Moroccan Fawzia Mahmoudi Crowned “Hope Maker” in Dubai After 28-Year Humanitarian Journey

ALDAR/ Meryem Hafiani

In a deeply moving humanitarian moment in the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, crowned Moroccan national Fawzia Mahmoudi with first place in the Hope Makers Initiative, in recognition of her decades-long dedication to serving children born with cleft lip deformities.

The award marks the culmination of 28 years of unwavering commitment and sincere compassion. Over nearly three decades, Mahmoudi has helped restore confidence and smiles to more than 19,000 boys and girls by facilitating corrective surgeries and providing psychological and social support—enabling them to reintegrate into society and reclaim a childhood once overshadowed by stigma and hardship.

The Hope Makers Initiative is regarded as one of the largest humanitarian platforms in the Arab world. It seeks to spotlight inspiring individuals who create tangible change in people’s lives, celebrating those who carry out acts of service quietly and selflessly, far from the public eye.

Mahmoudi’s recognition was not merely a personal accolade, but also a tribute to Moroccan humanitarian action, reflecting deeply rooted values of solidarity and social cohesion within Moroccan society. Her achievement stands as a powerful reminder that hope is often shaped by ordinary individuals driven by extraordinary determination.

With this milestone, Fawzia Mahmoudi raises Morocco’s profile on a major Arab humanitarian stage, affirming that genuine generosity can overcome any challenge—and that restoring a child’s smile remains the greatest reward any “hope maker” can receive.