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, Honorary Chairwoman of the UAE Red Crescent, and Chairwoman of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, has launched the official website of the fund, affiliated with the UAE Red Crescent, at https://sheikhafatimafund.com/ar/.

The website has been designed following modern technological standards, offering visitors easy navigation in both Arabic and English.

The homepage of the fund’s website features a message from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, reflecting her principles and values toward humanitarian work. It emphasizes the importance of assisting anyone in need, without discrimination, stating that giving is not a favor but a duty for everyone capable of extending help and support.

In her message, Her Highness noted that the suffering of refugee women constantly urges us to strive to ease their pain through continued developmental assistance that empowers and enhances the skills of displaced and refugee women. This enables them to be active partners in developing their resources, supporting their families’ stability, and strengthening their role as mothers and caregivers.

The website aims to introduce the fund through its vision, mission, and values, which focus on creating an environment where refugee women have equal access to opportunities and resources. It seeks to empower them to live safely and with dignity. The website also highlights the fund’s objectives, which align with the UAE Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2050, emphasizing education, social cohesion, and sustainable growth.

The website showcases some of the fund’s contributions through developmental projects in various refugee shelter areas. It also highlights the global scope of the fund’s efforts, aiming to turn challenges into opportunities and bring hope to the hearts of displaced and refugee women by helping them and their families develop their skills, seize available job opportunities, and overcome social and economic hardships.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and Chairwoman of the Fund’s Supreme Committee emphasized that the UAE’s wise leadership has prioritized humanitarian work since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace. This legacy continues under His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, whose efforts have expanded the UAE’s reputation as a global example of fostering values of brotherhood, generosity, and tolerance.

She praised the efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her deep commitment to the cause of refugees, especially women. She noted that since the fund’s establishment, Her Highness has launched numerous projects and programs aimed at developing the capabilities of refugee women and enhancing their skills in various developmental areas to secure a dignified life for them.

Dr. Al Shamsi stressed the importance of coordinating and integrating efforts among those concerned with refugee issues, particularly women, regionally and internationally.

In turn, His Excellency Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Red Crescent, commended the efforts of the UAE’s wise leadership, led by His Highness the President of the UAE. The UAE has become a humanitarian and developmental work leader, solidifying its global standing in this field.

He emphasized that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Red Crescent, the authority pays excellent attention to the fund’s projects. He noted that His Highness consistently directs the adoption of impactful projects that swiftly alleviate the suffering of displaced persons and refugees affected by conflicts and disasters.

Dr. Al Mazrouei praised the support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in implementing developmental projects to improve the lives of refugee women in areas where the fund’s projects operate.

The Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, in partnership with the Emirates Red Crescent, the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, and Etihad Airways, organized an initiative for refugee women at the Mrajeeb Al Fhood camp in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This initiative, directed by “Mother of the Nation,” Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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 Emirates Red Crescent, was held in celebration of World Refugee Day.

World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, focused in 2023 on finding solutions for refugees and the power of their inclusion under the theme “Hope Away from Home: For a World More Inclusive for Refugees.” The event aimed to highlight the growing challenges and difficulties faced by refugees worldwide, especially women and children.

Approximately 200 refugee women from the camp participated in the initiative alongside people of determination from the Zayed Higher Organization and volunteers from the three partnering institutions. The event allowed people of determination from the Zayed Higher Organization to engage in social responsibility initiatives by designing handbags made from recycled materials, supporting sustainability—a cause of universal importance.

This event is part of the continuous efforts led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who closely monitors the conditions of refugees and launches initiatives aimed at providing them with dignified living conditions. These efforts work to enhance their abilities to face the challenges and hardships they encounter.

Additionally, the initiative promotes sustainability and environmental awareness while providing economic opportunities for determined people. It emphasizes the concept of responsible consumption and the principles of sustainable economies and raises awareness among refugees and the wider community about the importance of environmental stewardship.

The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women signed a cooperation agreement to collaborate on joint social responsibility projects and coordinate their efforts to serve people of determination, enhancing their skills and abilities by integrating them as active participants in humanitarian work.

Under the agreement, signed under the patronage of the Emirates Red Crescent, the two parties will collaborate on selected community participation projects for people of determination within the fund. They will facilitate logistical services, including facilities, staff, training, supervision, and operations, to achieve excellence and improvement in delivering social responsibility services. The agreement also aims to enhance social awareness among community members through joint campaigns and activities to support people of determination and through participation in events and initiatives organized by both parties while maintaining continuous communication to achieve shared goals.

The agreement was signed 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. It was signed on behalf of the fund by His Excellency Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi, Acting Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, and on behalf of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination by His Excellency Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the organization, at the headquarters of the Emirates Red Crescent.

Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi expressed her appreciation and joy at signing the cooperation agreement between the fund and the Zayed Higher Organization. She praised the exceptional products and active participation in social activities and events by the women of determination affiliated with the organization, aligning with the UAE’s approach and the vision 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 Chairwoman of the Emirates Red Crescent. She emphasized that empowering women to overcome challenges strengthens their ability to face future obstacles.

Her Excellency highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability and involving women of determination in supporting refugee women, reflecting cooperation between organizations at local, regional, and international levels. She noted that such efforts positively impact the implementation of sustainability mechanisms and their benefits for individuals and communities. Dr. Al Shamsi added that the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women supports Her Highness’s continuous efforts to empower refugee women economically and socially.

Dr. Al Shamsi also stressed that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima’s directives and initiatives embody her genuine humanitarian values, making her a symbol of humanitarian giving in the UAE and globally. She remarked, “Her Highness is one of the most prominent supporters and donors of humanitarian assistance.”

For his part, His Excellency Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, welcomed signing the agreement with the fund affiliated with the Emirates Red Crescent. He highlighted its noble objectives of assisting refugee women and their children, supporting them in building their capabilities, and enabling them to overcome the burdens of displacement. He emphasized the importance of establishing effective partnerships with organizations and entities that support refugee women to ensure the implementation of projects that alleviate their suffering.

Al Humaidan commended the humanitarian efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her dedication to providing support and encouragement to Emiratis in various fields, particularly people of determination. He acknowledged her role in supporting the humanitarian activities and initiatives of the organization throughout its history.

Al Humaidan also thanked Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi for her trust in the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and its production capabilities. He praised her commitment to integrating people of determination into the workforce and thanked the Emirates Red Crescent for its support. He highlighted that women of determination in the organization’s care and rehabilitation centers across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra have crafted and produced 1,200 handbags in various designs, which were gifted to the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women as support for refugee women.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi emphasized that signing the agreement with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination opens new avenues for cooperation in humanitarian and social fields and sustaining generosity. He highlighted the focus on enhancing people of determination capabilities, empowering them socially and economically, and achieving significant progress in the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women’s programs. These efforts aim to enhance Her Highness’s continuous endeavors to empower refugee women economically and socially, improving their living standards by providing them with self-managed production tools that generate steady income to support their daily and family needs.

Al Junaibi remarked that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s vision in this regard has brought about a transformative impact on programs and projects targeting women in vulnerable communities. It has resonated positively with humanitarian organizations concerned with women’s and children’s issues globally and regionally.

He added that the Emirates Red Crescent pays excellent attention to programs and projects that enhance capacities and sustain generosity, considering them innovative solutions to meet the increasing humanitarian demands caused by ongoing global crises. He affirmed that the Emirates Red Crescent would work diligently in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination to implement the terms of the agreement effectively and expand its beneficiary base.

Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, participated in the 33rd Global Summit of Women, which commenced today in Dubai and will continue for three days under the theme “Women: Leading a New Climate of Change.” The summit is organized by the Global Women’s Institute for Research and Education, headquartered in Washington, and chaired by Her Excellency Irene Natividad.

Ministers, government representatives, officials from agencies, companies, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as over 900 participants from 72 countries, attended the Global Summit.

During her speech at the summit, Her Excellency Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi highlighted the efforts 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, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, in economically empowering refugee women. She began her speech by conveying the greetings of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the leader of women’s advancement in the UAE, emphasizing that Her Highness closely monitors all issues concerning women, not only in the UAE but worldwide.

Her Excellency pointed out that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is one of the pioneers of humanitarian work in the UAE and a leader in extending assistance to the vulnerable and needy worldwide. Through her principles and vision of humanity, construction, and development, Her Highness has contributed, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations such as the Emirates Red Crescent, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and numerous other local, regional, and international entities, to providing support for women to empower them economically.

Her Excellency added that Her Highness believes that enhancing women’s ability to overcome challenges enables them to face future obstacles. She emphasized that women are the key to global peace and that economic and social development cannot be achieved without focusing on human development.

Dr. Maitha also discussed the contributions of the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, established in 2003 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and the UNHCR. She explained that the fund’s vision is to create a world where refugee women can access opportunities and resources, enabling them to live with dignity, security, and hope. The fund provides comprehensive support, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, to help refugee women rebuild their lives and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Her Excellency highlighted initiatives Her Highness Sheikha Fatima led to empower displaced and refugee women in various countries. These initiatives include establishing sewing workshops, handicrafts projects, and food production industries, all aimed at encouraging women’s self-reliance by helping them create their businesses to ensure a dignified life for themselves and their families.

Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) produced bags made by Women of Determination – by recycling fabrics and materials – to be donated to the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women.

Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, appreciated this initiative of supporting the participation of People of Determination in the UAE’s efforts, upon the directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

Al Shamsi emphasised the significance of consolidating the culture of sustainability and the participation of women of concern in supporting displaced women and providing them with their daily needs, reflecting cooperation between agencies and institutions at the local, regional and international levels.

The fund reinforces Sheikha Fatima’s continued efforts to empower refugee women economically and socially, noting that her initiatives of supporting refugees made her at the forefront of supporters of their conditions, humanitarian issues and capabilities.

Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, praised Sheikha Fatima’s humanitarian attitudes, thanking Her Highness for supporting and encouraging citizens in various fields.

Al Humaidan also lauded her prominent role in supporting ZHO’s humanitarian activities, in addition to voicing his happiness for Women of Determination’s engagement in the UAE’s humanitarian efforts to support refugee women.

“Her Highness is a symbol of unlimited humanitarian giving not only at the local level, but also at both regional and international levels,” he said, stressing her pioneering role in adopting core humanitarian issues.

Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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 “Mother of the Nation,” the Syrian child “Sham” and her brother “Omar” have arrived in Abu Dhabi to receive the necessary medical treatment. This is part of Her Highness’s commitment to providing medical care and treatment for critical cases of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey.

Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, which called for urgent action, the Emirates Red Crescent, in collaboration with Burjeel Hospital, formed a specialized medical team to care for “Sham” and her brother. They were transported urgently to Burjeel Medical City aboard a specially prepared medical aircraft. Sham, aged 9, and Omar, aged 15, were flown to Abu Dhabi to receive life-saving care.

Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State; His Excellency Hamoud Al Junaibi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent; His Excellency Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs; and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of VPS Healthcare in the UAE.

At Burjeel Hospital, critical surgeries were performed under the supervision of Dr. Michael Oglou. Sham’s life was at risk due to severe gangrene that had spread to her lower body, and her brother Omar’s condition was also stabilized. Dr. Oglou emphasized that the medical team exerted maximum effort to save their lives. He noted that Sham’s condition required urgent and specialized surgical intervention due to its severity and critical stage.

His Excellency Hamoud Al Junaibi highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Emirates Red Crescent and healthcare institutions such as Burjeel Hospital, particularly in emergencies requiring life-saving measures. He stressed that this reflects the UAE’s leadership’s humanitarian vision, rooted in the nation’s values and culture, prioritizing human compassion and assistance in its highest form.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil praised the Emirates Red Crescent for its efforts. He commended the remarkable humanitarian role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the diligent follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He highlighted their commitment to supporting those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey through medical care, humanitarian aid, and necessary support during such critical times. Dr. Vayalil assured that Burjeel Hospital is fully equipped and dedicated to providing the best care for injured children and patients.

Bashar Aliq, a family member of Sham who accompanied her to Abu Dhabi, expressed his gratitude for this noble gesture. He stated, “We are deeply grateful to the leadership of the UAE and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ for this humane act. Doctors in Istanbul told us that Sham required full leg amputations due to her injuries and the lack of timely medical care. However, her father refused this option. We were overjoyed when it was decided that we would travel to the UAE on a private medical aircraft with a specialized team. This gave us hope and reassurance that Sham and Omar would receive far better care.”

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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), has directed to arrange medical treatment for several Syrian earthquake victims, including children, in the UAE hospitals.

The ERC immediately began implementing Her Highness Sheikha Fatima’s directives and expedited the procedures for bringing in the injured and their families. It also coordinated with several of the largest hospitals in the country to provide the required medical treatment.

Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ERC, said that the directives of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak have come as part of her interest in improving the well-being of those affected by the earthquake in Syria.

He noted that Sheikha Fatima’s initiatives further support the UAE’s ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts in Syria following the devastating earthquake that hit the country.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has directed the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women to provide AED50 million to support the Bridge of Goodness campaign launched by the ERC to support the ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts for the earthquake-affected people in Syria and Turkiye.

Sheikha Fatima’s directives support the UAE’s leadership role in mitigating the repercussions of the earthquakes that struck both countries, affected thousands of people, and fell within the framework of her humanitarian stance in times of disaster.

Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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  “Mother of the Nation,” the Emirates Red Crescent, in collaboration with the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women and Etihad Airways, has launched the “Bridge of Hope” initiative. This initiative aims to train midwives in several countries, including Mauritania, Kenya, and Mali, to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in communities facing health challenges.

The initiative was inaugurated at the “Mbera” refugee camp in Mauritania in the presence of His Excellency Sidi Ould Zahaf, Mauritanian Minister of Health; Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent; several officials from both sides; and partners of the initiative.

The initiative is being implemented with the Mauritanian Ministry of Health, the UAE Embassy in Nouakchott, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Volunteers, and the Midwives Association in Nouakchott.

The program is set to benefit around 90,000 women in the camp and nearby villages. Midwives will be selected from women within the camp and surrounding areas and trained under the supervision of the Mauritanian Ministry of Health and a group of specialist doctors in obstetrics and gynecology. The initiative’s scope is planned to expand to include other countries facing similar health challenges in the future.

This initiative reflects the ongoing efforts of the Emirates Red Crescent, the Sheikha Fatima Fund for Refugee Women, and Etihad Airways to alleviate the suffering of refugee women, improve their health and living conditions, and meet their essential needs amid harsh refugee circumstances.

The initiative also embodies the UAE’s commitment to supporting those affected by crises and disasters worldwide without discrimination or considering non-humanitarian factors.

Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, emphasized that the initiatives led by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in the field of motherhood and childhood provide essential care for mothers and children in regions lacking such services. She noted that Her Highness closely monitors the conditions of marginalized women and children affected by crises and disasters globally and consistently directs efforts to address the challenges and threats they face by adopting more developmental programs and projects that enhance their capabilities and improve their lives.

Dr. Al Shamsi further highlighted that Her Highness’s initiatives contribute to global efforts to reduce the suffering of women and children, providing innovative solutions to ensure better living conditions for them. She remarked, “The international community greatly values the support and assistance provided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima to women and children, as they are the most vulnerable and impacted by crises and disasters.” She affirmed that the “Bridge of Hope” project will ensure better healthcare for refugee women, thus reducing mortality rates among pregnant women and newborns.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Red Crescent, stated that this initiative reflects Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s commitment to enhancing essential services for women, particularly refugee women who bear the most significant burden during complex journeys of displacement. He added that Her Highness’s initiatives through the Red Crescent strengthen the organization’s ability to undertake projects that address development and reconstruction in countries facing significant humanitarian and developmental challenges plagued by poverty and deprivation.

Dr. Al Falahi also highlighted that Her Highness has always supported the Red Crescent’s humanitarian activities strongly, emphasizing that her patronage of charitable and humanitarian organizations reflects her dedication to instilling values of generosity and encouraging societal contributions for the betterment of others.

The initiative aims to reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with pregnancy and childbirth in refugee communities, improve access to quality maternity care in camps, increase the number of trained care providers for pregnant women by training 30 young women from refugee communities, and create a link between the community and nearby health facilities. It also ensures optimal follow-up for women after hospital discharge, raises community health awareness, and promotes the best maternal and child healthcare practices. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal for 2030, which aims to reduce neonatal mortality to less than 12 deaths per 1,000 live births.

The UAE initiative has been well-received by refugees and Mauritanian authorities, who have expressed gratitude for the UAE’s noble humanitarian stance towards both the Mauritanian people and refugees on their land. They acknowledged that such initiatives strengthen the Mauritanian government’s efforts to uplift rural communities and advance local development.

Officials at the “Mbera” refugee camp praised the UAE’s support and the generosity of its people in assisting their fellow humans in need.

The five-year-old Syrian refugee girl, “Sama,” living with her family in Lebanon, could never have imagined what fate had in store for her. She became one of the victims of the Beirut Port explosion, which recently shook the Lebanese capital.

While Sama was playing innocently within the modest walls of her home, the explosion occurred instantly. Shards of glass from the windows shattered, embedding themselves in her left eye, leaving her blind in that eye.

The innocent child endured days and nights of unbearable pain while her family was haunted by fear of an uncertain future, knowing that she would face lifelong facial disfigurement. Relief finally came when hope arrived from the UAE, carried by the Emirates Red Crescent. Sama was included in an initiative launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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 “Mother of the Nation”—the initiative aimed to provide treatment and rehabilitation for those injured in the Beirut explosion.

Sama underwent reconstructive surgery, had a prosthetic eye fitted, and the disfigurements caused by the explosion were corrected. Today, Sama can live normally among her peers, free from feelings of inferiority or shame due to losing one eye. She has reintegrated into society without fear or embarrassment. Gratefulness fills the hearts of Sama and her family, who continuously thank God, the UAE, and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her generous care and for covering the cost of Sama’s treatment. This compassion has allowed her to embrace life again and regain vitality and energy.