13 « August « 2009 « Royalty in the News

Noor Dubai Exceeds Target One Year Later

The charity Noor Dubai, started by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, has reached its first year anniversary – and exceeded its goals.

Reuters FILE

Initially planned to give sight to one million people going blind, the charity has now cured blindness in over 5 million people. That according to Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority and CEO of the Noor Dubai initiative.

“We were able to help disabled children, who were unable to go to their schools, to return to their studies. And through this project, the elderly patients have been able to take up a job and earn a livelihood,” Al Murooshid said.

Noor Dubai helps people in third world countries, in places such as Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

Because of its success, Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, plans to make Noor Dubai an ongoing foundation. It was originally planned to be a one-year charity.

Princess Haya Tours European Hospitals

During this summer, Dubai’s Princess Haya has been visiting children’s hospitals across Europe to get an idea of how they operate. It is for the upcoming Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital, which would be the first such facility in the United Arab Emirates.

Getty Images FILE

The Princess spent this week touring two hospitals in London – Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust and Evelina Children’s Hospital at Guys’ and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Last month, she went to the Aachen University Hospital in Germany.

During her tour of Great Ormand, Haya told reporters about the need for countries to learn from each other so one could better itself.

“The exchange of ideas between cultures and countries around the globe is necessary for the well being of the world and for the future of all our children,” said the Princess, according to the Khaleej Times.

“I share everyone’s belief that children are the most precious gifts and we must continue to nurture, protect and provide every single one of them with a life full of laughter, hope and love. If they are ill then we must guarantee them the highest standards of clinical care in the most suitable and caring settings.”

As part of her learning tours, Haya was given a briefing on each hospital. She was told about patient treatment, the importance of research and education in order to run such a facility. The Princess also visited the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit to learn about ways patient care is done there.

Princess Haya was accompanied by Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority.

Swedish Royals Walk to Deny Sibling Rivalry

King Carl XVI Gustaf took his three children, and his two future sons-in-law for a walk through a forest near Solliden Palace on the island of Oland earlier today. He allowed the media to photograph the 50 minute walk. Swedish royal family

But this wasn’t for a summer photoshoot. It was done to show there is not sibling rivalry between Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine.

The Swedish media often portrays the two sisters as rivals. This speculation has increased with the recent announcement of Madeleine’s engagement to Jonas Bergstrom. Some wondered if the announcement directed attention away from Victoria’s upcoming nuptials to Daniel Westling, thus “stealing” her happiness.

It is understood that King Carl Gustaf despises reports that his two daughters are at each other’s throats. That is why he arranged today’s documented walk. It was the first time the King allowed the media to photograph a private moment with his family.

The King walked in front, with his three children – included the single Prince Carl Phillip – and their fiancees behind him. It was a simple yet assertive move to show that despite what the press claims, the Swedish royal family is a close one.

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