Latest news with #SheikhaJawaher
National Post
2 days ago
- General
- National Post
Sharjah Ruler Gifts University of Sacred Heart Historical Manuscript
Article content MILAN — His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, presented a rare original historical manuscript to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy, in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA). Article content Article content The manuscript dates back to August 14, 1624, and includes a papal decree written by Pope Urban VIII and sealed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Additionally, His Highness gifted his book 'Papal Bull' in both Arabic and English at the university's premises. Article content In his speech, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Rector and members of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan for their warm welcome. Article content His Highness spoke about the manuscript he gifted to the university, which dates back to August 14, 1624, highlighting that it is a papal decree written by Pope Urban VIII and sealed in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The purpose of the decree was to raise financial assistance for the Portuguese fleet. Article content His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah discussed the conflict between the Portuguese and the English in Hormuz, stating, 'In 1622, the Portuguese were expelled from Hormuz at the entrance to the Arabian Gulf from the Persian coast, where they had occupied it for one hundred and fifteen years, by English and Persian forces. The mission of the Portuguese leaders, along with the priests, was evangelization, whether in Hormuz, Persia, or India.' Article content His Highness added, 'After the English expelled the Portuguese from Hormuz in Persia, King Philip of Portugal sought to retake Hormuz. However, the Portuguese government lacked the financial resources to send a military campaign for its recovery. King Philip requested financial support from the clergy, which led Pope Urban VIII to issue a papal decree to collect the necessary funds from the churches.' Article content His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah explained that he translated and studied this decree, tracking the funds collected through the churches, which amounted to two hundred thousand cruzados, a Portuguese gold currency at the time. The goal was to build a fleet and send it to India to retake Hormuz. His Highness noted that the fleet required a special type of large ship capable of crossing oceans, which would take considerable time, along with a sailing journey from Portugal to India that would last several months. Article content His Highness indicated that King Philip ordered the funds to be sent to India to build a local fleet there, due to the short distance between India and Hormuz. He explained that the details of this fleet and its armament are mentioned in the book 'Papal Bull ' that he authored, as well as the account of its journey to the battle site in Hormuz against the English and Dutch forces, culminating in the defeat of the Portuguese fleet. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
'Sharjah's love and solidarity': 147-year-old hospital destroyed in Beirut blast fully rebuilt
The emergency and trauma (ERT) centre of a 147-year-old hospital in Lebanon that was destroyed in the 2020 Port Beirut blast has been fully reconstructed, thanks to the Dh8.7 million contribution from The Big Heart Foundation's (TBHF) 'Salam Beirut' campaign. The new ERT unit at the Saint George Hospital University Medical Centre (SGHUMC) now features a new paediatric section that can treat up to 40,000 patients annually, Sharjah-based humanitarian organisation TBHF announced on Wednesday. 'The reconstructed unit now boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded capacity, enhanced trauma care facilities – enabling SGHUMC to operate at full capacity for the first time since the blast. The facility is a significant step forward in strengthening Beirut's healthcare capabilities,' TBHF said in a statement sent to Khaleej Times. 'This initiative carries a message of love and solidarity from Sharjah, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, and our chairperson, Sheikha Jawaher, to the people of Lebanon who have always faced adversity with resilience and pride. This project symbolises our belief that humanitarian work must be meaningful, long-term, and grounded in the dignity of those we serve.,' noted TBHR director Alya Al Musaiebi. 'The devastation caused by the Port of Beirut explosion was not just structural—it was deeply human, and our response through 'Salam Beirut' was committed to investing in systems that give people back not just services, but stability and self-worth,' she added. The mega-blast that tore through Lebanon's capital on August 4, 2020 killed more than 150 people and displaced nearly 300,000 residents. It resulted from the ignition of a huge depot of ammonium nitrate at Beirut's port. 'The hospital was among the most severely affected institutions by the tragic explosion that rocked the Port of Beirut, resulting in a complete shutdown for the first time since its founding in 1878,' said Dr. Joseph Wehbe, chief of staff and head of emergency and trauma centre at SGHUMC. 'Despite the magnitude of the disaster, our determination never wavered. Through the dedication and perseverance of our medical and administrative teams, we managed to resume operations via a temporary emergency unit within a record time of just two weeks,' he recalled. 'Now, the rehabilitation, restoration, and expansion of the trauma unit marks a moment of great pride for everyone at the hospital. This project is not merely about rebuilding a medical facility; it represents a noble humanitarian message and restores hope to the people of Beirut,' he added.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Jawaher donates Dhs7m to fund 3 humane projects in Zanzibar, benefit over 82,000
Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), the Foundation has announced the implementation of three critical humanitarian and developmental projects in Zanzibar with a total funding of Dhs7 million. These projects reflect TBHF's strategic expansion across the African continent and aim to address pressing challenges in education, health services, and socio-economic empowerment. The announcement follows Her Highness's official visit to Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania last year, during which she assessed the developmental needs of local communities. Sheikha Jawaher interacts with a child. TBHF will implement the projects in collaboration with Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation and Save the Children, aiming to impact more than 82,440 direct and indirect beneficiaries through a comprehensive plan to foster long-term social and economic development. A vision of sustainable humanitarianism Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi's leadership continues to shape TBHF's humanitarian approach and its initiatives in Zanzibar. During her September 2024 visit, Her Highness met with Maryam Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar and President of Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation, who later visited Sharjah in February 2025 to engage with key institutions led by Her Highness and to explore Sharjah's pioneering model of inclusive social development. The two leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration to empower women and youth, recognising Sharjah's global reputation as a developmental model rooted in human capital, skills development, and community-based institutions. The newly announced projects directly support this vision by contributing to Zanzibar's national development agenda and the long-term sustainability of its social infrastructure. Alya Obaid Al Musaeibi, Director of TBHF, stated: 'At The Big Heart Foundation, we believe that humanitarian action should extend beyond emergency aid to create sustainable impact. These projects – in education, sanitation, and economic empowerment – reflect our commitment to long-term solutions, particularly those that uplift women and youth. By working with trusted local partners, we are ensuring that our support translates into meaningful, measurable change for individuals and communities.' Economic empowerment of women and youth through seaweed farming Over a one-year implementation period, TBHF will partner with the Zanzibar 'Maisha Bora Foundation', chaired by the First Lady of Zanzibar, to launch a social and economic empowerment programme benefiting 200 women and youth involved in seaweed farming. Sheikha Jawaher listens to a briefing during her visit. The initiative includes training in sustainable farming techniques, marketing strategies, and contract farming models to enhance productivity and secure income stability. It also aims to raise product quality standards and integrate small-scale producers into local and international markets. By boosting the value-added seaweed industry and linking it to the broader blue economy, the programme enhances the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises and contributes to Zanzibar's sustainable economic development. Clean and inclusive school environments for Zanzibar students To strengthen school infrastructure, TBHF has previously announced its collaboration with Save the Children to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities across four districts: Unguja, Kaskazini A & Kati, Pemba, Micheweni, and Mkoani. Over 18 months, this initiative will directly benefit 21,173 students and indirectly impact over 42,346 community members. The project includes the construction of 20 sanitation blocks (comprising 128 toilets) across 12 of 28 primary schools, designed to be age-appropriate, gender-segregated, and accessible for students with disabilities. It also provides hygiene kits and delivers health education sessions focused on menstrual hygiene management for girls, helping to reduce absenteeism and support uninterrupted education. Upgrading schools into modern learning hubs In a parallel 18-month programme with Save the Children, TBHF will rehabilitate Ghana Primary School and Shwaka Primary School to transform them into model institutions that provide equitable access to high-quality education. The project will benefit 1,114 students at Ghana School and 957 at Shwaka, with additional outreach to 16,848 students from neighbouring schools. The schools will be upgraded with modern classrooms, libraries, science and ICT labs, and sports facilities. The initiative will also promote digital learning and skill-building to prepare students for future challenges. TBHF's ongoing commitment to Africa Over the past decade, TBHF has launched 179 humanitarian projects across Africa, benefiting more than 1.4 million people in Tanzania, Somaliland, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Swaziland. Previous projects in Zanzibar include the Big Heart Mobile Medical Clinic, launched in 2024 to serve 20,000 patients annually, and a sanitation improvement initiative across 12 schools. The new initiatives deepen TBHF's role as a key catalyst of sustainable development in Africa, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). With these expanded efforts, TBHF continues to drive forward a people-centred model of change — one that empowers communities and builds a future of opportunity for generations to come.
Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Sheikha Jawaher discusses women's role in diplomacy, visits Ban Ki-moon Centre
Assistant FM for Human Rights Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah with President of Ban Ki-moon Centre former Austrian President Dr Heinz Fischer and other senior officials. - KUNA photos VIENNA: Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah discussed ways to enhance the role of women in the diplomatic corps during a meeting on Friday with Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna Ambassador Emil Brix. The talks focused on advancing female participation in diplomacy through specialized training programs and targeted workshops. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Sheikha Jawaher's visit to the academy, coinciding with her participation in the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice sessions. Speaking to KUNA, Sheikha Jawaher said the discussions also addressed bilateral ties between Kuwait and Austria, highlighting the importance of academic and institutional cooperation in advancing shared diplomatic goals. Earlier, Sheikha Jawaher visited the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens in Vienna, as part of Kuwait's ongoing efforts to strengthen global partnerships in the fields of human rights and sustainable development. In a statement to KUNA, the ambassador said she met with the Center's President, former Austrian President Dr Heinz Fischer, where both sides explored prospects for collaboration, particularly in youth and women empowerment, and in supporting international efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sheikha Jawaher emphasized the significance of unifying global efforts to address development and humanitarian challenges, underlining the key role of institutional partnerships in building inclusive and equitable societies. She also reaffirmed Kuwait's pride in being among the founding nations of the Center and reiterated the country's commitment to initiatives promoting human rights and equality. She praised the Center's positive contributions to sustainable development efforts at both regional and international levels. — KUNA
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
UNESCO honours Sharjah Ruler for Arabic historical dictionary
Issued by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau PARIS, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ -- His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah, was awarded a distinguished UNESCO honour upon the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. At the official ceremony held at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris, themed 'Arabic Language: A Bridge Between Heritage and Knowledge', Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), was present, along with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Upon his arrival at UNESCO headquarters, His Highness was received and warmly welcomed by Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO; Fahd Saeed Al Raqbani, UAE Ambassador to France; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah's Department of Culture; Jamal Al-Turaifi, President of Al Qasimia University; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Ali Al-Haj Al Ali, UAE Permanent Delegate to UNESCO; and Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah delivered a speech during the ceremony, stating, 'It is my honour to stand among you today in this esteemed cultural forum at UNESCO, whose noble mission we revere and whose fruitful partnership we cherish. Together, we commemorate a groundbreaking scholarly and cultural milestone, the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. This occasion is further enriched by its coincidence with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day designated by UNESCO to promote mutual understanding and respect among cultures, reinforcing our collective humanity. 'Language, in all its forms, undeniably serves as the main repository of culture and the most authentic reflection of a community's identity. In celebrating the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language today, we honour a vital aspect of our rich human diversity, represented by the Arabic language, which carries a deep civilisational heritage and has had a significant scientific and humanistic impact.' His Highness subsequently emphasised the contributions of the partner institutions that played a role in the creation of the dictionary. His Highness emphasised that all languages possess an equal right to exist and evolve, stating, 'When we restore to Arabic its rightful history and highlight the aspects of its development, we simultaneously affirm to the world that every language is entitled to existence, progress and celebration, and that cultural justice demands that humanity not be reduced to a single tongue, nor the civilisations of peoples confined to one model. Just as biodiversity ensures the continuity of life, cultural and linguistic diversity secures the ongoing evolution and revitalisation of human creativity.' He then conveyed his sincere appreciation to UNESCO for recognising the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and for the collaborative cultural initiatives between Sharjah and the organisation: He wrapped up with a call for unity: 'Let us move forward together, dear friends, hand in hand, to enhance our cultural dialogue, to protect our common human heritage, and to guarantee that every culture's voice is acknowledged, every language valued, and every people stay true to their genuine identity.' At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, presented a speech to welcome His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. She expressed her pleasure regarding the visit of the Sharjah delegation to Paris, acknowledging the emirate as a worldwide centre of knowledge and culture. Azoulay emphasised Sharjah's significant investments in diverse areas that align with UNESCO's mission, pointing out its achievement of multiple international cultural awards. Azoulay praised the foresight of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which has placed culture and knowledge at the heart of Sharjah's policies. She recognised the emirate's arrangements for various cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions that span multiple areas of culture, arts, and history. She acknowledged Sharjah's initiative in signing an agreement to digitise UNESCO's archives, marking a significant step towards preserving the organisation's vast collection of books and documents, some of which date back over 80 years. This initiative guarantees the protection of precious historical documents that detail various events, agreements, and initiatives. Azoulay conveyed her appreciation for the successful completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a significant accomplishment achieved under the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. Created by a multitude of researchers and editors from 20 linguistic institutions throughout the Arab world, this dictionary has earned recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest historical dictionary. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah graciously signed a copy of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language and presented it as a gift to UNESCO. Photo: Photo: Photo: Logo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sharjah Government Media Bureau
