Latest news with #Shaheen
Gulf Today
9 hours ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
UAE's Make-A-Wish Foundation brings joy to 418 children in 'Year of Community'
In a year designated by the wise leadership as the 'Year of Community,' Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, affirmed that the foundation succeeded in embodying its humanitarian vision, achieving its strategy and mission by bringing joy and hope to the hearts of hundreds of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. This was realised through the fulfilment of 418 wishes in just the first half of 2025. Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif stated, "The Year of the Community was a powerful motivator for us to double our efforts and elevate our sense of responsibility towards sick children and their families, reaffirming that the UAE will always remain a beacon of hope and a voice of compassion.' She added, "The 'Year of the Community' was not just a slogan, but a moment of national and humanitarian consciousness in which the UAE's community—both institutions and individuals—proved that solidarity and generosity are at the heart of the Emirati identity. Sick children deserve that we all be a bridge connecting them to life, to hope, and to happiness.' Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif clarified that the foundation granted wishes in three sister countries: Egypt (109 wishes), Jordan (63 wishes), and Yemen (15 wishes), in addition to 231 wishes granted within the UAE. The wishes this year included children from 25 different nationalities, reflecting the foundation's deep human diversity and cultural openness. She continued, "Every wish we fulfill is a message of life, and every child's smile lights the paths of hope and restores the true meaning of humanity. These achievements are the result of joint efforts and fruitful cooperation between the foundation and its partners in both the public and private sectors.' In conclusion, Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all supporters, partners, and members of the foundation's team, saying, "You are the true heartbeat of this humanitarian work. Thanks to you, the foundation can continue fulfilling its noble mission with commitment and professionalism. You are our partners in turning small dreams into a bright and impactful reality. The wishes granted fell into three main categories: Wishes to receive something (369 wishes): These included cutting-edge electronic devices, bicycles and electric scooters, a Shaheen falcon, a camel, a horse, a piano, bedroom furniture, gold jewellrey, a television, outdoor playsets, and many more that reflected the diverse interests of children. Wishes to go somewhere (48 wishes): This included 9 domestic trips to destinations such as the Museum of the Future, Atlantis Hotel (with dolphin swimming experiences), Sharjah Safari, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and other entertainment venues that combined joy and memorable experiences. Wishes to travel abroad (39 wishes): Destinations spanned cities and dreams around the world, including Disneyland Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, Japan, Manchester, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia, the Maldives, Thailand, Moscow, India, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and religious journeys such as Umrah. WAM
Al Etihad
16 hours ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Make-A-Wish brings joy to 418 children in Year of Community
16 July 2025 14:44 ABU DHABI (WAM)In a year designated by the wise leadership as the Year of Community, Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE, affirmed that the foundation succeeded in embodying its humanitarian vision, achieving its strategy and mission by bringing joy and hope to the hearts of hundreds of children suffering from life-threatening was realised through the fulfilment of 418 wishes in just the first half of Highness Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan stated, "The Year of the Community was a powerful motivator for us to double our efforts and elevate our sense of responsibility toward sick children and their families, reaffirming that the UAE will always remain a beacon of hope and a voice of added, "The Year of the Community was not just a slogan, but a moment of national and humanitarian consciousness in which the UAE's community—both institutions and individuals—proved that solidarity and generosity are at the heart of the Emirati identity. Sick children deserve that we all be a bridge connecting them to life, to hope, and to clarified that the foundation granted wishes in three sister countries: Egypt (109 wishes), Jordan (63 wishes), and Yemen (15 wishes), in addition to 231 wishes granted within the UAE. The wishes this year included children from 25 different nationalities, reflecting the foundation's deep human diversity and cultural continued, "Every wish we fulfill is a message of life, and every child's smile lights the paths of hope and restores the true meaning of humanity. These achievements are the result of joint efforts and fruitful cooperation between the foundation and its partners in both the public and private conclusion, Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all supporters, partners, and members of the foundation's team, saying, "You are the true heartbeat of this humanitarian work. Thanks to you, the foundation can continue fulfilling its noble mission with commitment and professionalism. You are our partners in turning small dreams into a bright and impactful reality. Wish Categories Wishes to receive something (369 wishes)These included cutting-edge electronic devices, bicycles and electric scooters, a Shaheen falcon, a camel, a horse, a piano, bedroom furniture, gold jewelry, a television, outdoor playsets, and many more that reflected the diverse interests of to go somewhere (48 wishes)This included 9 domestic trips to destinations such as the Museum of the Future, Atlantis Hotel (with dolphin swimming experiences), Sharjah Safari, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld, Ferrari World, and other entertainment venues that combined joy and memorable to travel abroad (39 wishes) Destinations spanned cities and dreams around the world, including Disneyland Orlando, Paris, Tokyo, Japan, Manchester, Korea, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia, the Maldives, Thailand, Moscow, India, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and religious journeys such as Umrah. Year of Community Continue full coverage
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
The journey from pain to purpose of acid attack survivors
In 2009, Shaheen Malik, who was then 26 and also pursuing MBA, was attacked with acid outside her workplace. The reason: her colleagues felt threatened by her confidence and competence. It left Shaheen's face and vision permanently altered. 'I still remember the green colour of that liquid,' she says. 'For a second, I thought it was a prank. But the burning told me it was not.' She underwent 25 reconstructive surgeries. Even after a decade-and-a-half of the incident, her legal battle continues. Shaheen remembers how, in the beginning, hospitals refused to admit her because she could not pay up ₹5,00,000. 'What happened to me, happens to many. What does not happen is justice, support, or basic human care,' she says. The gap between trauma and treatment led Shaheen to set up Brave Souls on July 5, 2021. What started off as a Delhi-based NGO has grown into a pan-India movement offering medical and legal support to acid attack survivors. 'But more than that, a second chance at life for them,' she adds. Brave Souls, say the beneficiaries, is a sanctuary for survival, self-respect, and soaring dreams for women whose stories have unspeakable pain and unimaginable resilience. When Shaheen launched the organisation, she had nothing, no money. Only a vision that no survivor should feel helpless like shedid. Today, the organisation offers reconstructive surgeries, trauma counselling, legal assistance, literacy training, yoga, and vocational skills, all aimed at making the acid attack survivors financially independent. It works in cities across Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Delhi, and will soon open in Uttar Pradesh. From street plays to courtrooms and hospital ICUs to dance studios, the organisation has become a force behind the acid attack victims. Here, recovery of an affected person does not end with surgery. It begins when the survivor begins to live again. 'We organise dance sessions, music classes, and outings to public places,' says Shaheen because she believes, 'people must see them, and they must see people'. One initiative last Summer involved setting up a water and sharbat stall at Nizamuddin. People kept pouring in and many also stopped to ask who they were. 'This simple curiosity is the first step to awareness,' says Shaheen. She remembers a moving incident involving a family of seven who were all victims of an acid attack, which included a six-month-old and a 60-year-old. Initially turned away by private hospitals for lack of funds, the NGO fought to get them treatment under a Supreme Court ruling. Shaheen talks of Gulnas, a young woman who lost everything but not her spunk in the acid attack. 'Today, she works at an American firm and has received ₹38 lakh as the highest-ever compensation for gender-based violence. 'She showed me what true transformation looks like,' says Shaheen. Preeti who was set afire by her husband saw herself burning like Holi Dahan. A traumatised and suicidal Preeti was brought to the shelter by Shaheen. She has had four reconstructive surgeries and is learning to smile again. 'Sometimes the mirror still scares me. But I remind myself I did not do anything wrong. The one who harmed me should be ashamed, not me,' says Preeti. At 14, Rahat refused a boy's advances. In retaliation, he threw acid on her. The culprit was sentenced to eight years. Today, Rahat lives in the Brave Souls home, stitching clothes and holding on to her faith. 'I will continue to work hard and believe something good will come,' she says. When asked how she defines strength, Shaheen says, 'It is not taking revenge but showing up every day when hiding is easier and dreaming big when everyone tells you not to.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dem report: China to seize global advantage from Trump international spending cuts
China will seize influence on the global stage as a result of the Trump administration's major cuts to international spending, according to a report published Monday by the Democratic staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), the panel's top Democrat, commissioned the report as a wake-up call to her colleagues over the damage she says will be wrought by President Trump's policies six months into his term. The report comes as the Senate is considering a Trump administration rescissions package that would cut hundreds of billions in foreign funding. It also comes as Congress moves toward appropriations season; the House Appropriations Committee on Monday proposed a 22 percent funding cut for national security, Department of State, and related programs. 'I can't imagine that anybody who has a thoughtful strategy for how to address what's happening in the world would have done the kinds of actions this administration has done,' Shaheen said in a call Monday previewing the report. The report is based on open-source research, official staff travel, meetings with the Trump administration, foreign government officials, U.S. companies and international nongovernmental organizations. 'In private, our allies tell us that Chinese officials are gleeful, characterizing the United States as unreliable,' Shaheen wrote in the opening letter of the report. 'In some cases, China is filling the void we have left behind, buying up now-vacant radio frequencies to broadcast its propaganda to millions. But in many cases, Beijing is doubling down on its own long-term investments — in overseas infrastructure, critical minerals exploitation and exchange programs that bring foreign talent to Chinese universities — all while America withdraws.' The 91-page report covers cuts to foreign aid, economic assistance, democracy initiatives, free media and law enforcement. One case study includes U.S. budget cuts toward Africa and how they will impact efforts to develop the continent's exports of critical minerals. Trump has put a spotlight on Africa in the first six months of his term, brokering a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda that could provide access to that region's critical minerals; touting $2.5 billion in deals and commitments at the recent U.S.-Africa Business Summit in June; and hosting five West African leaders at the White House in July. But the Democratic report says the Trump administration's gutting of the U.S. Agency for International Development has disrupted tens of millions of dollars in funding for projects complementing the development of infrastructure surrounding critical mineral extraction. It highlighted the Lobito Corridor project, a railway that brings critical minerals from Congo and Rwanda to Angola for shipment across the Atlantic Ocean. China is working on a similar project called the TAZARA Railway, which would connect Tanzania and Zambia and allow for exports of critical minerals across the Indian Ocean. The TAZARA Railway 'includes Chinese political training and other soft power initiatives to export the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian style of government. Whichever project is successful will dictate whether critical minerals flow towards the Atlantic Ocean and the United States or towards the Indian Ocean and China,' the report warns. The report also highlights the Trump administration's halting of funds for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and specifically a $649 million infrastructure project in Indonesia, a Muslim-majority nation and regional leader that maintains ties with both the U.S. and China. The MCC funds projects in poor but stable countries to help drive new investment opportunities for American businesses. While the MCC funds were reinstated, the initial pause 'delayed the launching, opening, evaluation and signing of bids for significant procurements,' the report notes. 'Following consultations with Indonesian counterparts, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Minority Staff also concluded that the pause has damaged America's standing and credibility with leadership in Jakarta,' the report read. Shaheen, a centrist Democrat who has worked with Republicans in the past, is using the report to push GOP colleagues to help reverse cuts or save bipartisan initiatives that are on the chopping block with the Trump administration's rescissions request. 'I think there are some aspects of the report that we talk about where there's a real interest in seeing them continue — the Millennial Challenge Corporation is one of those, again, a Bush initiative that has been very effective,' Shaheen said in response to a question of whether any GOP lawmakers would get behind the report's recommendations. Shaheen also pointed out the Trump administration's request to cut 91 percent of funding for U.S.-led international narcotics and law enforcement programs as standing in direct opposition to the president's commitment to combat the opioid epidemic and proliferation of fentanyl. The report also highlights the administration's termination of funding for international law enforcement to target cyber crime emanating from Southeast Asia. In 2024, Americans suffered $13.7 billion in losses from cyber-related scams, a 66 percent increase from 2023, the report notes. 'I can't imagine that there's any serious strategy that eliminates that kind of international law enforcement activity if you're really serious about addressing what the PRC is doing,' Shaheen said, referring to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
China to seize global advantage from Trump international cuts, say Dem report
China will seize influence on the global stage as a result of the Trump administration's major cuts to international spending, according to a report published Monday by the Democratic staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), the panel's top Democrat, commissioned the report as a wake-up call to her colleagues over the damage she says will be wrought by President Trump's policies six months into his term. The report comes as the Senate is considering a Trump administration rescissions package that would cut hundreds of billions in foreign funding. It also comes as Congress moves toward appropriations season; the House Appropriations Committee on Monday proposed a 22 percent funding cut for National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs. 'I can't imagine that anybody who has a thoughtful strategy for how to address what's happening in the world would have done the kinds of actions this administration has done,' Shaheen said in a call Monday previewing the report. The report is based on open source research, official staff travel, meetings with the Trump administration, foreign government officials, U.S. companies and international non-governmental organizations. 'In private, our allies tell us that Chinese officials are gleeful, characterizing the United States as unreliable,' Shaheen wrote in the opening letter of the report. 'In some cases, China is filling the void we have left behind, buying up now-vacant radio frequencies to broadcast its propaganda to millions. But in many cases, Beijing is doubling down on its own long-term investments-in overseas infrastructure, critical minerals exploitation and exchange programs that bring foreign talent to Chinese universities-all while America withdraws.' The 91-page report covers cuts to foreign aid, economic assistance, democracy initiatives, free media and law enforcement. One case study includes U.S. budget cuts toward Africa and how that will impact efforts to develop the continent's exports of critical minerals. Trump has put a spotlight on Africa in the first six months of his term, brokering a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda that could provide access to that region's critical minerals; touting $2.5 billion in deals and commitments at the recent U.S.-Africa Business Summit in June; and hosting five West African leaders at the White House in July. But the Democratic report says the Trump administration's gutting of the U.S. Agency for International Development has disrupted tens of millions of dollars in funding for projects complimenting the development of infrastructure surrounding critical mineral extraction. It highlighted the Lobito Corridor project, a railway that brings critical minerals from DRC and Rwanda to Angola for shipment across the Atlantic Ocean. China is working on a similar project called the Tanzania-Zambia (TAZARA) railway that would allow for export of critical minerals across the Indian Ocean. The TAZARA project 'includes Chinese political training and other soft power initiatives to export the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian style of government. Whichever project is successful will dictate whether critical minerals flow towards the Atlantic Ocean and the United States or towards the Indian Ocean and China,' the report warns. The report also highlights the Trump administration's halting of funds for the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and specifically a $649 million infrastructure project in Indonesia, a Muslim-majority nation and regional leader that maintains ties with both the U.S. and China. The MCC funds projects in poor but stable countries to help drive new investment opportunities for American businesses. While the MCC funds were reinstated, the initial pause 'delayed the launching, opening, evaluation and signing of bids for significant procurements,' the report notes. 'Following consultations with Indonesian counterparts, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Minority Staff also concluded that the pause has damaged America's standing and credibility with leadership in Jakarta,' the report read. Shaheen, a centrist Democrat who has worked with Republicans in the past, is using the report to push GOP colleagues to help reverse, or at least try and save some bipartisan initiatives that are on the chopping block with the Trump administration's budget cuts. 'I think there are some aspects of the report that we talk about where there's a real interest in seeing them continue – the Millennial Challenge Corporation is one of those, again, a Bush initiative that has been very effective,' Shaheen said in response to a question of whether any GOP lawmakers would get behind the report's recommendations. Shaheen also pointed out the Trump administration's request to cut 91 percent of funding for U.S.-led international narcotics and law enforcement programs as in direct opposition to the president's commitment to combat the opioid epidemic and proliferation of fentanyl. The report also highlights the administration's termination of funding for international law enforcement to target cyber crime emanating from Southeast Asia. In 2024, Americans suffered $13.7 billion in losses from cyber-related scams, a 66 percent increase from 2023, the report notes. 'I can't imagine that there's any serious strategy that eliminates that kind of international law enforcement activity if you're really serious about addressing what the PRC is doing,' Shaheen said.
