Philanthropy

Philanthropy plays a significant role in Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s personal and professional lives. Abeer is committed to addressing real issues surrounding education, gender equality and public health worldwide. Utilizing her platform and passion for giving back, Abeer seeks to support and empower women and children experiencing challenges no one should face. In addition to supporting the organizations below, her luxury clothing brand SemSem also partners with an organization each fashion season to spotlight various causes dear to Abeer’s heart.

Championing Access to Healthcare

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba proudly supports the Children’s National Hospital’s mission of providing lifesaving care.

“To me, the most meaningful part of life is how we treat others and do what we can to make the world a better place.”

– Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba, Emirates Woman

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Goodwill Fund: King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC)

The Goodwill Fund was created by Yousef and Abeer Al Otaiba to support Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Center. The fund benefits KHCC in its mission to provide comprehensive care and treatments to patients in need and advocates for cancer-fighting efforts in Jordan and beyond.

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Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba has proudly supported the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Children’s National Medical Center

In 2014, Abeer and Yousef Al Otaiba joined Bret and Amy Baier as co-chairs of the Children’s National Medical Center’s annual Children’s Ball. Inspired by the support they received during their daughter’s life-threatening medical emergency, the Al Otaiba family remains determined to give back to the hospital that saved their daughter’s life. The 2014 Gala Ball raised $10.9 million, making it one of the most successful charity events in Washington D.C.

In 2015, Yousef and Abeer were awarded the Joseph E. Robert Jr. Prize in Philanthropy, an honor presented to supporters who have endured a personal experience at Children’s National Medical Center.

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Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba has provided support for the Hope For Henry Foundation.

Hope for Henry Foundation

Operating in more than 40 hospitals nationwide, Hope for Henry is reinventing how hospitals care for pediatric patients facing serious or life-threatening illnesses. As a former honorary chair of the board of directors, Abeer remains passionate about the foundation’s mission.

Hope for Henry has pioneered innovative, scientifically tested programs that provide comfort, ease anxieties and reduce stress for pediatric patients and their families. Their patient support programs also include entertainment, birthday parties, events and visits by notable celebrities, authors and athletes to provide hope and create a stress-free environment for kids facing difficult circumstances.

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“No one attains true success on their own and giving back is something that was instilled in me, by my parents, from a very young age. I feel passionate about corporate social responsibility and am dedicated to supporting women-led businesses and projects across the globe.”

– Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba, AEWorld

Supporting Arts & Culture

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s passion for women’s empowerment motivates her to support women and girls in the arts.
With a deep interest in the arts, Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba has provided longstanding support to The Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy Center

Abeer and Yousef Al Otaiba are deeply committed to supporting The Kennedy Center’s arts and cultural programs each year. In 2012, the couple partnered with the center to co-host the Washington National Opera’s annual ball at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC. Since then, the Al Otaibas have worked with the organization to support arts education and provide access to the arts.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba has provided philanthropic support for the Washington Ballet.

The Washington Ballet

Over the years, Abeer has sponsored a number of Washington Ballet events, including its annual gala, which benefits the company’s arts and education programs. In addition, her luxury fashion brand, SemSem, has partnered with the ballet to promote the annual Nutcracker Tea Party, a classic holiday tradition in Washington, DC.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s philanthropic work includes supporting the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Abeer’s commitment to the arts and female empowerment has led to her involvement with the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). As a member of the Couture Circle, she’s attended and sponsored several NMWA events.

Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s philanthropic endeavors support the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

National Portrait Gallery

In support of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery, Abeer attended the gallery’s third biennial American Portrait Gala. With over 700 attendees, the event raised more than $2 million in support of the Smithsonian’s future exhibitions and endeavors.