Dubai: Forbes Middle East Magazine has named Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, as Personality of the Year 2014: Arab World Women Leader.
The honour comes in recognition of her being a model for generous giving, and her pioneering cultural and developmental role in the enhancement of the role of women and the backing of their presence in the society in UAE, Arab world and internationally.
The magazine made the announcement at a ceremony in the UAE to honour the most prominent women who contributed to the development of their countries and to the making of their present and future.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State, was presented with the award on behalf of Shaikha Fatima.
In his speech at the honouring ceremony, Shaikh Nahyan said the well deserved honour is a source of pride as it recognises Shaikha Fatima’s sincere and continuous efforts and positive and pioneering role in leading social development and showing all the men and women of the nation the way to excellence and superiority.
Forbes Middle East also announced its list of the 200 Most Powerful Arab Women.
“We are proud that Shaikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, is a leader and a pioneer who contributes to all the fields of benevolence, and sponsors purposeful initiatives in the spheres of education, healthcare, social development, volunteering, women development, family care and the encouragement of innovation, creativity and achievement in all spheres,” said Shaikh Nahyan.
“This pioneering role expanded to Arab countries and the rest of the world and very effective in promoting the principles of good, well-being, rightness and cooperation on the humanitarian, regional and international levels,” he added.
This occasion, noted Shaikh Nahyan, provides a good opportunity for highlighting the vital role and tangible achievements of Arab women in the advancement of the society and national development in all areas through their notable potential as an important element of progress and evolution both regionally and globally.
Shaikh Nahyan emphasised that holding the awarding ceremony in UAE reflects the country’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment and to providing the favourable circumstances for women to enable them to make full, excellent and effective contribution to national and global progress.
