Sheikha Fatima visits Sheikh Zayed Childrens Complex in Istanbul

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Her Highness 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, the wife of Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The visit reflected the strong humanitarian ties and shared values between the UAE and Türkiye.

Presentation highlights the Complex’s comprehensive care

During the visit, Sheikha Fatima and Emine Erdoğan attended a presentation outlining the complex's extensive programmes for child care. The session began with a Quranic recitation by one of the children, symbolising the spiritual and emotional grounding provided to those in the centre.

The presentation detailed the centre's commitment to providing a holistic environment for children, including educational, social, and health services. It also emphasized the complex’s role in strengthening UAE-Türkiye collaboration in early childhood development.

Redevelopment project unveiled

Sheikha Fatima was briefed on a major redevelopment project for the complex, supported by the UAE Ministry of Community Development and the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation in coordination with Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Services. The initiative includes extensive expansion, maintenance, and modernization efforts aimed at raising care standards and aligning with international best practices.

A humanitarian symbol of bilateral relations

Sheikha Fatima praised the complex as a leading humanitarian institution, noting its role in advancing social solidarity and joint cooperation. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to prioritizing child welfare as part of its global humanitarian mission.

Stories of impact and hope

The visit featured a heartfelt speech by a young adult who was raised in the complex, describing it as a nurturing and life-shaping environment. His testimony reflected the impact of the UAE’s initiatives on individual lives and broader humanitarian efforts.

Children from the centre also performed a choir presentation, expressing their aspirations and celebrating the support they receive.

Tour of nursery facilities

Sheikha Fatima visited the nursery section of the complex, which caters to infants and toddlers up to two years old. She commended the centre for its high standard of care during the most formative years of childhood.

UAE’s longstanding support for children and families

In a speech, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, highlighted the historical ties between the UAE and Türkiye and the lasting legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She underlined the UAE’s dedication to family and child welfare, supported by the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima.

She also referenced the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Community” in the UAE, stressing the importance of family as the foundation of a strong society.

Türkiye affirms strong bilateral cooperation

Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Türkiye’s Minister of Family and Social Services, acknowledged the UAE’s global role in supporting humanitarian and social initiatives. She praised Sheikha Fatima’s leadership in championing the rights of women and children and expressed Türkiye’s eagerness to deepen cooperation with the UAE in child protection and family support.

Distinguished delegation accompanies Sheikha Fatima

Sheikha Fatima was accompanied by several high-level UAE officials, including members of the presidential family and ministers representing various sectors. Their presence reflected the importance of the visit and the UAE’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships in humanitarian development.