The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was awarded today the 'Order of the Mother of the Nation' from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in recognition of his humanitarian initiatives in developing nations conducted via the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.

The ceremony, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, also saw the honouring of the winners of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Award of Arab Youth and Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Family House Award as part of H.H. Sheikha Fatima's Programme for Creativity and Social Excellence.

During the awards ceremony, His Highness, the Ruler of Dubai, expressed his pride in receiving the prestigious award, saying, "I am delighted to receive this recognition that symbolises the culture of giving, an extension of the values established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."

He went on to say that the Mother of the Nation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, continues to be a role model in caring for fellow human beings, carrying forward the nation's symbol of happiness, progress, giving and development.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said that a successful leader is always concerned with societal issues and works to provide solutions that ensure the members of the community a decent life, guaranteeing their happiness. This has always been a priority emphasised by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and followed through with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed continued.

He reaffirmed that the UAE Government had spared no efforts to achieve the best quality of life for the nation's citizens and residents alike, as well as showing no hesitation when providing a helping hand to individuals in need across the world.

Seen as the forefront of the nation's priorities, and as laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE follows a clear-cut approach in taking care of the interests and welfare of individuals, His Highness explained, adding that the Founding Father saw the full potential of humanity, and encouraged citizens to carry out their duties towards the homeland and abroad, creating a model image of an integrated society.

"Today, the UAE, is one of the world's most influential countries which has aided millions of people around the world," Sheikh Mohammed continued.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on receiving the Order of the Mother of the Nation, adding that His Highness, the Ruler of Dubai, is an exceptional leader who has and continues to present humanitarian and development aid initiatives throughout the world, spreading the values of peace, tolerance, cooperation and compassion among people.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed added that the Order of the Mother of the Nation represents the goodwill of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and her innovative vision to support social and humanitarian initiatives for the benefit of the local and international community.

The awards ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler`s Representative in Al Ain Region; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; H.H. Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the State Security Department; H.H. Sheikh Diab bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Transport Authority and member of the Executive Council, along with a number of Sheikhs, dignitaries and officials.