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Suzanne Mubarak honoured

DUBAI — Egypt’s First Lady Suzanne Mubarak was yesterday presented the ‘Shaikh Rashid Humanitarian Personality Award for 2006’. She was named the ‘Personality of the Year’ for her distinguished contributions to the welfare of women and children in Egypt and other parts of the world.

Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Department and Chairman of Emirates airlines, presented the coveted award to Suzanne amid a standing ovation by the audience, which included senior officials from the UAE and Egypt as well as diplomats, and representatives of associations working for people with special needs in the country.

The award ceremony was held in the auditorium of Higher Colleges of Technology-Dubai Men’s College.

Suzanne dedicated the award to “human conscience.” Speaking on the occasion, she said she was honoured to receive the award. “I am happy to receive the award in Dubai, the city of development,” she added.

She described the award as symbol of dedication and cohesion of the Arab society. She also expressed her admiration for the services being rendered by the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre in Dubai, and underlined the importance of social responsibility.

She also spelled out three challenges facing humanity — peaceful co-existence of people, education, and correcting negative values creeping into cultures.

The function to honour her was attended by, among others, Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The function, organised by Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, was also attended by Shaikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum and Tawheed Abdullah, the executive chairman of Damas group and the main sponsors of the award. Also present were former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the director of the UAE Women’s Federation, Noora Al Suwaidi. Addressing the function, Shaikh Ahmed underlined the key role played by Suzanne for the welfare of women and children and said she had become an ambassador of humanity. “The achievements of Mrs Mubarak are truly laudable as she has set an excellent example for the Arab people to emulate,” he said.

“Her achievement is a triumph for the women in the Arab World,” Shaikh Ahmed added. Earlier, the function began with the playing of the UAE and Egyptian national anthems. The ceremony included the screening of a documentary film on Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, a play and a film on Egypt’s First Lady and her achievements.