Latest news with #FBMI
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
How a UAE-led humanitarian initiative is saving Afghan mothers and children
When Shazia Mohammadi recently gave birth to her seventh child, it marked a historic moment ‚ not just for her family, but for thousands of Afghan mothers like her — who now have access to life-saving medical care through a UAE-led humanitarian initiative. 'Previously, we only had to give birth at home. But this clinic near our house has been a blessing,' said Shazia. Her husband, Ramadan, noted that it was their first experience to have professional medical care after six previous home births. Shazia and Ramadan are thankful to the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative (FBMI), a joint venture between Sheikha Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed and Tanweer Investments in Afghanistan. It operates 10 clinics across seven provinces in Afghanistan, serving over 100,000 people through a project that impacts healthcare, education, and employment. FBMI's healthcare network provides maternity care, emergency obstetric services, pediatric care, and free vaccinations. Each facility serves over 100 patients daily, with culturally sensitive care delivered by locally trained staff. Beyond healthcare, FBMI's educational initiatives have supported over 20,000 children since 2010, providing literacy, numeracy, and health awareness programs. According to their leadership, FBMI approaches solutions and impact through the provision of healthcare, jobs and education. Watch the video below: 'These three pillars work together to create long-term stability,' FBMI CEO Maywand Jabarkhyl told Khaleej Times. 'Employment through our social enterprises gives families a reliable income, which supports access to healthcare and education," he added. Since 2010, FBMI has employed over 8,000 Afghans across sectors including healthcare support, agriculture, and carpet weaving. The programme creates sustainable employment while ensuring children receive education and families access medical care. 'The effect is transformative. Employment brings income, but more importantly, it brings dignity, stability, and hope. Families can send their children to school, afford basic needs, and take control of their futures,' said Jabarkyhl. Operating in Afghanistan presents its own set of challenges due to the geopolitical environment. 'The biggest challenge has been operating within the current uncertainty in Afghanistan,' said Jabarkhyl, adding: 'Political shifts, economic instability, and disruptions in infrastructure make it difficult to maintain consistency.' Cultural integration remains central to FBMI's way of working. 'Cultural understanding is built into every aspect of our work, We consult with community elders, employ local teams, and design programs that are in harmony with Afghan traditions and values.' The programme's success has inspired a broader expansion plan. 'Over the next 50 years, we aim to extend our reach to other countries in need,' noted Jabarkhyl. FBMI has already expanded into Tanzania and Zanzibar and looks forward to driving impact in other parts of the world.
Gulf Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
‘Naseej: Threads of Hope' at BEEAH demonstrates art of empowerment
Under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Chairperson of the Board of Directors at BEEAH, BEEAH, the region's pioneer in sustainability and innovation, has inaugurated the art exhibition titled 'Naseej: Threads of Hope' at its headquarters in Sharjah (May 14 - June 3). Conceived as a dialogue between design, craft, community uplift and a bridge between sustainability, design and social impact, the exhibition features nine exclusive handwoven carpet artworks by regional and international artists, spotlighting children's well-being, sustainable craftsmanship and community empowerment through artistic collaboration. Each of the pieces is a vibrant testament to the transformative power of art and the promise of a better future. Nada Taryam, CEO - Real Estate at BEEAH said that ''Naseej: Threads of Hope' reflects the transformative power of how art connects, inspires and drives meaningful progress. At BEEAH, we believe that creativity can deepen our connection to culture and heritage while shaping new narratives for the future. Faissal El Malak's dreamwork. Hosting this exhibition at our iconic Zaha Hadid–designed headquarters in Sharjah symbolises the harmony of innovation and tradition; it is a space that fosters dialogue, reflection, and visionary thinking. Through our partnership with FBMI, we are proud to champion artisan communities, preserve time-honoured crafts, and foster social impact — all through the shared language of design and hope.' FBMI is the Fatima Bint Mohamed Bin Zayed Initiative, with a mission to brighten the future of underprivileged societies by investing in their skills, health and education, to empower them to help themselves. 'The craftsmanship is emotional,' Nada Taryam said. 'FBMI sources natural and sustainable material - we stand for it too.' She said that the artists who had been brought from the region worked in the same medium, but told different stories, adding that BEEAH would like to advocate for art by providing a platform for artists and collaborating with different organisations. Curated by Fatima Deemas, the exhibition integrates contemporary design and cultural heritage. The works showcased are from contemporary regional and international artists and creative organisations including Sara Kanoo, Sultan Bin Fahad, Juma Al Haj, Adrian Pepe, Bokja (Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri), Faissal El Malak, Hessa Al Suwaidi, Nasir Nasrallah and Zaha Hadid Architects. The carpets were handwoven by women artisans in Kabul, Afghanistan, under the guidance of FBMI and its artisan platform, Zuleya. The designs were brought to life using natural dyes from organic materials and ethically sourced wool, living up to ecological responsibility while preserving traditional Afghan techniques. The result is a multisensory experience that fuses art, storytelling, heritage and social entrepreneurship. It is a world where design transcends decoration and becomes a medium for empowerment, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration. Artists and dignitaries at the event. Fatima Deemas, cultural curator and passionate advocate for arts at BEEAH, said that 'this exhibition is a journey woven with purpose, creativity, and community. Each commissioned work captures a designer's interpretation of childhood joy, resilience, and imagination. In collaboration with the skilled artisans of FBMI, these carpets transcend traditional art forms — they become living stories of hope, handwoven with care, sustainability, and meaning. 'Naseej: Threads of Hope' is not only a celebration of artistic craftmanship, but a powerful reminder of how design can uplift, empower, and create lasting social impact.' A private charity auction follows the exhibition launch, with proceeds benefiting the Khaled bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation (KSQF) and FBMI's community and humanitarian initiatives. Bokja is a Beirut-based design collective founded by Huda Baroudi and Maria Hibri. Drawing on heritage textiles and antique furniture, it reimagines salvaged fabrics from the Silk Road into vibrant, contemporary narratives. Sultan Bin Fahad is a Saudi artist whose work explores spirituality and material culture, particularly related to Makkah. His work has been shown internationally and acquired by the Palestine Museum in 2016. Zaha Hadid Architects pushes the boundaries of design through innovation, geometry, and fluid form. Founded by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the firm is renowned for its futuristic approach, sustainability ethos, and mastery of complex computational design. Juma Al Haj is a Sharjah-based artist whose practice reflects visual rhetoric and personal narratives. Sara Kanoo is a Bahraini architect and designer. Her multidisciplinary work spans interiors, furniture, graphics, and urban design. As head of That Studio, she leads culturally driven projects focused on sustainability and community engagement. Faissal El Malak is a Palestinian multidisciplinary artist based between London and Dubai. His work was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2019, making him the first Palestinian fashion designer represented in their permanent collection. Born in Sharjah, Nasir Nasrallah is an Emirati artist, writer, and curator. He founded Marsam Al Sahel studio in 2019 and currently directs the Education Programme at Sharjah Art Foundation. Adrian Pepe is a Honduran fibre artist based in Lebanon, whose practice explores the materiality of textiles through performance and installation. Hessa Al Suwaidi is a New York-based artist from Dubai. Her artistic voice reflects layered storytelling, particularly relating to women in the Middle East. Through innovation, full-circle resource management and digital transformation, BEEAH addresses environmental challenges by deploying the latest technologies and creating the roadmap for a smart and sustainable future. BEEAH operates in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. 'Naseej' reflects BEEAH's commitment to integrating arts and culture, creating a platform where sustainability and creativity converge.
