UAE: Sheikha Fatima presented with DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief

Affectionately known as the Mother of the Nation, she has established multiple programmes for refugee support crisis and disaster response

Published: Mon 13 Mar 2023, 2:43 PM

Updated: Tue 14 Mar 2023, 12:18 AM

By
Lamya Tawfik

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and wife of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was awarded the DIHAD International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief at the opening of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development (DIHAD) Conference and Exhibition on Monday.

The announcement was made by Ambassador Gerard Putman Cramer, CEO of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, who praised Sheikha Fatima’s efforts in the humanitarian field and called her an outstanding contributor for humanitarian support worldwide.

“She’s a well-known humanitarian figure, a distinguished activist that has established training centres, hospitals and philanthropic projects worldwide,” he said, adding that she has established programmes for refugee support crisis and disaster response and constructed training and educational facilities for health, humanitarian and technological fields.

“She believes that education is a cornerstone of long-term humanitarian action and never hesitated in supporting educational process in disaster-stricken countries. She helped build schools, public libraries, provide scholarships and provide scholarships. She started programmes to empower medical professionals in cutting-edge research facilities,” he said.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State, and advisor to Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, received the award presented by Ambbassador Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian Foundation, Chairman of DISAB, and Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC; and Amb. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, CEO of DIHAD Sustainable Humanitarian and CEO of DISAB.

“Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is a shining example of the humanitarian figure we all aspire to be, and I am honored to receive this award on behalf of her. Her Highness is one that has been blessed with a big heart and a soul that yearns for giving, and today marks an incredible recognition for her efforts in bettering humanity,” she said.

She said that Sheikha Fatima is one of the founders of humanitarian work in the UAE. “Her work in the field is based on three main pillars: values, sustainability and benefits. She believes that sharing success is important and that all those working in the humanitarian work to adopt transparency culture to ensure that procedures are carried out correctly and the success of development,” she said.

Amb. Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani said: “On behalf of all scientific and organizing committees of DIHAD, including the DIHAD International Scientific Advisory Board from our offices in Geneva, we commend the incredible efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and to honor her with the title, ‘Mother of Peace.’ The people of the United Arab Emirates, and the world, are blessed with a kind mother who radiates grace and infinite goodness.”

Accepting the award on her behalf was the Minister of State and advisor to Sheikh Fatima, Maitha Bint Salem Al Shamsi, who said that Sheikha Fatma is prepared to continue her journey in giving. “She has contributed to help the welfare of girls, women and the elderly, and has provided generous donations to build hospitals, centres for people of determination and health centres,” she said.

The 19th edition of DIHAD, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and inaugurated by His Highness Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated, will continue till March 15 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

It is held under the theme ‘Energy and Aid: Capitalising on Available Resources’ and brings together key decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN Agencies, Charity Organisations and governmental bodies, together with aid, education, and construction providers from the private sector to address the needs of people and countries affected by crises, disasters, and natural calamities.

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