MANAMA: The Bahrain-based charity organization, Al-Sanabel, has selected His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as the “Honorary Gulf Leadership Personality” for 2024. The award was announced on Sunday, recognizing His Highness for his significant contributions to humanitarian and charitable work.

The Al-Sanabel Charity Organization’s award committee, which focuses on the welfare of orphans in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, announced that His Highness the Amir of Kuwait would receive the 2024 award in the “Orphan Welfare in GCC Countries” category. This is in recognition of his remarkable efforts in the field of charity and humanitarian work.

During the ceremony, Professor Yousef Al-Abbasi, Chairman of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, spoke on behalf of the organizing committee, expressing pride in honoring His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for the third edition of the Al-Sanabel Award. Al-Abbasi described the honor as a well-deserved recognition for a leader who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of orphans and their families not only in Kuwait but across the world. He emphasized that Kuwait’s social welfare efforts under His Highness’ leadership have transcended borders and reached many parts of the globe. The first two editions of the award had previously honored King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, respectively.

Kuwait’s lasting impact

Kuwait’s Ambassador to Bahrain, Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, received the award on behalf of His Highness the Amir. In his statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Sheikh Thamer expressed gratitude for His Highness’ recognition as “Honorary Gulf Leadership Personality,” highlighting that this honor reflects the significance of His Highness’ continuous support for orphans and his contributions to charitable causes.

Sheikh Thamer added: “The values of goodness and humanity are embodied in the daily actions of Kuwait and its people,” stressing that charity work is an integral part of the Kuwaiti identity, particularly in the field of orphan care. He noted that Kuwait has made a lasting impact globally in supporting charitable activities and orphan sponsorship.

The ceremony also saw praise from Sheikh Salman bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Honorary President of Al-Sanabel, for the efforts made by Bahrain in supporting orphans, under the wise leadership of King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He affirmed that the ceremony was a reflection of the Gulf community’s ongoing efforts to support orphans and their families.

Dr Abdullah Al-Mutawwa, Chairman of the Kuwait-based International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), also expressed his appreciation for the award, emphasizing that the Al-Sanabel initiative is a noble and pioneering effort that deserves support. He noted that it reflects a commitment to Islamic and humanitarian values that guarantee the rights of orphans and help them achieve their full potential in life.

Dr Al-Mutawwa highlighted that His Highness’ commitment to humanitarian causes is evident in Kuwait’s provision of aid to Gaza, Sudan, and Morocco, and he recalled that in 2014, the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah was honored by the UN as a “Humanitarian Leader” in recognition of Kuwait’s central role in humanitarian work.

The ceremony also honored several individuals, including Dr Abdullah Al-Mutawwa, Dr Majed Al-Azmi, Director General of the Kuwait Zakat House, and Hamad Nabil Al-Aoun, representing the Al-Salam International Charity Organization. The third edition of the Al-Sanabel Charity Award for Orphan Welfare in GCC Countries was organized in collaboration with the Regional Network for Social Responsibility. — KUNA