Personality award for Sheikha Fatima

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, has been named the first female Islamic Personality of the Year by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.

Sheikha Fatima, also Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, is the first woman to win the annual award, now in its 19th session, the state news agency Wam reported.

The accolade is a great honour, Sheikha Fatima said.

“Being honoured by you today clearly shows the high status given by Islam to women and offers us great encouragement that would help us continue to give to our citizens and all humanity.”

Ibrahim Bu Melha, head of the award organising committee, said: “Sheikha Fatima has dedicated herself to the service of her society.

“She bears in mind the state of women, whether they are mothers, workers, students or housewives. Children also have a special place in her heart, which proves that she is not merely witnessing the country’s development, but is an active partner in building it as well.”

Sheikha Fatima was not satisfied with a limited role, even if it was noble, Mr Bu Melha said, adding that since the foundation of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikha Fatima sought to support all its social and ideological classes and arrays.

“That sublime approach covers the entire country in different fields,” he said, adding that honouring Sheikha Fatima was an honour for all Emirati women.

“She is the mother of all Emiratis, the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed,whom she always supported in his responsibilities, let alone her own relentless efforts and charitable activities locally and abroad, and over 500 merits, awards and appreciation certificates that she has obtained.”