Dubai – Mirabaud, the Swiss financial and banking Group which operates in the Middle East through its Dubai office, has awarded His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, advisor to the president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed, and the board chairman of the SBK Holding,  for his humanitarian commitment. The award is in recognition of the SBK foundation bringing Proton technology to the Middle East, which is expected to be transformational in treating cancer patients, improving quality of life for patients with thalassemia, bone marrow transplantations as well as other educational and cultural initiatives.

The award was presented by Yves Mirabaud, Senior Partner at Mirabaud Group and the President of the Association of Swiss Private Banks, during His Highness’ visit to Mirabaud’s headquarters in Geneva, during which several meetings were held with business leaders and political figures. 

On the sidelines of the visit, His Highness’s wife HH Sheikha Sheikha Bint Seif Al-Nahyan and the Executive Directors of SBK Foundation were accompanied by the director of the Geneva Hospital and other prominent figures of the city to visit the Hospital's Paediatric Cancer Center where she was given an update on the centre’s current activities and where various discussions were held around collaboration between the Abu Dhabi based foundation and the Swiss centre.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: “We are very honoured to receive this recognition from Mirabaud. It is testament to the significant effort that our team is putting in place to make sure that people’s health is at the top of our priorities list. The UAE doesn’t only play a role as a dynamic hub for global commerce but also as a global healthcare center, and we are proud as a foundation to be a major part of these initiatives. As we continue to grow and evolve, we also continue to look for ways to contribute to the country’s vision and work together with institutions like Mirabaud who really care.”

Yves Mirabaud, Senior Partner at Mirabaud Group and the President of the Association of Swiss Private Banks, said: “At Mirabaud, we have a firm commitment to sustainable development, and aspire to have a long-term impact both within the company and society as a whole. Through the introduction of Proton therapy into the UAE, the SBK Foundation is one such institution that has shared in our vision to help contribute towards the welfare of the country’s residents. We applaud His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, on the incredible work he has done so far, and we look forward to what he has planned for the future.”

Mirabaud takes social responsibility seriously, with the support of all initiatives aimed at supporting our clients to not only enhance their wealth, but also people’s wellbeing and quality of life.

Sultan bin Khalifa & His Pledge to the Humanitarian Cause:

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Advisor to His Highness the President of the United Arab Emirates, has initiated several magnanimous projects for the need and benefits of local, regional and international community. The contribution spreads across many of community service, covering different fields such as health, education and humanitarian services.

H.H Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan has been deeply committed for the welfare of Thalassemia Community since a long time, having initiated several magnanimous projects for the benefit of Thalassemia patients and their families. As an extension of His vision to recognize individuals and group efforts His Highness established the first International Award in the Field of Thalassemia " Sultan Bin Khalifa International Thalassemia Award " in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Thalassemia International Federation (TIF).

This Award is dedicated to value substantive efforts and contributions that have been made towards improving quality of life of patients with Thalassemia & other Hemoglobinopathies, by Individuals & Institutions, at National, Regional or International level.

In addition, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khlaifa has established "Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation" with its main goals to: Provide Humanitarian & charitable services to deserving and needy; either directly or through dedicated organizations in the UAE. And Collaborate with other officially recognized establishments and organizations assisting in various community development projects and humanitarian efforts. Also, Support the grant of scholarships to deserving students to attain higher education and skills in specialized areas that have direct impact in improvement of community health.

His Highness has initiated the opening of Thalassemia Center of the Fujairah Government Hospital, provided it with the latest medical and therapeutic equipment's. A recreation Hall for the Thalassemia patients was also established, out of his keenness for the comfort for the patients and their families during their treatment period.

His Highness has personally participated in Blood Donation Campaigns for the Thalassemia patients and directed the staff in his institutions and companies and the community to constantly and periodically carry out such voluntary campaigns to help the patients of Thalassemia.

Also the new initiative of the Regional Collaborating Office of Thalassemia International Federation as a new joint venture between Thalassemia International Federation and the Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation. The activities of Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) will now be extended to many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region & Africa. This is to assist in developing the Health Policies and matters that care for Thalassemia patients locally and regionally.

The support of His Highness has mainly caused the United Arab Emirates winning the opportunity for hosting the 2013 TIF International Conference on Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness's Humanitarian efforts have not stopped at such point; His Highness has granted hundreds of wishes for children with life threatening diseases.

His Highness has offered scholarships for people in need, patients and low-income citizens and residents in the UAE. His Highness signed many agreements with global and prestigious universities and colleges to provide postgraduate scholarships in the field of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies. 

In addition, an initiation has begun for the master’s degree program by way of a joint venture between the Foundation and the prestigious British universities in the specialty of thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies so it would be taught for the first time in the UAE.

His Highness has extended lots of humanitarian aid to pay the debts of certain inmates at the penal and correctional facilities and   institutions.

He has initiated to visit the camps of the refugees and those affected by drought, natural disasters, earthquakes and famines in Somalia, Turkey, Pakistan and other countries, rapidly moved for relief and establish projects to address the consequences of such disasters. He has been present in person to oversee the provision of such humanitarian, food and medical aid.

About Mirabaud Group
Mirabaud was founded in Geneva in 1819. Over time, the Group has developed into a multinational. Mirabaud provides its clients with customised financial and advisory services in three core areas: Wealth Management (portfolio management, investment advisory services and services for independent financial advisors), Asset Management (Institutional management, fund management and distribution) and Brokerage and Corporate Finance (traditional brokerage, equity capital market and M&A).

With some 700 employees, the Group has offices in Switzerland (Geneva, Basel and Zurich), Europe (London, Luxembourg, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla and Milan) and the rest of the world (Montreal, Hong Kong and Dubai).

For more information, please visit our website: www.mirabaud.com

About Mirabaud (Middle East) Limited 
Operating out of Dubai, alongside other financial cities around the Globe, Mirabaud (Middle East) Limited is a gateway to the Middle East, India, Africa and Asia for investors interested in geographical diversification and in the strong growth in these markets. It is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority having a full banking license (category 1 DFSA license), enabling it to provide an extended range of financial products and services to Professional Clients. 

© Press Release 2017