Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi stands as a remarkable figure in humanitarian efforts, embodying ambition tied to a strong sense of humanity. As the wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Jawaher has made significant contributions to global initiatives centred around children’s welfare, family support, women’s empowerment, and aid for refugees and orphans. Her noteworthy efforts have garnered substantial donations and numerous awards throughout her career.
A Pillar of Humanitarian Leadership
Sheikha Jawaher serves as the President of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, previously known as the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. She is also the founder of the global humanitarian initiative, ‘The Big Heart Foundation’, and the ‘Namaa’ Foundation, which promotes women’s advancement. Her influential role extends across various humanitarian and charitable domains, including cancer patient support, protection for refugee children and orphans, and advocacy for children with special needs. Furthermore, she places a strong emphasis on family development and cultural heritage.
Recognised as one of the leading Emirati figures in humanitarian and social work, Sheikha Jawaher has assumed leadership roles in renowned institutions dedicated to child and family welfare, community support, and empowering women. Her balanced vision focusses on human dignity and offers equal opportunities from childhood through adulthood. Sheikha Jawaher’s initiatives resonate deeply with the UAE’s values of generosity and solidarity with vulnerable communities, showcased through establishments such as the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, the ‘Quarter Century of Leadership and Innovation’ initiative, and the Sharjah Family and Community Council. Her contributions address critical areas such as child protection, women’s empowerment, youth motivation, and the creation of supportive environments that enhance learning, innovation, and citizenship.
She has articulated her conviction in supporting Emirati citizens, stating, “When we build the character of the Emirati individual over 25 years, we contribute to the development of society for centuries, as this critical period of human life greatly influences all aspects of life.”
A Strong Advocate for Global Change
Raised within the ruling Al Qasimi family, Sheikha Jawaher grew up in a culturally rich Arab environment that cherishes knowledge and humanitarian values. Her lifelong passion for social and charitable work has flourished, making her a significant supporter of those in need worldwide. She has initiated various campaigns to ensure dignity and humanity for affected communities, such as ‘Peace for Children’ and the ‘Big Heart Campaign’ for Syrian refugee children.
In addition to her extensive humanitarian work, she supports several initiatives, including the Sharjah Girl Guides, the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation, the Arts Media for Children and Youth programme, and the Sharjah Ladies Club – Women’s Sports Administration. The Sharjah Family and Community Council, which she leads, comprises several large social and cultural institutions.
Noteworthy fundraising campaigns led by Sheikha Jawaher include ‘Peace for Children’, which raised 83 million dirhams (approximately 22.7 million dollars) in 2007 for Palestinian children. Furthermore, the ‘I Love You, Lebanon’ campaign collected around 23 million dirhams (6.3 million dollars) for charity associations in Lebanon in 2006. She has also supported environmental causes, donating 275,000 dollars to Greenpeace through the ‘Your Sea Will Turn Blue’ campaign and contributed 3.65 million dirhams (one million dollars) for health care for Somali refugees. The ‘Big Heart Campaign’ alone has raised donations of approximately 14.5 million dollars for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to assist Syrian refugee children.
Honours and Awards
Over the years, Sheikha Jawaher has received numerous accolades, including the UAE Business Women Award in 2007, the Princess Bandakhta Award for her support of scouting projects locally and globally, and the Arab Woman Award from the Centre for Arab Women’s Studies in 2007. She was honoured as the Arab Personality of the Year supporting youth issues by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in 2013, and received the National UAE Humanitarian Work Award for her ‘Golden Fingerprint’ in 2015, among others.