Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the widow of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the nation, has been recognised for her lifetime of work devoted to helping women and children. At a ceremony in Dubai, Sheikha Fatima was presented with the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation's Scientific and Culture Achievement Award. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, received the award on her behalf.
The ceremony, in the foundation's auditorium, was attended by Dr Anwar Gargash, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and chairman of the foundation's board of trustees. He said the foundation honoured those "who have devoted their lives in the service of culture and society and left their mark through positive and distinctive contribution". "Sheikha Fatima symbolises our country with her valuable life in the service of humanity," he said. "Her services have been vital in helping children and empowering women."
The board's citation made reference to Sheikha Fatima's relentless efforts to promote women's roles in the UAE and bring them into positions of leadership. It also mentioned Sheikha Fatima's struggle to combat violence against women worldwide. Sheikha Fatima is the chairwoman of the General Women's Union and supreme chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. Several cultural personalities were also honoured at the event.
* WAM
