Post by : Maya Rahman

The committee for the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award has disclosed the finalists for its ninth edition. This prestigious event not only acknowledges the achievements of women athletes in the Arab world but also promotes empowerment, recognition, and inspiration among female sports figures. The award emphasizes both individual and team accomplishments while advocating for increased female participation in sports globally and locally.

Under the esteemed leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the Mother of the Nation, the award reflects her commitment to women’s empowerment and her vision for women’s success across various sectors, particularly in sports. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak chairs multiple women’s organizations, reinforcing the importance of women's achievements.

Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, also plays a significant role in supporting female athletes. Her initiatives focus on encouraging Emirati and Arab women to engage in sports, offering them platforms for competition and training, thus facilitating their recognition on international stages.

Jointly organized with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award has become a hallmark of sports acknowledgment in the region, drawing nominations from across the Arab nations. The annual ceremony is set to occur in Abu Dhabi, where winners will be celebrated across diverse categories.

The nomination period for the 2025 awards began on April 28 and was subsequently extended, showcasing extensive participation from athletes inside and outside the UAE. This competitive selection process ensures a fair assessment that highlights athletes and teams displaying remarkable achievements in women’s sports.

The award aims to empower women, honoring their accomplishments while fostering equality in sports opportunities. It seeks to bolster the role of women in athletics and inspire future generations to pursue greatness. Additionally, it encourages institutions to nurture female athletes and cultivate a culture of competitiveness and collaboration.

This year's awards feature a total prize fund of AED 2 million distributed among eight categories for both individuals and teams. Categories include Best Arab Sportswoman, Best Emirati Sportswoman, Best Emerging Sportswoman, Best Paralympic Sportswoman, Best Coach (Male or Female), Best Sports Media Influencer, and Best Sportsmother. A special award will honor an individual for their significant impact on women’s sports as the Arab Sports Personality of the Year.

The committee announced the finalists competing for each award category:

• Best Sports Media Influencer: Hadiya Mohamed Al Saeed (Egypt), Sarah Fahmy Othman (Yemen), Maha Yousef Al Khalifa (Saudi Arabia).

• Best Sports Mother: Fatima Hamad Al Muhairi (UAE), Maryam Hassan Al Marzouqi (UAE), Hind Ibrahim Al Sindi (Bahrain).

• Best Arab Women Athlete: Sarah Abdulrahman Al Hawal (Kuwait), Marwa Omar Bouzayani (Tunisia), Farida Mohamed Ahmed (Egypt).

• Best Coach (Male/Female): Nihal Saad Eldin Mohamed (Egypt), Nihal Reda Mohamed (Tunisia), Soraya Haddad (Algeria).

• Best Paralympic Athlete: Salama Rashid Al Khatri (UAE), Shaimaa Sami Gaber (Egypt), Thikra Ahmed Al Kaabi (UAE).

• Best Youth Athlete: Dalila Mohamed Saeed (Egypt), Mona Faisal Al Shar’a (UAE), Mazoon Issa Hussein (UAE).

• Best Emirati Women Athlete: Amina Yousef Al Awadhi, Amina Mohamed Al Lougany, Salma Haitham Al Marri.

• Best Team: Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club – Athletics Team, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club – Taekwondo Team.

The upcoming awards ceremony promises to be a significant acknowledgment of individuals who embody commitment, resilience, and skill in their respective fields. This event will also underline the UAE's commitment to fostering gender equity and excellence in sports, inspiring women throughout the Arab world to embrace larger aspirations, commit to rigorous training, and emerge as advocates for transformative change in athletics.

The Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award continues to inspire women athletes across the region, epitomizing the UAE’s dedication to enhancing female engagement in sports and fostering supportive environments for women to thrive. As the finalists gear up for the ceremony in Abu Dhabi, there will be a renewed focus on the strength and talent of Arab women, instrumental in shaping the future of sports.

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