The United Arab Emirates University has awarded an honorary PhD degree to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in recognition of her leading role in supporting education, women's empowerment and childhood in the UAE and overseas, it was announced on Sunday.

In a statement to Abu Dhabi TV, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Education Council, Dr. Ali Al Noaimi, who is also Chancellor of the university, said that the Mother of the Nation is the first figure to receive this degree from the university.

The awarding of the degree to Sheikha Fatima coincides with Emirati Women's Day, observed on 28th August, and the beginning of the academic year.

Al Nuaimi highlighted Sheikha Fatima's efforts in backing education in the UAE alongside the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "Emirati women should know that the achievements they are enjoying now are the fruits of Her Highness' personal initiatives."