ABU DHABI // Families who are considered role models in the community have been awarded for their achievements by the Mother of the Nation for the first time.
The Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Family Awards lauded eight families and two institutions for their contributions to society.
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, applauded the accomplishments of women and their empowerment in the country. He thanked Sheikha Fatima for her support of women.
“Sheikha Fatima was the first to empower women, and now women have outperformed their counterparts, and that is without a doubt the real success,” said Sheikh Saif.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, presented the awards with Sheikh Saif.
“This award champions the family and its role in developing society,” he said on behalf of Sheikha Fatima. “The family is the reason behind society’s happiness and growth, and its importance.”
He said the country should strive for strong families because of their role as the bedrock of society.
“A family in the UAE is like a developing country that grows with the principles and values of Islam by spreading tolerance and love,” he said.
“Women are our main priority in building the nation.”
Khalifa Hareb Al Kheili received the outstanding family of the year award on behalf of his family. The socially responsible family honour was awarded to Mohammed Al Kheili from Al Ain and Hamdan Abdullah Al Jenaibi from Al Shahama, Abu Dhabi.
In the individuals category, two daughters – Maryam Salem Al Shamsi and Fatima Musabeh Al Dhaheri, both from Al Ain – were awarded for their love of and care for their parents.
Hooreya Abdullah Al Hajeri, from Sharjah, and Jaber Saleh, from Abu Dhabi, were awarded the individual awards for spouses. Sheikh Saif also awarded two grandmothers, Sakeina Abdullah Al Dosari, from Delma Island, and Azeya Ali Abubakr, from Al Ain.
The Zakat Fund and Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs were awarded for finding answers to social issues.
The awards committee also awarded Sheikh Saif for protecting and safeguarding the community.
Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan was awarded for her support of the Ataya Exhibition, which is organised by the Emirates Red Crescent.
Obaid bin Kunaish Al Hameli, who is known for his support for UAE education and development, also received an award.
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