The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has declared that H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has been named the Islamic personality of the year on the Award's 19th session.

H.H Sheikha Fatima is the first woman to win the annual prestigious award which has been given to 18 different personalities and institutions from around the world in appreciation for their outstanding role in the service of Islam and the holy Quran since 1997.

In a press conference, Ibrahim Mohammed Bu Melha, head of the award organising committee, who is also an adviser to the ruler of Dubai for cultural and humanitarian affairs, said Sheikha Fatima was not satisfied with a limited role, even if it was noble. "She has dedicated herself to the service of her society."

Sheikha Fatima sought, since the foundation of the Federation State, to support all its social and ideological classes and arrays, he added. "That sublime approach covers the entire country in different fields," he said, noting that honouring H.H. Sheikha Fatima is actually an honour for all Emirati women.

Bu Melha said modesty, tolerance and openness towards others were the hallmark of the personality of H.H Sheikha Fatima, besides her determination and infinite passion about charitable work inside and outside the UAE.

"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."

He said all members of the DIHQA organising committee have agreed on the choice of H.H. Sheikha Fatima as the Islamic Personality of the Year, with the decision receiving a nod of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Elaborating, Bu Melha said the well-deserved honour, that will have a positive impact on the UAE people, has been conferred upon H.H. Sheikha Fatima for so many reasons.

"She is the mother of all Emiratis, the wife of H.H. the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan 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."

Dr Saeed Hareb, Deputy Chairman of the DIHQA organising committee, said the honouring reflects the leading role of H.H Sheikha Fatima and will help boost the position of women locally, and in the Islamic and Arab countries.

"The honouring also shows how Islam honours and respects women and appreciates their role in the service of the holy Quran. The women stands on equal footing with men."

Sami Gargash, head of the PR unit, said the Award has had the honour of choosing Sheikha Fatima as the Islamic Personality of the Year. "Naming a woman for the award for the first time came due to her endless achievements locally and abroad."

She always backed the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, when he first founded the UAE, he added. "Her philanthropy around the planet and in the UAE speaks volumes."

Ahmed Al Zahid, head of the media unit, said Sheikha Fatima does deserve the honouring because of her tireless efforts in the service of the nationals and citizens in the country.

"Her generous gestures can be noticed in every nook and corner," he said, noting that he was taking a cab abroad one day when the taxi driver started supplicating for H.H Sheikha Fatima when he came to know that he was an Emirati citizen because she once stood by him in his moment of dilemma.

One may need days or even months to count some of Sheikha Fatima's gestures and philanthropic initiatives, he pointed out. "We supplicate before Almighty Allah to keep her safe and healthy and bless her."

Prof Dr Mohammed Abdul Raheem Sultan Al-Ulama, head of the competitions unit, said the honouring shows how Islam honours women.

"H.H Sheikha Fatima spares no effort to boost the position of women internationally in general and in the UAE in particular. Her countless gestures and instances of support to the poor, needy and low-income people locally and abroad are known everywhere."

Her charitable projects, spanning the construction of mosques, schools, hospitals, senior people's houses, and orphanages speak volumes, he added. "The Award is honoured to show respect to women everywhere by honouring H.H Sheikha Fatima – God bless her."

Abdul Raheem Hussain Ahli, head of the financial and administrative unit, said the honouring is well deserved. "I am so happy to be one of the DIHQA organising committee members, and be part of this choice," he said, praying to Almighty Allah to bless her.
Source: WAM