H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, paid tribute to the resilience of millions of displaced women worldwide on World Refugee Day, announcing a series of new humanitarian and development programmes.

In a statement marking the annual occasion on 20th June, H.H. Sheikha Fatima emphasised that many refugee women still lack basic life necessities, calling for targeted international aid to help them achieve socio-economic stability and live with dignity. She affirmed that the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee remains dedicated to addressing these gaps through sustained education, healthcare, and vocational training.

To mark the occasion, Sheikha Fatima launched several new healthcare, economic, and environmental initiatives in coordination with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Emirates Red Crescent, and the Amahoro Coalition.

The rollout includes a midwifery training programme running through 2026 that is expected to benefit around 76,000 women and children, a tailoring and garment-making initiative aimed at boosting economic empowerment, and a programme providing refugee women with training in agriculture and food production.

The fund will also launch technology training programmes to help refugee women develop digital skills and improve their access to employment opportunities.

“We stand alongside refugee women and will continue working hand in hand with them to overcome challenges,” Sheikha Fatima said. “I believe in their ability to confront difficulties, create opportunities and contribute to sustainable development. When we empower a refugee woman, we empower her family and invest in the future of generations with dignity and humanity.”

The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee and AD Ports Group have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen humanitarian collaboration and support initiatives aimed at empowering refugee women.

The agreement, coinciding with World Refugee Day, builds on existing cooperation between the two sides and aligns with the UAE’s humanitarian vision and the objectives of the Year of the Family.

Under the agreement, the parties will coordinate humanitarian and community initiatives designed to improve the living conditions of refugee women, expand empowerment opportunities, support UAE government efforts to foster social responsibility, and raise awareness of refugee women’s issues through joint campaigns, events and programmes.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of AD Ports Group.

As part of the partnership, AD Ports Group will provide logistical support for the fund’s global projects, including maritime services, transportation of relief supplies and supply chain support to help accelerate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The agreement also includes technical and advisory support for joint training programmes and community initiatives, as well as cooperation in exploring employment opportunities for refugee women.

Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee, said the agreement follows the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary Chairwoman of the ERC, to strengthen the fund’s role in empowering refugee women and improving their livelihoods.

Al Shamsi noted the partnership with AD Ports Group will widen local and international support systems, helping refugee women overcome economic hardships within under-resourced host communities.

She added that the initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader foreign policy objectives to enhance protection and care for refugees globally.

Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei said the fund is one of the UAE’s leading humanitarian initiatives supporting refugees worldwide, particularly women and children, adding that the agreement opens new avenues for leveraging logistical capabilities and institutional expertise to serve humanitarian causes.

Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi said the partnership reinforces AD Ports Group’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s humanitarian efforts globally and helping refugee women build more stable and dignified lives.

He added that the agreement reflects the importance of strategic partnerships between national institutions in delivering meaningful humanitarian impact and supporting vulnerable communities worldwide.

Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, witnessed the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the “Flowers of Hope” programme, implemented by the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Union of Mauritanian Academics and Intellectuals, and in partnership with Mauritania’s Ministry of Health and the National Association for the. Support of the Women’s Initiative for Child and Environmental Protection (ANAIF-PIE).

The project aims to empower refugee women in the healthcare sector and improve maternal and child health services within refugee communities. The six-month programme combines theoretical instruction with practical training in Mauritanian healthcare institutions, covering midwifery, reproductive health, primary care, health education, and awareness campaigns on the prevention of harmful and unsafe health practices.

The first cohort included 22 refugee women who received accredited professional certificates in midwifery from Mauritania’s Ministry of Health. The certification will enable them to integrate into the labour market, whether within national healthcare institutions or international and regional organisations, thereby enhancing their economic independence and supporting the local healthcare system.

The ceremony was attended by Ali Mohammed Al Breiki, Director of the Foreign Aid Coordination Office at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Nouakchott; Ael Ould Meydeh, Adviser to the Mauritanian Minister of Health; along with several healthcare officials and representatives of humanitarian and social organisations, reflecting the importance of international partnership and institutional cooperation in supporting women’s issues.

Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, affirmed that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, remains committed to monitoring the conditions of women and children affected by crises and disasters worldwide.

She noted that H.H. continues to direct efforts toward addressing the challenges they face through the launch of development programmes and projects that empower them, strengthen their capabilities, and provide a healthy and supportive environment.

She added that the project falls within the initiatives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak aimed at supporting and empowering women and enhancing maternal and child health by providing healthcare services that improve the living conditions of mothers, children, and refugee families in the Mbera camp in Mauritania.

For his part, Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent and Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, said that the “Flowers of Hope” project contributes to strengthening the capabilities of Mauritanian girls in the healthcare field and enabling them to play a productive role within refugee communities, helping them secure employment opportunities and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Ael Ould Meydeh, Adviser to the Mauritanian Minister of Health, praised the efforts made to ensure the success of this qualitative programme, commending the pioneering role played by the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women in supporting and empowering refugee women and expanding their access to education and vocational training. He stressed that such initiatives support social and healthcare development and reinforce the principles of humanitarian solidarity.

Ali Mohammed Al Breiki, Director of the Foreign Aid Coordination Office at the UAE Embassy in Nouakchott, also commended the level of cooperation with Mauritanian entities, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to continuing support for humanitarian and social projects.

A UNHCR official expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her continuous support, as well as to all partners involved, noting that this cooperation has opened new horizons for beneficiaries and provided them with a genuine opportunity to build a better future.

The graduates, in turn, expressed their appreciation to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her noble initiatives and her unwavering support for refugee women and their humanitarian causes.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Union of Mauritanian Academics and Intellectuals presented the Humanitarian Action Shield in Africa to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in recognition of her efforts in supporting and empowering refugee women. Certificates were also distributed to the graduates.

The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee has launched a midwifery and reproductive health training programme for refugee women at the Mbera Camp in Mauritania, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honourary President of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC).

The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the ERC, the Mauritanian Ministry of Health, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the National Higher School of Health Sciences, and the Union of Mauritanian Academics and Intellectuals.

The six-month programme aims to raise awareness of maternal and reproductive health among refugees and train qualified participants to provide comprehensive care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal periods.

Graduates will receive accredited certificates as midwifery practitioners from the Mauritanian Ministry of Health.

Training topics include reproductive and mental health awareness, health education, maternal and child nutrition, and reproductive rights.

Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee, said the programme responds to the growing need for maternal and child healthcare in refugee communities, where women often face limited access to safe and specialised medical services.

She said selected participants would receive practical training in midwifery under the supervision of reproductive health experts in line with international humanitarian and medical standards.

Al Shamsi added that the fund, established by Sheikha Fatima, aims to empower refugee women and improve their access to education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities to help them live with dignity and security.

Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, ERC Secretary-General, said the programme reflects Sheikha Fatima’s vision to strengthen healthcare and social support systems for women, particularly refugees who face severe challenges during displacement.

He said the initiative is a comprehensive humanitarian response that supports maternal and newborn health and reduces mortality rates by providing preventive and postnatal care.

Al Mazrouei added that Sheikha Fatima’s initiatives offer a model for empowering women and protecting vulnerable groups through innovative, sustainable solutions. The Red Crescent, he said, will continue working with national and international partners to expand healthcare services for refugee mothers and children and raise health awareness in vulnerable communities.

Under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary Chairwoman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), and under the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC, several health projects were inaugurated in the Union of the Comoros under the Fund.

These included the Sheikha Fatima “Mother of the Nation” Maternity and Childhood Hospital and the Sheikha Fatima “Mother of the Nation” Kidney Dialysis Centre on Anjouan Island.

The inauguration ceremonies were attended by President Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros, Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, Juma Rashid Al Rumaithi, UAE Ambassador to the Union of the Comoros, and Ahmed Sari Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ERC, along with many officials from both sides.

The Maternity and Childhood Hospital has a capacity of 20 beds and serves around 10,000 people annually. It includes several key facilities such as wards, intensive care units, natural childbirth and surgical operation rooms, anesthesia and sterilisation units, and neonatal intensive care units, in addition to administrative offices and rest areas for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.

As for the Kidney Dialysis Centre, it is the first of its kind on Anjouan Island, comprising eight advanced dialysis units supported by a specialised water treatment unit to ensure the quality and safety of services using the latest technologies. The centre provides comprehensive patient and family support, continuous medical follow-up, and regular clinical assessments, delivering around 5,000 dialysis sessions annually.

In his speech at the ceremony, President Azali Assoumani expressed his sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support and noble stance toward the Union of the Comoros. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the United Arab Emirates, describing it as a key partner in Comoros’ development journey, noting that its developmental projects and humanitarian initiatives have had a tangible impact in supporting the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and enhance the quality of life for its people.

 

He emphasised that the opening of these health projects holds special significance, as they come within a series of developmental programmes bearing the name of a great woman with an inspiring vision – H.H.Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”- who continues to provide unwavering support to communities and is deeply committed to promoting development for the prosperity of nations.

He concluded by affirming that this pioneering project will contribute to a qualitative leap in the development of the health sector in the Comoros, ensuring the provision of high-quality healthcare services to its people.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi said that this exceptional initiative reflects Sheikha Fatima’s deep commitment to meeting the developmental and humanitarian needs of the Comorian people, and her continuous efforts to improve women’s health and child care, in line with the UAE’s strategy of sustainable giving through the implementation of ambitious development programmes and projects that have a profound impact on strengthening infrastructure and providing essential services to brotherly nations.

She added, “Our presence among you today is a strong message of solidarity from the people of the United Arab Emirates with the humanitarian and developmental conditions in the Union of the Comoros.”

She noted that the UAE’s programmes and projects in the Comoros receive strong support from the UAE’s wise leadership, which is always keen to enhance and expand its efforts and initiatives in the Comorian arena.

She added that the two health projects represent a true addition to these efforts and a qualitative leap in the UAE’s developmental and health initiatives.

For their part, a number of officials and residents in the Comoros expressed their thanks to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her noble initiatives in their country, expressing their appreciation to the UAE and its wise leadership for its constant support for their situation and its ongoing support for their humanitarian causes.

They commended the efforts of the Emirates Red Crescent in their country to alleviate the suffering of the local population, improve their conditions, and enhance their capabilities to confront humanitarian challenges in various fields.

Ten convoys carrying humanitarian aid from the UAE, a generous contribution from H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, have entered the Gaza Strip via the Egyptian Rafah crossing.

This aid delivery is part of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting and providing relief to the Palestinian people.

The convoys comprise 175 trucks carrying over 2,400 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food supplies, medical provisions, children’s nutritional supplements, dates, shelter tents, clothing, and other essential items.

This latest delivery brings the total number of aid convoys entering Gaza under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to 175. These convoys have played a significant role in mitigating the difficult conditions faced by Gaza residents, easing hardship for the most vulnerable populations, and ensuring access to basic necessities.

The UAE remains steadfast in its humanitarian support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, working to alleviate the challenging circumstances they endure, reduce the suffering of the most vulnerable, and provide for their essential needs.

The sixth UAE aid ship arrived today at Al Arish Port in Egypt, carrying a humanitarian gift from H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF). The aid is set to be delivered to Gaza to support those in need.

The ship was received at Al Arish Port by a delegation including Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC); and Major General Dr. Khaled Megawer, Governor of North Sinai.

As part of the visit, Dr. Al Shamsi and the delegation toured the UAE Floating Hospital in Al Arish, which provides medical care to Palestinians from Gaza under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3.
They toured different hospital departments, learned about services for the injured, and checked on patients’ well-being.

The aid ship departed from Al Hamriyah Port in Dubai on 20th January, as part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, to meet the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza.
This ship marks the largest aid shipment dispatched under the Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 sent as a gift from H.H. Sheikha Fatima to the Palestinian people. It carries 5,800 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including food, shelter materials, and medical essentials.

The ship’s timely arrival ahead of the holy month of Ramadan ensures that emergency relief reaches Gaza in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The aid efforts have been made possible through contributions from ERC, the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, the Dar Al Ber Society, and Sharjah Charity International.

This humanitarian mission aligns with the expanded phase of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 in Gaza, following directives from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The operation has been intensified to address the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza, ensuring continued relief and support during this difficult time.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), Honourary President of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, said that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is committed to supporting all constructive initiatives that benefit people globally, aligned with its core values and principles that have guided its progress.

This was stated during Her Highness’s speech delivered on her behalf by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, at the opening of the ‘Mental Health of Refugee Women’ Conference yesterday.

Her Highness welcomed the participants in the conference, highlighting the importance of discussing the relationship between various issues that affect different aspects of life in this era, including the protection of women and children, refugee affairs, healthcare, and the challenges of climate change.

Hosted by Abu Dhabi University and organised by the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, the event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima, in collaboration with the ERC.

The conference addressed the critical challenges refugee women face, focusing on the impacts of climate change, political conflict, and healthcare access.
The conference’s opening remarks were followed by a speech from Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ERC.

Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent, the “Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women” will organize the international conference “Refugee Women’s Health in Light of Climate Change” in the capital, Abu Dhabi, at the beginning of October.

The conference will discuss several key topics, including healthcare strategies in areas affected by climate change, empowering women in managing refugee health, innovative solutions, and supporting mental health in climate-affected regions. A group of distinguished officials and experts supporting refugee women’s health will participate in the conference.

In this context, the “Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women” has signed cooperation agreements with Abu Dhabi University, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Wizz Air to sponsor the conference. These agreements are part of the fund’s initiatives to empower refugee women, provide them with more excellent care, and enhance their ability to face brutal displacement.

The agreements were signed at the headquarters of the Emirates Red Crescent in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women; Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University; and Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, who signed on behalf of the fund. The agreements were also signed by Professor Ghassan Aouad, President of Abu Dhabi University; Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health; Fatima Al Mazrouei, a member of the Board of Directors of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women and Head of Banking Services at First Abu Dhabi Bank; and Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi stated that the conference reflects the significant attention Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak gives to refugee women and her efforts to provide all possible support to enhance their ability to overcome challenges.

She emphasized that the humanitarian role of Her Highness through the fund’s initiatives aligns with the humanitarian principles embraced by the UAE and its wise leadership under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, and their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates.

She expressed her happiness with the agreements signed between the fund and the institutions supporting the conference. These agreements will expand efforts to support refugee women in terms of health and mental well-being, enabling them to overcome hardships and face future challenges.

Her Excellency Al Shamsi pointed out that the health and psychological challenges refugee women face due to the harsh experiences of displacement and asylum will be a central focus of the conference. The sessions aim to find solutions that provide health and psychological support to help them overcome the trauma of displacement and the absence of basic living needs, which creates adverse conditions that expose them to more significant psychological pressure and despair.

For his part, Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, affirmed that the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women is one of the pioneering initiatives in providing care and preserving the dignity of refugees. He noted that the fund has brought about a qualitative shift in global efforts to empower refugee women and has previously implemented numerous programs to enhance women’s capabilities in displacement and refugee areas.

He added that when Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak established the Refugee Women Fund, she was fully aware of the situations of displaced and refugee women in camps and conflict areas, the hardships they endure, and the risks they face as the most vulnerable group. For this reason, Her Highness adopted many initiatives to support refugee women, providing them with better living conditions. He highlighted the fund’s role in offering more excellent care, protection, and dignified lives for women in camps and beyond.

Al Mansouri pointed out that the upcoming conference in October would add new achievements for refugee women in the health field. He explained that preparations are underway to achieve the conference’s goals, including launching initiatives that enhance future healthcare strategies for refugee women.

Dr. Ali Saeed bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi University, said that this collaboration reflects the prominent position of the UAE in caring for refugees worldwide through a comprehensive system of developmental projects that provide them with dignified lives. It also translates the pioneering efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her constant commitment to empowering refugee women and overcoming the challenges they face, particularly those related to their health.

He expressed his delight in being one of the strategic partners of this collaboration, hosting the Refugee Women’s Health Conference at Abu Dhabi University. The conference will bring together prominent officials and experts specializing in supporting refugee women’s health.

In this context, Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, stated that the department’s support for the conference aligns with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership and the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to support women and promote their health. In partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent and the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, the department enhances healthcare services for women in climate-affected areas, empowering them to support refugee health management efforts. She affirmed that these efforts reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare and its commitment to promoting community health worldwide.

Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, expressed his company’s honor in partnering with the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women alongside other partners. He affirmed that this collaboration reflects the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose directives have instilled values of compassion and solidarity.

He added that by pooling resources and expertise, the partnership aims to make a significant impact, provide vital assistance, and bring hope for a brighter future for refugee women worldwide. He reiterated Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives, promoting tourism, culture, and healthy living in Abu Dhabi, and investing in humanitarian and social responsibility causes within the UAE.

The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugees has signed two new agreements with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) at its headquarters in Geneva.

The first agreement renews their partnership for three years to support refugee women, while the second launches a US$1 million project to provide sustainable shelter for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso and Chad, benefiting around 871 families.

Dominique Hyde, Director of External Relations at UNHCR, and Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), signed the agreements. Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Women Refugee, among other officials, attended the ceremony.

This collaboration follows a discussion on the successes of previous projects funded by the Sheikha Fatima Fund. It explores new ways to support refugee women and their families through sustainable development initiatives.

In her remarks, Dr. Al Shamsi conveyed the greetings of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

She also emphasized that the fund, in collaboration with the ERC and UNHCR, is committed to empowering refugee women. The fund aims to provide education, healthcare, and skills development to help women live with dignity and security.

For his part, Al Mansouri praised the Sheikha Fatima Fund as a pioneering initiative that has previously implemented numerous programs to strengthen the capacities of women in refugee and displacement contexts. He noted that Sheikha Fatima established the fund in 2000, recognizing the harsh conditions and risks displaced women face and the need for initiatives to improve their lives.

Hyde, in turn, noted the increasing displacement crises worldwide and the disproportionate impact on women and girls, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing their urgent needs.