Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum named Humanitarian of the Year at Arab Woman Awards

Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum has been named the Humanitarian of the Year 2020 at the Arab Woman Awards UAE.

Sheikha Hind is the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and also the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Food Bank.

Her selection as the Humanitarian of the Year came after a unanimous decision of the Judges Board in recognition for her leadership of the '10 Million Meals' campaign that set a regional and global example of establishing social solidarity in the face of crises.

The UAE’s biggest food distribution drive provided 15.3 million meals and food parcels to support low-income families and individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak during the holy month of Ramadan.

Launched under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the Social Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19, the nationwide campaign received donations from 180,000 individuals and entities from 116 nationalities and attracted 1,500 volunteers in only three weeks.

The Arab Woman Awards, which highlights inspirational and outstanding Arab women in different areas, has focused this year on celebrating women who positively contributed to improving lives during the COVID-19 crisis.

It is held in partnership with UN Women, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

Sheikha Hind has been honoured for her longstanding philanthropic and social contributions, primarily her efforts in empowering women across different fields, including skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship and sports.

The award also celebrates her initiatives targeted at empowering orphans and people of determination.

Commenting on the recognition, Sheikha Hind said: "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the main supporter of the various humanitarian initiatives that continue to cement the UAE’s status as a beacon of hope and a pioneer in creating a better future for humanity."

"Emirati women have adopted the values of compassion and generosity from our leaders who have taught us to aid people in need, empower the vulnerable and actively contribute to building stable and safe societies," she added.