H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak was born in Al Hayer in Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, where she studied the Holy Quran and its interpretation as well as the Hadith (saying of the Prophet). She was taught various subjects of literature and humanities, taking special interest in poetry, as well as studying history, politics, diplomacy, and receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities and Social Studies from the University of Algeria. H.H. Sheikha Fatima is known for being a humble and generous person.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak was wed to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in early 1960, when he was still the Ruler’s representative in the Eastern Region; she stood by him through the most critical moments of his life, notably in the early years of the establishment of the Union, and she supported his leading attempts to modernize the country and establish its infrastructure.

Throughout her journey, H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak has accomplished monumental achievements in various fields, spreading her impact on religious, charitable, humanitarian and social dimensions; she continues to have a compelling impact on promoting women locally, as well as internationally.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima is a pioneer in humanitarian work in the United Arab Emirates; she established the first Women’s Association in 1973, followed by the General Women’s Union in 1974, and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in 2003, the Family Development Foundation in 2006, as well as launching a large number of initiatives that have raised women’s status socially, economically and politically.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak was recognized throughout her journey with around 800 medals, medallions, commemorative shields, awards and certificates of appreciation, locally, regionally and internationally, for her remarkable role in promoting charity work around the globe, and her continued efforts towards advancing Emirati and Arab women, advocating for motherhood and childhood, as well as for her pioneering stance for empowering women in politics, literacy campaigns, and the care for children, the elderly, orphans and people of determination.

Author: UAE National Library and Archives

 

 

In the 1970s

Inauguration of the Women’s Association by H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, the first association dedicated to women in the history of the United Arab Emirates, 11 February 1973. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Inauguration of the Women’s Association by H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, the first association dedicated to women in the history of the United Arab Emirates, 11 February 1973. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Establishment of the General Women’s Union, under which all women’s associations in the UAE will operate, 30 May 1974. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

In an exclusive interview with Al Ittihad Newspaper, H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak unveils an action plan for intensive women engagement in the UAE, 5 October 1975. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

 

 

In the 1980s

Spouse of the UAE President, H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bin Mubarak, advocates the causes of women in the UAE, in a talk with Al Ittihad newspaper on National Day, 2 December 1988. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurates the Arab Girl Guides Conference in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, Leader and Honorary President of the Girl Guides Association of the United Arab Emirates, 5 December 1988. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurates the Arab Girl Guides Conference in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, Leader and Honorary President of the Girl Guides Association of the United Arab Emirates, 5 December 1988. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

 

 

In the early years of the new millennium

Spouse of the UAE President, H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, praises the Parade for Love and its humanitarian aspect, 22 March 2000. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the President’s Office, receiving from Unicef Representative to the Gulf Stefen Toma, the 'Leadership for Children' award for the year 2001 on behalf of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, 7 November 2001. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak launches the National Strategy for Women to promote women’s participation in development and decision making, 12 December 2002. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak launches the National Strategy for Women to promote women’s participation in development and decision making, 12 December 2002. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak confirms that the future of women’s participation in politics in the UAE is looking bright, 8 November 2002. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan issues a decree on the establishment of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, 31 July 2003. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The Athena Foundation grants H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak the 11th International ATHENA Award at the graduation ceremony of the first batch of female students from Zayed University, held at the National Theatre at the Ministry of Media and Culture in Abu Dhabi, 10 March 2003. © Al Khaleej Newspaper

The UAE honors H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, 21 March 2005. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The UAE honors H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, 21 March 2005. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The UAE honors H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, 21 March 2005. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issues Law no. (11) of 2006, on the establishment of the Family Development Foundation, based in Abu Dhabi, Chaired by H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, 11 May 2006. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issues Law no. (11) of 2006, on the establishment of the Family Development Foundation, based in Abu Dhabi, Chaired by H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, 11 May 2006. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, is awarded the French "Order of Academic Palms" of the Knight grade, 13 April 2006. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, is awarded the French "Order of Academic Palms" of the Knight grade, 13 April 2006. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

President of the Republic of Tunisia awards H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Grand Cordon of the Order of November 7, 27 June 2009. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

President of the Republic of Tunisia awards H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Grand Cordon of the Order of November 7, 27 June 2009. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, appointed Extraordinary Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 16 October 2010. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, appointed Extraordinary Goodwill Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 16 October 2010. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

On behalf of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving the “Values in Leadership” award granted to Her Highness by the EastWest Institute in the United States, in the presence of John Edwin Chairman of the Institute, Haifa Kaylani EastWest Institute Board Member and President of the Arab International Women’s Forum, at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, 13 October 2010. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

A gold model of Zayed University campus awarded to H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, on the occasion of the inauguration of the new campus in Khalifa City B boasting the new Sheikha Fatima Hall, 10 December 2012. © Al Khaleej Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak praises the efforts of the nation and its leadership as the UAE ranks first in the world for respecting women under the Social Progress Index, 29 April 2014. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak declares the 28th of August of every year as Emirati Women’s Day, 1 December 2014. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak launches the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2015-2021, 8 March 2015. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The General Union for Arab Producers and the Arab Women’s Campaign honor H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak with the “Mother of Arabs” title, 21 March 2015. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The General Union for Arab Producers and the Arab Women’s Campaign honor H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak with the “Mother of Arabs” title, 21 March 2015. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

The General Union for Arab Producers and the Arab Women’s Campaign honor H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak with the “Mother of Arabs” title, 21 March 2015. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak launches the first 5 Year Strategic Plan for “Business Women in Abu Dhabi”, 21 April 2015. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak confirms that the vision set forth by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has empowered women to becoming a main partner in national endeavors, 8 March 2015. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak believes that children are the true wealth of a nation, 15 March 2018. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikh Fatima Bint Mubarak believes that children are the true wealth of a nation, 15 March 2018. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak confirms that the UAE is a unique global model for childcare, 23 February 2020. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak sponsors the establishment of an academic research center for motherhood and childhood, 22 April 2020. © Al Ittihad Newspaper

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak sponsors the establishment of an academic research center for motherhood and childhood, 22 April 2020. © Al Ittihad Newspaper