Forbes Middle East names Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Personality of the Year 2014: Arab World Women Leader

ABU DHABI (WAM): Forbes Middle East Magazine has named H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, GWU, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, FDF, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Personality of the Year 2014: Arab World Women Leader, in recognition of her being a model for generous giving and sense of responsibility, and of her pioneering cultural and developmental role in the enhancement of the role of women and the backing of their presence in the society in U.A.E., the Arab World and internationally. Forbes Middle East Magazine made the announcement at a ceremony to honour the most prominent women who contributed to the development of their countries and to the making of their present and future. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development. Dr. Maytha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, was presented with the award on behalf of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. In his speech at the honouring ceremony, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, said the well-deserved honour is a source of pride as it recognises Sheikha Fatima’s sincere and continuous efforts and positive and pioneering role in leading social development and showing all the men and women of the nation the way to excellence and superiority. Forbes Middle East also announced its list of the 200 Most Powerful Arab Women. "We are proud that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, is a leader and a pioneer who contributes to all the fields of benevolence, and sponsors purposeful initiatives in the spheres of education, healthcare, social development, volunteering, women development, family care and the encouragement of innovation, creativity and achievement in all spheres." "This pioneering role expanded to Arab countries and the rest of the world and very effective in promoting the principles of good, well-being, rightness and cooperation on the humanitarian, regional and international levels." This occasion, noted Sheikh Nahyan, provides a good opportunity for highlighting the vital role and tangible achievements of Arab women in the advancement of the society and national development in all areas through their notable potential as an important element of progress and evolution both regionally and globally. Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that holding the awarding ceremony in U.A.E. reflects the country’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment and to providing the favourable circumstances for women to enable them to make full, excellent and effective contribution to national and global progress. Sheikh Nahyan also emphasised that U.A.E., under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is keen on tapping the full potential of all its women and men. "U.A.E. has become a leader in this regard. All Emirati women and men are proud that their country guarantees equal opportunities for all of them in education, excellence and superiority." Sheikh Nahyan extended thanks to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of U.A.E. Armed Forces, for their keen interest in empowering women to achieve excellence, shoulder responsibilities and contribute to all efforts to help their society and the world to achieve progress, development and prosperity. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – (http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395270413198.html) (http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395270415045.html)