MANAMA, Bahrain, Jan 13: On Sunday, Bahrain's Al-Sanabel Orphan Care Society honored His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah by naming him the "Honorary Gulf Leadership Personality" for 2024. The organizing committee of the Al-Sanabel Award for Social Responsibility, which focuses on orphan care in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, announced that His Highness the Amir of Kuwait would receive the award for his outstanding contributions to charitable and humanitarian work.

During the ceremony, Professor Yousef Al-Abbasi, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, praised His Highness for his leadership in advancing the care of orphans and their families within Kuwait and across the globe. Al-Abbasi highlighted the significant international impact of Kuwait’s efforts under the leadership of His Highness, noting that this honor was a continuation of a tradition that began with the first edition of the award, which recognized Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and in the second edition, awarded Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The award was presented at a ceremony held under the honorary patronage of His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and supervised by Sheikh Salman bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Honorary President of the Al-Sanabel Society for Orphan Care.

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain, Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, expressed his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon His Highness the Amir. He emphasized that the recognition reflects the immense humanitarian role played by the Amir, as well as Kuwait's longstanding support for orphans. Sheikh Thamer also remarked on Kuwait’s deep-rooted culture of charitable work, which is an integral part of the nation's identity, particularly in the field of orphan care. He praised His Highness for enhancing Kuwait's reputation as a leader in global humanitarian efforts.

In his address, Sheikh Salman bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, General Supervisor of the Sanabel Award for 2024, acknowledged Bahrain's commitment to orphan care under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He stressed that this award is a recognition of the collective efforts made by GCC countries and organizations in supporting orphans and their families.

Dr. Abdullah Al Mutawa, Chairman of the International Islamic Charitable Organization, also spoke at the ceremony. He praised the Sanabel Association for its pioneering initiative, which reflects a deep commitment to Islamic and humanitarian values, ensuring the rights of orphans and helping them reach their full potential. Dr. Al Mutawa highlighted that the Amir’s constant support for humanitarian efforts, including the air bridge to Gaza, Sudan, and Morocco, exemplifies Kuwait’s ongoing leadership in global charitable work. He also noted that the late Amir of Kuwait was honored by the United Nations in 2014 for his role in humanitarian leadership.

During the ceremony, other notable individuals and organizations were also recognized, including Dr. Abdullah Al-Mutawa, Dr. Majed Al-Azmi, Director-General of the Kuwait Zakat House, and Hamad Nabil Al-Aoun, representing the Peace Society for Humanitarian and Charitable Works.

The third edition of the Sanabel Award for Social Responsibility in the field of orphan care was organized in Bahrain in collaboration with the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.