Two UAE siblings receive Diana Award in London

Two siblings -- a brother and a sister -- from Sharjah have received the prestigious Diana Award instituted to honour children creating positive social change in their communities around the world.

While Amman Iqbal Ibrahim, 16, is one of the winners of the 20 Legacy Awards specially instituted to mark the 20th death anniversary of Princess Diana, Jehan Iqbal Ibrahim,9, won the Diana Award given to 200 young role models from around the world.

Amman was the only winner from the GCC in his category, while other recipients came from the UK, the United States, Canada, India and Belize.

Speaking to Khaleej Times from London, Amaan of Our Own English High School -- Sharjah, Boys, said on receiving the award:  "It was really inspiring. I was immensely moved by the selfless acts done by my co-recipients. It is an honour to be the ambassador of the great legacy of the people's princess. And meeting the Royal Highnesses was a delight."

"I really couldn't believe it at first. I am so happy," said Jehan, a student of Our Own English High School, Sharjah.

Presenting the the Legacy Awards at St James's Palace on Thursday, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, with brother Prince Harry beside him, paid tribute to his mother, saying she still inspires "countless acts of compassion and bravery".

The brothers were making their first joint appearance at an event run by the Diana Award, established to promote their mother's belief in the positive power of young people, according to a BBC report.

Prince William said: "We are so glad our mothers name is being put to good use through The Diana Award.

The future king told the young recipients that their mother had achieved so much in her life, from helping to fight the stigma around Aids to supporting the homeless.

Source: Khaleej Times