Dubai: Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was on a three-day official visit to Australia last week.
Princess Haya was welcomed by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife, and met Julie Bishop, Australian minister of foreign affairs, and Matt Kean, minister of innovation and regulation.
As part of her discussions, Princess Haya learnt about Australia’s aid programme, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region, and how the country is supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment as part of its development programme.
In her capacity as chairperson of the International Humanitarian City, Princess Haya also participated in a roundtable at the Lowy Institute for International Affairs. UAE’s Ambassador to Australia, Dr Obaid Al Ketbi, as well as delegates from the Institute, Australian NGOs and organisations attended the roundtable. Top of the agenda for discussion were global humanitarian issues including delivery of aid, as well as the humanitarian needs of conflict zones and those affected by famine.
“It was an incredible visit to Australia, and this trip taught me a great deal about the aid programme the Australian Government has in place to respond to international crises and to help their neighbours in terms of education, health and reducing poverty,” Princess Haya said.
Call for a united approach
“As the world goes through a turbulent time, the scale and need for humanitarian aid is growing. Now more than ever, governments and the international community must unite to address the magnitude of the issues and find new and innovative ways to address crises across the globe.”
In her capacity as chairperson of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Princess Haya, along with Dr Al Ketbi, visited the Smith Family Charity in Sydney, the Lifeline Charity in Canberra, Canberra’s Centenary Hospital for Women & Children and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
As an avid campaigner for children’s health worldwide, these visits allowed her to share her experiences and also learn about the fantastic work these hospitals do in local communities, as well as their research and education initiatives.
“My visits taught me a great deal and I am hopeful that there is scope for further discussions, collaboration and the sharing of best practices with our Al Jalila Hospital in Dubai.”
Princess Haya also attended the Fifa World Cup Qualifier between the UAE and Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium.
At the end of her visit, Princess Haya said: “I have met some incredibly dedicated people from whom we can learn a great deal, as well as some beautiful and brave children.”
