwavering hope and optimism in our ability to make a positive difference in our societies. On February 20, we honor the exceptional role models,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted about the event.

For the first time the event will honour an ‘Arab Humanitarian Cause of the Year’, with all proceeds from the sale of 12,000 tickets going to support the cause.

“This year, we dedicate the proceeds of the Arab Hope Makers final grand show to support the new Magdi Yacoub Global Aswan Heart Center in Cairo, a noble humanitarian cause that aims to provide free cardiac care to vulnerable communities… Our goal this year is to give hope to thousands of hearts in need for care,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Egyptian-British Dr. Magdi Yacoub is one of the world’s most respected cardiac surgeons. He studied medicine at Cairo University and thereafter moved to the UK in 1962 to work as a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Harefield Hospital.

In 1986, he became a professor at the National Heart and Lung Institute where he was involved in developing techniques of heart and heart-lung transplantation and holds the record for the highest number of transplant operations in the world. In 1962 he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to medicine and surgery.

The Arab Hope Makers was launched in 2017 and is organised as part of the Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). In its first round in 2017, the Arab Hope Makers initiative received overwhelming 65,000 applications from all over the Arab world, while the second round recorded over 87,000 entries. Five finalists took home AED1 million ($272,294) in each round to support their humanitarian projects.

This year’s Arab Hope Makers final ceremony will be a grand variety show to be headlined by acclaimed artists with an expected attendance of 15,000 people including leading media figures, authors and social media influencers.

The show will feature headliners including the multi-Grammy award-winning artist RedOne who will perform alongside Nawal Al Kuwaitia, Emirati singer Balqees and Palestinian pop singer and former Arab Idol winner Mohammed Assaf. A number of distinguished Arab celebrities and media personalities will also attend the celebrations including Kuwaiti actress Souad Abdullah, Kuwaiti comedian and actor Tariq Al Ali, Syrian actor Qusai Khouli and Egyptian media figures Mona Al Shazli and Amr Adeeb alongside Egyptian actor Ahmed Helmy.

“Since its inception three years ago, the Arab Hope Makers initiative has prompted various segments of Arab societies, particularly the youth, to actively take part in addressing major challenges in their societies through humanitarian projects and initiatives that make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Mohammad Abdulla Al Gergawi, Secretary General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, was quoted as saying in a press release.

Tickets to the Arab Hope Makers variety show are available on www.ArabHopeMakers.com or www.coca-cola-arena.com with proceeds going towards supporting the construction of the new Magdi Yacoub Global Aswan Heart Center in Cairo.