NEW YORK – On May 25, 2017, the late United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Juma Mohammed Abdullah Al Kaabi, was honored with the 2017 Legacy Award posthumously by Women for Afghan Women (WAW) at the organization's annual gala.

WAW’s Legacy Award recognized Ambassador Al Kaabi’s service in Afghanistan, particularly his achievements as a “humanitarian ambassador”, in the presence of several hundred members of the Afghan community in New York, ambassadors and other senior dignitaries.

WAW's leadership expressed their sincere condolences to the family of the brave ambassador, and their eternal appreciation to him for his tireless commitment to the people of Afghanistan.

H.E. Mrs. Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations in New York, accepted the award on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE. Ambassador Nusseibeh quoted His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, describing Ambassador Al Kaabi as the embodiment of "the noblest notions of generosity and loyalty."

Upon receiving the award, Ambassador Nusseibeh expressed that Ambassador Al Kaabi was devoted to peace in Afghanistan, and worked tirelessly to support communities across the nation. She highlighted how Ambassador Al Kaabi strengthened the close relationship between UAE and Afghanistan, which is bonded by shared history, traditions, and culture. Ambassador Al Kaabi built and sustained trust during his tenure in Afghanistan to expand UAE’s humanitarian legacy in the country, said Ambassador Nusseibeh. “Ambassador Al Kaabi’s deep commitment to the Afghan people will be continued by future Emirati diplomats, along with other important civil society organizations that are working with great impact for women and families across Afghanistan,” Ambassador Nusseibeh concluded.

Ambassador Al Kaabi passed away on February 15, 2017, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a terrorist attack in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The five Emirati diplomats, who were part of the humanitarian mission to the region and also killed in the attack, include Mohammed Ali Zainal Bastaki, Abdullah Mohammed Al Kaabi, Ahmed Al Mazroui, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Tunaiji, and Abdul Hamid Sultan Al Hammadi. The Ambassador and dignitaries were on a humanitarian mission to lay the foundation stone for Dar Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan orphanage, and to sign an agreement with Kardan University to offer scholarships sponsored by the UAE.

WAW is a New York-based, grassroots, human rights organization dedicated to securing and advancing the rights and empowering all Afghan women. It is the largest provider of shelters and support services for women in Afghanistan, and the dedicated to providing support specifically for Afghan women and their families in the US. WAW’s annual gala aims to bring visibility to the work and partnerships of the organization, as well as the efforts of individuals who provide life-changing work.