Students of ADU salute the Mother of the Nation, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) hosted a tribute to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation on International Mother’s Day, 21st March, 2011, at the Khalifa City campus in Abu Dhabi. The tribute celebrated her lifetime achievements and her status as an iconic Emirati woman of today. 

“In honor of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima, all members of ADU salute her unique and larger-than-life accomplishments that have reached Emirati women to new heights, and raised their standards and social roles within the Emirati community. Sheikha Fatima is symbolic of Emirati mothers, and the reason that we may hold our heads high.” Dr. Nabil Ibrahim, ADU Chancellor. 

Nouf Al Thibani, a first year student at ADU’s Business School opened the ceremony with a video offering great insight into how the contributions and outstanding achievements of HH Sheikha Fatima have improved the quality of lives of Emirati women as well as changed outlooks about the many social roles that they fulfill today. The Mother of the Nation, as she is fondly called upon, has invested much of her time and energy in the promotion and welfare of all social classes found in the UAE. 

The ceremony also paid homage to the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the inspiration behind Sheikha Fatima’s many endeavours. A recording of his wise words was played: “I advise you to gain knowledge that will benefit you and which will make you capable and well-respected, so that even if you marry a man who is of a lower educational status, you will be able to perform your wifely duties by lending him a hand.” 

A skit depicting the life of Emirati women showed the importance of a good education, irrespective of one’s current situation is paramount to success in later life. It also portrayed iconic women such as Sheikha Fatima as exceptional role models that lead by example, and give the people around them the hope for a better tomorrow. 

Prominent Emirati poets, Mariam Al Shahi, Saeed Rashid Al Maamari, Mohammed Al Hashmi and an ADU student, Khalifa Rashedi took to the stage and enthralled audiences with their graceful and mesmerizing poetry. 

An enthusiastic group of students from Al Rawafed Private School concluded the day’s events with a marvellous display, performing a number of songs.