Philanthropy
Philanthropy has played a significant role throughout Abeer Shoukry-Al Otaiba’s personal and professional life. Abeer is committed to addressing the real issues surrounding education, gender equality and public health — utilizing her platform to give back and empower women and children living in impoverished communities worldwide. In addition to supporting the organizations below, her luxury clothing brand SemSem also partners with a charity each fashion season to spotlight various causes.
Charitable Causes for Children
“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 Al Otaiba, Emirates Woman
Goodwill Fund: King Hussein Cancer Center
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 is 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 donors who have endured a personal experience at the Children’s National Medical Center.
Hope for Henry Foundation
Abeer Al Otaiba serves as the Honorary Chair of the Board of Directors for the Hope for Henry Foundation. Through the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C, this non-profit organization is reinventing how hospitals care for pediatric patients facing serious or life-threatening illnesses. The foundation creates innovative programs that provide comfort, ease anxieties and reduce stress for both children and their families. These programs include entertainment, birthday parties, events, and visits by notable celebrities, authors, and athletes in order to provide hope and create a stress-free environment for those facing difficult circumstances.
“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 Al Otaiba, A&E Magazine
Supporting the Arts & Culture
The Kennedy Center
Abeer and Yousef Al Otaiba are deeply committed to supporting The Kennedy Center’s arts & cultural programs each year. In 2012, the The couple partnered with the center to co-host the Washington National Opera’s annual ball at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC and has since worked with the organization to support funding education in schools and providing access to the arts.
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.
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.
National Portrait Gallery
In support of The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, Abeer attended the gallery’s third biennial American Portrait Gala. With over 700 attendees, the event raised over $2 million in support of the Smithsonian museum’s future exhibitions and endeavors.