In: Operations Management
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi was born in the Al Hayer area, Al Ain City, to a religious and conservative Bedouin family. She always had a passion for the values and simplicity of the Bedouin life and environment from which she derived her personality and culture.
She was married to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - May Allah Bless His Soul - in early 1960, when he was living in Al Ain as Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. She moved to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the emirate, when Sheikh Zayed became ruler on 6th August,1966.
She was always at the side of Sheikh Zayed throughout his reign as Ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, later, as the President of the United Arab Emirates; he was her mentor and her source of inspiration. She shared with him the years of political dynamism when he was greatly involved with his work, helping him to achieve his many successes, of which the most prominent was the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on 2nd December, 1971. This, in particular, had a great effect on Sheikha Fatima, shaping her intellect and preparing her for the huge responsibilities she later assumed.
Sheikha Fatima gave most of her time to taking care of her husband to whom she was fully dedicated. She did not, however, overlook the importance of education in her life, and devoted time to studying the Quran, Sunna and Hadith. She was also interested in studying literature and the humanities and in exploring history, politics and diplomacy.
She is characterized by modesty, magnanimity, leniency, belief in and acceptance of others' opinions, unwavering and strong determination and the unlimited love for charity work that was not limited to the United Arab Emirates.
Her character is exemplified by modesty, magnanimity, leniency, a belief in and an acceptance of the views of others, an unwavering and strong determination and a boundless devotion to charity work that has not been limited to the United Arab Emirates.
She has 6 sons and 2 daughters
Sheikha Fatima had special interest in motherhood, childhood and family, the major concerns which take quite a great part of her time. In a short span of time, she was able to make outstanding gains and status for children and mothers on all levels.
She sponsored the establishment of the UAE's first women society in Feb 8th 1973 in Abu Dhabi. Other similar societies were later established in other emirates and the need for coordinating their efforts and goals emerged. Therefore, the General Women Union was established in August 27th, 1975 and Sheikha Fatima became its first chairwoman.
Sheikha Fatima was given the title of Mother of Sheikhs; on the International Women's Day in 2005, she attained the well-deserved title of Mother of the Nation.
Sheikha Fatima established and/or chaired a number of
local, regional and international societies and bodes
These are:
H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak holds the following honorary positions:
H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak sponsored a number of
initiatives and projects aimed at empowering women locally,
regionally and internationally.
Among these are:
H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak is interested in family and children and continues to spare on effort in ensuring stability for the same prioritizing protection and care for children. In this regard, she launched the following initiatives:
H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak patronized a large
number of local, regional and international conferences and
symposium. She also led the General Women Union into active
participation at international meeting.
Theses include:
Tributes Paid by prominent figures to H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak:
"Women's work in the UAE has, in a record short span of time,
made great lofty achievements which the unlimited care and support
rendered by H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. Every time I visit the
lovely UAE, I see more progress and achievements. The UAE women
development under the leadership of Sheikha Fatima has achieved
prominence among similar experiences in other Arab
countries."
Mrs. Suzan Mubarak, Wife of Egyptian
President.
"Thanks to the wise directives of H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint
Mubarak, the social, cultural and economic characteristics of UAE
women have improved. They have made huge educational achievements.
Her Highness' persistent and unlimited efforts in further
underscoring women's role deserve all the praise."
H.E Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan UAE Minister
of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
"UAE women have made significant achievements which promoted
their role in the process of economic and social development which
has been going on ever since the inception of the federation in
early 1970s. H.H Sheikha Fatima has always been keen on taking care
of women and empowering them to take up their role in life and
society and realize the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed in this
regards to ensure their progress and empower them to make
achievements in all areas while at the same time preserve their
identity and authenticity."
Ambassador Mushira Khattab, Secretary General of the
National
Council for Childhood and Motherhood.
"H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak has always launched generous
initiatives and provided unlimited support to joint Arab action and
her presence at the 1st Arab Women Summit in November, 2006 is the
best proof to this. We always look up respectfully and
appreciatively to her efforts to advance women in her country and
to her keen interest in elevating them to the same status women in
other countries enjoy. It is very clear that UAE women are lucky to
have Sheikha Fatima as their wise leader who has the vision, desire
and interest to make them keep abreast with modernity."
H.H Sheikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim, Wife of the King of
Bahrain.
"H.H Sheikha Fatima is making huge efforts to advance women
action and provide all the capabilities necessary for Arab women to
shoulder the burdens of serving their families and society."
Queen Rania of Jordan.
"The efforts of H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak to advance women
action are undeniable because they are sincere and outstanding
efforts which have contributed to elevate UAE women's potentials in
all areas giving them an outstanding status locally, regionally (in
the Gulf) and internationally."
Dr Huda Jamal Abdel- Nasser, professor of politics at Cairo
University.
"The great achievements H.H Sheikha Fatima has made throughout
her humanitarian work have been appreciated by most national, Arab
and international organizations. These have honoured her for her
generosity and contributions to the process of building and
development by empowering UAE women though education, training and
rehabilitation in all areas, including government, business,
security and police forces which have been limited to men. They
achieved excellence in these areas."
Mrs. Nancy Bakir, Arab League Assistant Secretary
General.
"H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak has made a lot of contributions
to the happiness of humanity. History and the coming generations
will always remember and highlight her pioneering role in
humanitarian work and women action which led, by the help of God,
to establishing the first women society in early 1970s. She has
also provided the best modern and humanitarian services to mothers
and children in a well-planned way besides her patronage of several
conferences, symposia and scientific meetings held locally,
regionally and internationally."
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Head of Rashid
Paediatric Therapy Centre, Dubai.
"I am glad at all what I have seen during my visit to the United
Arab Emirates. What makes me even more glad is the fact that the
role of this virtuous lady who leads women in the UAE on the way
forward is not limited to the General Women Union and that she also
leads other bodies which provide support to women and families. I
have found myself in the presence of a unique Arab leader who plays
a pioneering role which we Arabs have to be proud of, not only in
Arab countries, but also internationally."
Dr Sawsan Othman, Vice President of Arab Organization for
the Family.
"H.H Sheikha has laid a strong foundation for women. The overall
development of women and their presence in various fields is but
the fruit of her efforts throughout the years. UAE women owe much
to her incessant support and efforts to change perceptions about
women in public life. The time to show gratitude to this great
woman who has ably led the UAE women movement has come and on
Mother's Day in 2005, the nation gave her the title of Mother of
the Nation as she is the source of good manners and characteristics
and knowledge for UAE women."
H.E Sheikha Lubna Al-Qassimi, Minister of Foreign
Trade.
"The approach taken by women action in the UAE aims to maintain
continuous communication with Arab women societies and bodies
though the support provided by H.H. Sheikha Fatima to unify efforts
to unify efforts of all areas of charity work. Sheikha Fatima's
outstanding efforts has enhanced cooperation in all areas, women's
action in particular, between the UAE and Oman."
Omaima Bint Saeed Al-Saeed, Sister of Sultan Qaboos of
Oman.
"The pioneering role H.H Sheikha Fatima is playing in support of
women's activities in the emirates of the country has yielded
several achievements and raised women's awareness and promoted
their roles in the community in general and within their families
in particular. This has also elevated the status of UAE women,
highlighted their talents, enhanced their abilities and increased
their contributions to progress and the process of building."
H.E Maryam Al-Roumi, Minister of Social
Affairs.
Books about H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak:
Honoring Mother of the Nation. By Hassan Mohammed Ajmi. General Women Union, 1997.
Harvest of Charity and Good Deed: H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Humanitarian Personality of the Year 1998. By Abu Baker Hassan. Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre, Dubai. 1998.
Encyclopedia of Women Development in the UAE. By Baghdad Ahmed Al-Jaberi. 2000.
Al-Jawhara Gallery. General Women Union May 2000.
Thoughts of the Pioneer of Women Development. By Abla Al-Nuwais.
February 2001.
H.H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak. Wife of H.H Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE. General Egyptian Book Organization. May 2003.
Fatima Bint Mubarak and Humanitarian Action. Information Office of Deputy Prime Minister. January 2005.
Fatima Bint Mubarak and Women Development. Information Office of Deputy Prime Minister. January 2005.
Mother of the Nation: A Song of Love, Charity and Giving. Al-Bayan Press, Printing & Publishing Est. 2007.
Fatima Bint Mubarak: Boundless Giving. Zayed University.