Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed was moved to tears when Arab Hope Makers award winner Nawal Al Sofi, took the stage to accept her award during a ceremony held on Thursday, local daily Al Bayan reported.
The Moroccan volunteer who helps rescue refugees fleeing war and conflict across the region via the Mediterranean won first place in the competition, which is part of an initiative that aims to support and celebrate the 'hope makers' of the Arab world.
In her acceptance speech, Al Sofi moved the audience, including Sheikh Mohammed with a harrowing account of what she witnesses during rescue missions.
"I am all the people who didn't make it to shore, I am all the people whose bodies are still in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea," she said, before going on to explain the emotional moment a rescue attempt succeeds.
"No words can describe the moment I hear the words 'mama Nawal, we made it, we're safe,'" she added.
Al Sofi, who is also known as Mama Nawal to the hundreds of people she helps rescue, used her few minutes on stage to remind the world of their plight.
People praised both Al Sofi and Sheikh Mohammed on social media
After the video of the touching moment began making the rounds online, people reacted to it, with many lauding Al Sofi for the humanitarian work she's doing and others expressing gratitude to Sheikh Mohammed for sharing her story with the world.
"Our rulers are incredible."
"You've both moved us to tears."
"Sheikh Mohammed is the king of humility and humanity, it's not surprising to see him express such incredible sentiment."
"This is the definition of humanity, may God bless you Abu Rashed," (Sheikh Mohammed).
Awarding the hope makers of the Arab world
Arab Hope Makers is an initiative that was launched by Sheikh Mohammed in February 2017.
Its aim is to support and honor people who spread hope across the region and to encourage their work and initiatives through awarding them a 1 Million Dirham prize.
Even though it was initially reported that the prize would be awarded only to the first place winner, during Thursday's ceremony, Sheikh Mohammad surprised the four other finalists with the news that each of them will also be awarded with an equal monetary prize in recognition of their inspirational work.