Sheikh Hamdan’s white rose gesture steals spotlight at Arab Hope Makers ceremony

A touching moment unfolded at the 6th edition of the Arab Hope Makers award ceremony on February 15, 2026, at Coca-Cola Arena, capturing the spirit of compassion the event seeks to promote.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ceremony brought together inspiring humanitarians from across the Arab world. However, it was a heartfelt interaction involving Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum that resonated deeply with the audience.

A simple gesture, powerful meaning

During the event, a young boy named Mayed Omar approached Sheikh Hamdan with a white rose and said, “Your Highness, I love you very much.” The Crown Prince warmly accepted the flower before gently asking the child for permission to pass it on to someone else.

With the boy’s approval, Sheikh Hamdan presented the rose to Saeed Al Eter, Chairman of the UAE Government Media Office and newly appointed minister.

A tribute to dedication

The symbolic gesture was a tribute to Al Eter’s dedication as the primary organizer behind the Hope Makers initiative and several national humanitarian projects. By passing on the rose, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the collective effort behind large-scale charitable movements and the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Celebrating hope across the Arab world

The ceremony honored extraordinary humanitarians making a tangible difference in their communities. Three winners, Abdul Rahman Al Rais, Hind Al Hajri, and Fouzia Mahmoudi, were each awarded AED 1 million in recognition of their impactful work across the Arab world.

Beyond the awards, the evening reinforced the UAE’s commitment to fostering hope, compassion, and positive change values reflected not only in grand initiatives but also in small, meaningful gestures like the passing of a single white rose.