Sheikha Fatima Receives Gates Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, has received a lifetime achievement award from the Gates Foundation, recognising more than six decades of service to women, children and families in the UAE and around the world.

The award was presented by Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation, during the Goalkeepers Abu Dhabi event held at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Monday evening. The gathering was organised by the Gates Foundation in partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity.

The honour was accepted on Sheikha Fatima’s behalf by her son, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“We gather today to celebrate this award, which embodies her generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to ensuring that every woman, every mother, and every child lives a life of dignity and grace,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

He reflected on the foundations of Sheikha Fatima’s humanitarian journey, adding: “This deep and unwavering belief was not born from ease, but from the difficult circumstances she herself experienced as a mother.

“Through decades of tireless work, Her Highness championed social protection laws, initiated programmes supporting vulnerable families, and strengthened volunteerism – including major initiatives in community and humanitarian volunteering.

“These efforts embody her commitment to humanitarian principles and her belief that dignity is a right for all.”

The award comes at a critical time for global child health, as preventable childhood diseases resurface due to conflict, vaccine gaps and weakened health systems. The Goalkeepers initiative brings together world leaders, policymakers, youth innovators and philanthropists working to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard progress in global health.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bill Gates described the honour as a reflection of Sheikha Fatima’s lasting global impact.

“This really is a special award for a very special person. Since the founding of the UAE, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has championed the simple truth that has shaped the nation: mothers are the backbones of nations,” Mr Gates said.

“She has dedicated her life to empowering women and making that backbone strong. Her Highness’s influence extends far past the UAE. She’s invested in remarkable efforts to advance equality, health, and peace in communities around the world.”

He highlighted initiatives such as her fund for refugee women, which helps train refugees as healthcare workers, providing both livelihoods and essential health services in vulnerable communities.