International praise for the efforts of the "Mother of the Nation" in preserving the ancient heritage of the country

 The Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, expressed her pleasure and pride in attending the exhibition accompanying the UAE's participation in the forty-third session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Human Rights of the United Nations, which was organized by the General Women's Union under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. Mother of the Emirates, President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, to highlight the heritage, culture and indigenous arts of the UAE.

Valovaya was keen to send a message of thanks to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak .. She said: "It is with great pleasure and great honor that I participated in the exhibition of traditional arts and crafts of the UAE, which was held from May 8 to 11, 2023 at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, where This exceptional exhibition of the country's rich cultural heritage provided the international community in Geneva with a unique opportunity to discover the diverse customs, traditions and forms of artistic expression of the UAE, in addition to highlighting the social and economic inclusion of women, children and people with disabilities.

She added: “Let me take this opportunity to express my sincere hope for your support in hosting the “17 Faces of Action” photo exhibition in the UAE to enhance the role of women in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, my office is working closely on this initiative with the Mission "The Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. Promoting gender equality, empowering women and implementing the sustainable development goals is our common priority. I look forward to strengthening our fruitful cooperation with the United Arab Emirates."

And under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and following the footsteps of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God rest his soul in peace,” who believed in the role of productive families in society since the first years of the establishment of the state, to build the capabilities of national female cadres specialized in craft and heritage industries, and to promote crafts and industries. Handicrafts that are economically feasible and make them an effective economic element. The General Women's Union set up a traditional tent on the sidelines of the event, which was full of the fragrant Emirati heritage in an Emirati atmosphere to the rhythm of authentic popular songs.

The activities were adorned with a vibrant display of traditional life in the UAE, where a presentation was presented of the Emirati desert environment with its sand that was shipped from Al Ain and Liwa decorated with palm trees and mummified figures of "deer and falcons", as well as live performances of the Emirati Arab coffee industry, and the traditional craft of cutting the burqa. Weaving of traditional talli, weaving of Sadu, saf al-Khos and henna, while a presentation of Emirati traditional dress for men and women was presented, and a traditional studio.

The General Women's Union was also keen to highlight the Emirati cultural aspect by establishing a special library that contained the most important publications on the efforts of the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, "may God have mercy on him," in the field of caring and empowering women, and the biography of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Umm Emirates”, and publications chronicling the active role of Her Highness in the empowerment and leadership of Emirati women, as well as publications that reviewed the efforts of the wise leadership in the UAE in the field of women’s and children’s rights.