Fatima Bint Mubarak Highlights UAE-Türkiye Cooperation During Visit To Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex In Istanbul

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the "Mother of the Nation," visited the Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex in Istanbul. She was accompanied by Emine Erdoğan, wife of Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. They explored the complex's comprehensive child care programmes, which aim to provide a nurturing educational, social, and health environment for children.

The visit highlighted the complex’s role in fostering UAE-Türkiye cooperation in early childhood development. It showcased educational initiatives that promote humanitarian values and enhance children's mental and creative skills. The complex also offers academic and psychological support to gifted students.

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Representatives from the complex outlined its mission to nurture children in a safe and stimulating setting. They emphasised their commitment to supporting educational, psychological, and social aspects of child development. The goal is to empower children to discover their talents and potential, preparing them to contribute positively to society.

During her visit, H.H. Sheikha Fatima received a detailed presentation on the redevelopment project of the Sheikh Zayed Children's Complex. This project is based on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Community Development and the Zayed Charitable Foundation with Türkiye's Ministry of Family and Social Services.

The AED 40 million project aims to transform child care services at the complex. It includes expansion, maintenance, and modernisation efforts under a comprehensive plan. These enhancements ensure high efficiency aligned with global best practices in child care.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima praised the complex as a prominent humanitarian institution reflecting UAE-Türkiye relations. She stressed that such projects strengthen cooperation and achieve social solidarity, highlighting that child care is a top priority for the UAE’s global humanitarian mission.

Personal Stories and Performances

A young adult raised in the complex shared his experience during H.H.'s visit. He described it as more than just a residence but as a nurturing environment that shaped his character, instilling hope and ambition. He expressed gratitude for the UAE's continued support.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima also enjoyed a choir performance by children from the centre who conveyed messages filled with optimism about their future. Additionally, she visited the nursery section catering to children from newborns to two years old, commending its high standard of care.

Historical Ties Between Nations

Sana bin Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, spoke about the deep ties between UAE and Türkiye. She noted that since its 1990 inauguration, the complex has provided shelter and proper upbringing for children in need through education, healthcare, and emotional support services.

The minister emphasised that under H.H.'s guidance, UAE prioritises family support contributing to pioneering achievements in this field. With 2025 designated as "Year of Community," societal cohesion is reaffirmed as essential for building strong communities capable of facing challenges.

Commitment to Partnership

Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Türkiye's Minister of Family and Social Services, praised UAE's role in supporting humanitarian initiatives regionally and globally. She commended H.H.'s leadership in championing women's and children's issues worldwide.

She expressed Türkiye’s desire to strengthen cooperation with UAE in child protection through joint programmes reflecting both countries' shared vision for enhancing quality of life and sustainable development.

The delegation accompanying H.H. included several notable figures such as H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei; Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail; Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi; Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi; Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar; Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei; Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi; Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi.

With inputs from WAM