UAE Cabinet praises Sheikha Fatima's contribution to public life

Mother of the Nation dedicates her time to a variety of causes, from charitable activities to women's advancement

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, received the Gender Balance Medal on behalf of Sheikha Fatima. @HHShkMohd / Twitter

The UAE Cabinet has praised Sheikha Fatima's contribution to public life, honouring the Mother of the Nation for her work to promote gender balance.

"The conclusion of our day was honouring the Mother of the UAE, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, as the most important figure supporting gender balance in the country," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said on Thursday.

"Sheikha Fatima's journey in empowering Emirati women represents an exceptional model in this field at the regional and global levels."

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, received the Gender Balance Medal on behalf of Sheikha Fatima.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, and her department was also honoured for its contributions to gender progression.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke following a meeting of the Cabinet, also known as the Council of Ministers.

Sheikha Fatima, the wife of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has for half a century worked on causes that are close to the hearts of the UAE's people.

Speaking in a rare, exclusive interview with The National in December 2021, as the nation marked 50 years since its founding, Sheikha Fatima reflected on a country that seized the future while preserving its culture, religion and heritage.

“I feel so proud as I witness what the daughters of the Emirates, my daughters, are achieving,” she said.

“When I look back at the past 50 years, I see a lot of things that fill me with pride.

“How can I not feel proud to witness all the great achievements and transformations that the UAE has achieved in a relatively short time?

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi. All images: @HHShkMohd / Twitter

Sheikh Mohammed and ministers arriving for the Cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The Cabinet approved a plan to allow federal government employees to take a sabbatical on 50 per cent of their salary to start a business.

Sheikh Mohammed said the new scheme will encourage more young people to start their own businesses.

Sheikh Mohammed said the economy had recorded growth in all sectors.

“Our economy is flourishing and growing,” said Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

He said the UAE recorded 47 per cent growth in non-oil exports, 16 per cent growth in foreign investments and 126 per cent growth in new companies registered in the UAE.

The Cabinet also approved Dh2.4 billion of housing loans for 500 Emiratis, which will be handed out over the next six months.

Sheikh Mohammed honoured the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima, as the most important figure supporting gender balance in the country. @HHShkMohd / Twitter

“Shaikha Fatma’s journey in empowering Emirati women is an exceptional model at the regional and global level,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, received the Gender Balance Medal on behalf of Sheikha Fatima.@HHShkMohd / Twitter

“How can I not feel proud and honoured to have been next to the late Founder Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul, in all that he did to turn his dream into reality?"

Sheikha Fatima is the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the General Women's Union.

But it was her early work, which has continued for decades since, that aided the progression of Emirati women, including arranging literacy classes for women, especially divorcees and widows.

“We started from scratch and we faced many obstacles due to the social conditions that prevailed at the time," Sheikha Fatima said in December.

“We had to deal with them with caution and wisdom to avoid a clash with the traditions and customs of society – an approach set by Sheikh Zayed that we still adhere to."

Since then, such work has advanced in its scope and sophistication.

Millions of dollars have been donated to social causes across the Arab world and further afield that are tied to women and other social issues.

There are hospitals, schools and charities named in her honour in countries including Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt.

Her work continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, she said.

“It was his dream to turn the vast desert into modern cities that people visit from all over the world and find stability, comfort, happiness, care, security, safety and tolerance. I feel proud and honoured for being his partner in making this dream come true," Sheikha Fatima said.

A woman and her camels cross the Maqta at low tide, taking firewood from the mainland back to her home in Abu Dhabi in 1951. Courtesy Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi

A girl, her saluki and a new dress in Liwa, 1953. Courtesy Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi

Young girls, dressed in their finery and wearing their mothers’ jewellery, cross Dubai Creek in an abra in 1953 after completing a Quranic study class. Courtesy Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi

Selling charcoal in Dubai in 1949, a woman sits with other market vendors accompanied by a young girl. Courtesy Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi

Spinning thread using white wool from sheep. Courtesy Ronald Codrai / TCA Abu Dhabi