DUBAI 23 November 2017: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received ‘Order of the Mother of the Nation’ from Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Order was awarded to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in recognition of his humanitarian initiatives in less developed countries conducted through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. The award ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Auditorium also honoured the winners of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Awards, which feature the Fatima bint Mubarak Award and the Fatima bint Mubarak Family House Award.
Sheikh Mohammed expressed his happiness at receiving the Order that carries the name of the ‘Mother of the Nation’.
Role Model
“I am honoured to receive this Order, which reflects the values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.” Sheikh Mohammed added that Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is a role model for a woman leader who is committed to the welfare of the people. Her initiatives have reinforced the UAE’s profile as a nation that places a high priority on the wellbeing of its people.
His Highness further said that a successful leader constantly engages with the people and develops initiatives to enhance the happiness and welfare of citizens, which are key priorities of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE Government is constantly working to provide the best quality of life for its citizens, while also helping less privileged people in other parts of the world to improve their lives.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on receiving the recognition. He said Sheikh Mohammed is an exceptional leader who has initiated many humanitarian programmes across the world that spread peace and harmony.
UAE Values
He also said that the generosity that the UAE has displayed through its initiatives around the world stems from the country’s cultural ethos and the values of its leadership, which reflect the path adopted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Mohamed said that the humanitarian spirit of Sheikh Mohammed is an integral part of his character. His contributions to the world have resulted from the path of tolerance and peaceful coexistence followed by the UAE. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed further said that the Order reflects the vision of the ‘Mother of the Nation’ and Her Highness’s commitment to enhance the welfare of mankind. He also said that the ‘Mother of the Nation’ has set a high example for humanitarian and community work in the UAE, and she will always be a symbol of compassion and generosity.
The event was also attended by Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Speaker of the Federal National Council Amal Al Qubaisi; Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Chairman of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Deputy National Security Adviser Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Transport Authority Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed; and a number of senior dignitaries.
In her opening speech, Director General of the Family Development Foundation Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi conveyed the greetings and congratulations of Sheikh Fatima to all the winners. She explained that the awards were launched in 2014 as the first local, regional and international programme that recognises exceptional community service efforts.
Al Rumaithi added that the award programme seeks to foster the development of skills and knowledge required to create a better future. She expressed the gratitude of the Board of Trustees of the Family Development Foundation and its committees to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her support.