Latest news with #SheikhaJawaherbintMohammedAlQasimi
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Health
- Sharjah 24
ERT Centre reopens in Beirut with $2.3M support from TBHF
Funded by a USD 2.36 million (AED 8.7 million) contribution from TBHF's 'Salam Beirut' campaign, the project has reconstructed facilities in Lebanon's oldest and most revered medical institution, severely damaged in the catastrophic 2020 Beirut Port explosion. The inauguration signifies an important step in restoring critical healthcare access for thousands, and underscores the power of international solidarity in crisis response. The reconstructed unit now boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanded capacity, enhanced trauma care facilities, and a new paediatric section; enabling SGHUMC to operate at full capacity for the first time since the blast. Expected to serve over 40,000 patients annually, the facility is a significant step forward in strengthening Beirut's healthcare capabilities. Sharjah supports Beirut's recovery efforts after the 2020 port blast The Port of Beirut explosion claimed over 150 lives, injured thousands, and displaced nearly 300,000 residents; and among the hardest-hit institutions was SGHUMC, a 147-year-old pillar of Lebanon's healthcare system, which sustained extensive structural and operational damage. Sharjah's response, following the compassionate and visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of TBHF, and UNHCR's first Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, TBHF launched the 'Salam Beirut' campaign, raising over 30 million AED to aid recovery efforts. The reconstruction of SGHUMC's Emergency and Trauma (ERT) Centre has been one of the major accomplishments of the campaign. The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Elias Audi, Archbishop of Beirut and its Dependencies; Her Excellency Mariam Al Hammadi, Member of the Advisory Board of TBHF; Her Excellency Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF; Dr. Marwan Najjar, SGHUMC Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Salah Chouairi, SGHUMC Chief Medical Officer; His Excellency Fahad Salem Al Kaabi, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Lebanon; alongside other important figureheads from both TBHF and SGHUMC as well as healthcare leaders, diplomats, and regional partners. Her Excellency Alya Al Musaiebi, TBHF Director: Humanitarian work must be meaningful, long-term, and grounded in dignity At the inauguration ceremony, Her Excellency Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, reaffirmed Sharjah's long-term friendship with Lebanon, praising the strength of its people. 'This initiative carries a message of love and solidarity from Sharjah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, and our Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, to the people of Lebanon who have always faced adversity with resilience and pride', she noted. TBHF Director continued: 'The reconstructed and expanded ERT Centre at SGHUMC symbolizes our belief that humanitarian work must be meaningful, long-term, and grounded in the dignity of those we serve. 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. Today, we are not simply inaugurating a project; we are standing beside a community and investing in its future.' Dr. Joseph Wehbe, Chief of Staff and Head of the Emergency and Trauma Centre at Saint George University Hospital : This project goes beyond rebuilding—it restores hope to Beirut. Dr. Joseph Wehbe, Chief of Staff and Head of the Emergency and Trauma Centre at Saint George University Hospital, said: 'The rehabilitation, restoration, and expansion of the Emergency and Trauma Unit marks a moment of great pride for everyone at Saint George University Hospital. 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. 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 added: 'Today, thanks to the generous support of The Big Heart Foundation, and under the guidance of its Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, we inaugurate a fully developed and advanced emergency unit equipped to the highest medical and technical standards—ready to resume its vital role in serving over 40,000 patients annually. This project is not merely about rebuilding a medical facility; it represents a noble humanitarian message and restores hope to the people of Beirut.' After the speeches and ribbon-cutting, guests received a guided tour of the ERT Centre and viewed a documentary illustrating the journey from devastation to renewal. A commemorative plaque honouring TBHF was unveiled, symbolizing SGHUMC's appreciation for their crucial support. The event ended with a reception attended by healthcare leaders, diplomats, and regional partners, united in their commitment to rebuilding Lebanon with dignity and hope. Originally announced in December 2020 as part of TBHF's 'Salam Beirut' campaign, the reconstruction of the Emergency and Trauma Unit was set to be completed within a few months. However, the aftermath of the Beirut Port explosion coincided with the global COVID-19 crisis, leading to necessary delays as parts of the hospital were repurposed to treat urgent cases during the pandemic. Throughout this period, SGHUMC remained steadfast in its service to the community by establishing a temporary emergency facility that continued to provide life-saving care.
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.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
NAMA expands efforts to promote inclusive work environments
Hosted at Sharjah's House of Wisdom, the event forms part of the 'Irtiqa' initiative, launched under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and NAMA Chairperson. Irtiqa seeks to support organisations in adopting practices that promote equal opportunities and foster work environments that advance women and ensure their full participation. During the workshop, participants gained insight into Irtiqa's goals and objectives, its implementation mechanisms, and the role of strategic collaborations with entities championing women's empowerment to amplify their participation in diverse sectors. Supportive work environments for women Commenting on the initiative, H.E. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA, said, 'The UAE's work environment is evolving rapidly, driven by a leadership vision that places people at the centre of development. While we have achieved significant progress in advancing women's empowerment and promoting equal opportunities, the next phase calls for a deliberate shift towards building more mature organisational frameworks that ensure inclusivity and fairness in policies, structures, and day-to-day practices.' 'What we presented through this workshop seeks to encourage a broader cultural shift within workplaces, and we aim to enhance organisations to help them succeed in performance as well as their ability to embrace diversity and unlock the potential of every individual without bias. At NAMA, we believe that inclusive workplaces are best positioned to foster innovation, remain competitive, and achieve long-term sustainability.' At the end of the workshop, NAMA invited all participating organisations to become active partners in supporting inclusive workplaces. The organisation reiterated its commitment to collaborating with organisations across sectors to help build fairer and more inclusive work environments; ultimately supporting its broader vision to empower women economically and strengthen their contribution to sustainable development.
Sharjah 24
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Women's Sports: Sustainable empowerment achievements
Vision for empowerment Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of Sharjah Women Sports, emphasised that the foundation operates under a clear vision set by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, aiming to empower women in various sports and achieve leadership at local and international levels. Supportive environment for talented athletes Al Mahmoud highlighted the achievements of the foundation in recent years and its role in providing a nurturing environment for talented athletes. This success is driven by comprehensive development plans and highly qualified coaches and administrators. Metha Ben Dawi, a board member of the UAE Basketball Federation, expressed pride in the foundation's significant role in supporting Emirati female athletes. Adding value to Women's Sports Kholoud Al Junaibi, Secretary-General of the UAE Sports for All Federation, noted that the foundation adds value to women's sports in the country and serves as an important resource for national teams, thanks to its clear strategies and consistent achievements in various competitions. Ongoing efforts and financial independence The Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation continues its efforts to enhance the presence of women in sports locally and internationally by attracting talent, adding new sports, and expanding cooperation with local and international entities. It enjoys financial and administrative independence and includes several clubs dedicated to developing women's sports, such as the Sharjah Women's Sports Club and Khorfakkan Women's Sports Club. Diverse sports programmes These clubs offer a variety of sports, including table tennis, volleyball, shooting, basketball, fencing, archery, and athletics, reflecting the diversity of sports activities and the foundation's commitment to inclusivity. Historical background The Sharjah Women's Sports Club was originally established in 1982 as the "Park Club for Girls" and was restructured in 2018 to become a leading specialised women's club, with a new headquarters opened in 2020 to enhance training environments. Growing participation and achievements During the last sports season, 522 new female athletes joined, indicating a growing sports base and expanding programs. Athletes from the foundation achieved notable successes, including three medals at the Arab Taekwondo Championship and several medals in judo and karate competitions. Collaborative agreements To enhance cooperation and develop work mechanisms, the foundation signed several agreements, notably with the University of Sharjah to promote scientific research in sports. It also partnered with the UAE Sports Medicine Association to unify efforts in supporting female athletes and improving healthcare through specialized training and research programs. Sports media diploma Recently, the Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation celebrated the graduation of its first batch of the Sports Media Diploma in "Sports Analysis," which lasted six weeks and included 70 training hours. This program aimed to prepare a new generation of sports analysts with the necessary technical foundations and media skills to provide comprehensive and professional analytical content in line with developments in sports media.
Sharjah 24
24-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
NAMA set to launch ‘Financial Literacy Programme'
NAMA's expert-led initiative aims to provide the participants with the skillsets to reinforce their professional careers, achieve financial independence, build wealth and boost financial security. By providing actionable advice and strategies to enhance career and business confidence, the programme will cover essential topics such as financial goals, budgeting expenditure & spending, borrowing and debt management amongst others. Furthermore, the programme will be helping the participants to achieve their personal objectives. The initiative is aimed at retirees, housewives, employees, and students who are looking to reinforce their skills in budget management, saving and investment, or seeking advice on money management, the programme also targets mothers who wish to foster business acumen and smart financial habits in their children. Empowering women through knowledge and practical skills Commenting on the announcement, Her Excellency Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, said: 'Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Rule of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA, we continue our mission to equip women on both professional and personal levels. The Financial Literacy Programme elevates the participants' capabilities by offering them practical tools that help foster the concepts of strategic planning and economic sustainability.' Al Hammadi added: 'At NAMA, we believe that enabling women starts with creating a supportive environment that fosters growth and prosperity, and this is what the Financial Literacy Programme is designed to provide. It includes hands-on workshops, case studies, and mentoring sessions that will pave the way for the participants to long-term financial stability and prosperity.' Four pillars towards financial independence The programme emphasises that financial literacy encourages women to make financial decisions. It is the roadmap to financial independence that starts with wise financial management. During the programme, the participants will learn key methods to set clear, measurable financial goals, distinguish between essential and non-essential needs to make better financial decisions, as well as create a dedicated budget that balances income and expenses. Participants will also learn how to implement smart savings strategies and techniques, evaluate borrowing and credit, compare the pros and cons of borrowing, and use credit cards responsibly. They will gain insights into identifying the best investment opportunities and options in line with risk tolerance and available funds. The programme will also help the participants plan for large purchases, manage debt, and create a protection plan that includes the allocation of emergency saving budget through risk management strategies. Personal and group mentoring As an additional benefit, the programme features an optional mentoring session that provides individual and group support, helping the participants to implement their financial skills in real-life situations. The progress will be closely monitored with the provision of expert feedback and step-by-step guidance to build smart financial habits, enabling the participants to manage their money confidently and achieve long-term financial success. Registration is open via the link:
