ABU DHABI, 24th April 2025 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the "Mother of the Nation," Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), honoured outstanding female graduates who achieved distinction with honours from top national universities.

The graduates recognised included those from the United Arab Emirates University (44th cohort), Zayed University (23rd cohort), and the Higher Colleges of Technology (34th cohort).

H.H. Sheikha Fatima extended her warmest congratulations to the graduates, urging them to continue their pursuit of knowledge and excellence. She spoke about the power of knowledge as a goal and how achievement is pursued by the daughters of the UAE.

She described how, when the path of learning is chosen with effort and dedication to realise the leadership's vision for nation-building and sustainable development, it becomes a transformative journey.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima highlighted that excellence, when embraced as a guiding principle, leads the Emirati woman through a journey marked by hard work, perseverance, and loyalty. This journey, she noted, ultimately culminates in a proud graduation that stands as proof of her commitment to repaying the homeland and the leadership that empowered her.

She added that graduation does not mark an end, but rather the beginning of a journey where knowledge serves as strength. She emphasised that building skills and investing in them is the true guarantee of a woman's ability to contribute meaningfully across all areas of development and sustainability. According to her, it is this investment that empowers women to create opportunities, realise their full potential, and drive the nation forward towards continued prosperity.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima added that the UAE's wise leadership has long emphasised the importance of nurturing creative minds, believing that empowering people with knowledge and skills ensures a prosperous present and a bright future. "This vision was laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and is today carried forward by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the steadfast support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates."

H.H. Sheikha Fatima also praised the role of educational institutions in preparing capable and qualified graduates, commending United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, and the Higher Colleges of Technology for their contribution to the nation's human capital.

Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, also congratulated the graduates, applauding their academic excellence and dedication. She highlighted that their achievements reflect the persistent drive of Emirati women to excel in the fields of science, knowledge, and innovation.