Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, on Monday received the 2023 International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development (Dihad) conference.
The accolade was presented by the Dihad International Scientific Advisory Board (Disab) based in Geneva, Switzerland, in recognition of her unwavering support of those in need.
She is the first woman to receive the honour in 19 years.
Sheikha Fatima has played a leading role in improving the lives and conditions of people in the UAE, as well as supporting women globally, and helping survivors of last month's earthquake in Syria and Turkey receive medical treatment in the Emirates.
Disab also honoured her with the title of Mother of Peace due to her commitment to spreading kindness and compassion.
The award was presented by Dr Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State and adviser to Sheikha Fatima, at the Dihad opening ceremony.
"Her Highness is one that has been blessed with a big heart and a soul that yearns for giving and today marks an incredible recognition for her efforts in bettering humanity," said Dr Al Shamsi.
The Dihad International Personality Award for Humanitarian Relief is presented in recognition of international figures and leaders who play a prominent role in supporting people in need around the world.
“Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has shown us all what it means to be an outstanding figure in the humanitarian world, and we are pleased to present her with this award in high recognition of her long history and commitment to all people around the world,” said Gerhard Putman-Cramer, director of Disab.
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Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
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