H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Visits Sheikh Zayed Children’s Complex in Istanbul

Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, today visited the Sheikh Zayed Children’s Complex in Istanbul. She was accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdoğan, wife of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye.

The visit began with a Quranic recitation delivered by a child at the complex, setting a reflective tone for the session. Her Highness and the First Lady were presented with an overview of the complex’s holistic care model, which integrates education, social support, and healthcare to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment for children.

The presentation underscored the complex’s pivotal role in advancing bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Türkiye, particularly in the domain of early childhood development. Initiatives promoting humanitarian values, creative and cognitive development, and specialized support for gifted children were highlighted as core elements of its mission.

Her Highness was also briefed on the AED 40 million redevelopment project for the Sheikh Zayed Children’s Complex, initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE Ministry of Community Development and the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation in cooperation with Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services. The project includes facility expansion, modernization of living and learning spaces, and enhancements in psychological and social care—aligning with global best practices in child welfare.

Praising the efforts behind the initiative, H.H. Sheikha Fatima described the complex as a beacon of humanitarian excellence and a symbol of the strong and historic ties between the UAE and Türkiye. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to child welfare, emphasizing that ensuring a dignified life for children is a cornerstone of the nation’s humanitarian mission.

During the visit, Her Highness listened to a heartfelt speech from a young adult raised at the complex, who spoke of the life-changing impact the center had on his personal growth. A performance by a choir of children from the complex added a hopeful and touching moment, as the children expressed aspirations for a brighter future.

Her Highness also toured the nursery section of the complex, which caters to infants from birth to two years of age. She commended the high standard of care provided at this critical stage of development.

In a speech delivered during the visit, UAE Minister of Family Sana bin Mohammed Suhail emphasized that the Sheikh Zayed Children’s Complex, established in 1990, continues the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—promoting compassion, development, and global humanitarianism. She highlighted the shared values of social solidarity and family support that underpin the UAE-Türkiye partnership.

Suhail also noted that the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima, remains steadfast in its commitment to family and child welfare. She pointed to the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Community” in the UAE as a reaffirmation of the nation’s dedication to societal cohesion and well-being.

From the Turkish side, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş praised the UAE’s pioneering role in regional and international humanitarian efforts. She lauded the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Fatima in advocating for women and children globally and expressed Türkiye’s intent to further strengthen cooperation in child protection and family empowerment.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima was accompanied by a high-level UAE delegation including senior royals and ministers, among them H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, along with cabinet ministers responsible for international cooperation, education, climate, community development, entrepreneurship, and government development.

The visit marked a significant milestone in reaffirming the shared humanitarian values between the UAE and Türkiye, and the two countries’ enduring commitment to nurturing future generations through compassion, education, and strategic collaboration.