Sheikha Fatima receives lifetime achievement award from Gates Foundation

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, received a lifetime achievement award for her six decades of service to women, children and families in the UAE and around the world.

The award was presented by Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, at the Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event, organised by the Gates Foundation and the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Monday evening.

Receiving the award on Sheikha Fatima's behalf was her son, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“We gather today to celebrate this award, which embodies her generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to ensuring that every woman, every mother, and every child lives a life of dignity and grace,” Sheikh Abdullah said, on receiving the award on his mother's behalf.

“This deep and unwavering belief was not born from ease, but from the difficult circumstances she herself experienced as a mother.

“Through decades of tireless work, Her Highness championed social protection laws, initiated programmes supporting vulnerable families, and strengthened volunteerism – including major initiatives in community and humanitarian volunteering.

“These efforts embody her commitment to humanitarian principles and her belief that dignity is a right for all.”

The award comes at a pivotal moment for the health of children around the world, which is witnessing a dangerous resurgence of childhood diseases – conditions long considered preventable – as conflict, vaccine gaps, and weakened health systems threaten to push countries backwards and claim more young lives.

Held under the Goalkeepers initiative of the Gates Foundation, the gathering brought together global leaders, policymakers, youth innovators and philanthropists who are accelerating progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s event, held for the first time in the UAE and the Middle East, also highlighted urgent threats to childhood health and the critical need for sustained funding for disease eradication efforts.

'Special award for special person'

“This really is a special award for a very special person. Since the founding of the UAE, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has championed the simple truth that has shaped the nation: mothers are the backbones of nations,” said Mr Gates, presenting the award.

“She has dedicated her life to empowering women and making that backbone strong. Her Highness’s influence extends far past the UAE.