Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), has opened nominations for the 9th Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, and Mother of the Nation.
The award is also supported and guided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and President of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs.
Details of the prominent award, the first of its kind in the region and one of the most highly regarded accolades in Arab sports, were unveiled at a press conference at the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy in Abu Dhabi.
The event was attended by His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Dr Najwa Al Hosani, Chair of the Judging Committee; Shamsa Saif Al Hanaee, Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy’s Board Member; and numerous sports leaders, stakeholders, and media representatives.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 2025, while nominations are open until September 10, 2025.
The award aims to empower women in sports, spotlight their achievements over the past year, promote excellence and competitiveness in women’s athletics, and create a supportive environment that enables athletes to elevate their performance to new heights.
With a total prize money of Dh2 million, the award features eight categories across individual and group levels.
The individual category includes Best Arab Woman Athlete – Dh600,000; Best Emirati Woman Athlete – Dh300,000; Best Youth Athlete – Dh150,000; Best Paralympic Athlete – Dh250,000; Best Coach (Male/Female) – Dh150,000; Best Social Media Influencer in Sports – Dh100,000; and Best Sports Mother – Dh150,000. The group category includes Best Team – Dh300,000.
A Special Honorary Award will also be presented to the Arab Sports Personality of the Year, selected by the jury, to recognise an individual who has made a significant impact on women’s sports.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani said, “The award aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision for empowering women across all sectors, particularly in sports, and is supported by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al Nahyan.
The award is a key pillar in supporting and developing women’s sports both locally and across the Arab world. It motivates Emirati women to pursue excellence and global recognition.
"In 2024, we received 258 applications, up from 191 in 2023. Submissions from Emirati women rose to 155, compared to 116 the year before. The most competitive category was Best Emirati Female Athlete with 119 entries."
Dr Najwa Al Hosani said, "The judging panel has been expanded to five members to ensure a professional and transparent evaluation based on clear and rigorous criteria, and now includes experts from sports, media, and management fields, blending academic and practical experience."
Shamsa Saif Al Hanaee said, “The transformation of the Best Sports Media Personality category into Best Social Media Influencer in Sports reflects the pivotal role of digital platforms in amplifying women’s voices in sports. This category celebrates influencers who use digital media to promote positive messages and spark dialogue on empowering women in sports."
The Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award is supported by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Dolphin Energy, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, empowering female athletes and amplifying the reach and impact of the award.
Candidates can submit their applications via the official website: www.fbmwomensportsaward.ae.
