Fatima bint Mubarak Awards: Final Nominees Revealed

The final nominees for the ninth edition of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award have been officially announced by the organising committee. This important event highlights the accomplishments of female athletes from the Arab world, promoting empowerment, recognition, and inspiration. The award honors both individual and team excellence, while also encouraging increased female participation in sports on both local and international stages.

Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the Mother of the Nation, this award reflects Her Highness’s commitment to women’s empowerment across various sectors, including athletics. She is the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

Support for the award comes from Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, as well as the Chairwoman of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs. Through her leadership and initiatives, Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza is pivotal in promoting sports among Emirati and Arab women, providing opportunities for competition, training, and acclaim on global platforms.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, the annual ceremony will take place in Abu Dhabi, recognizing winners across numerous categories. This event is considered one of the most prestigious sporting recognitions in the region, attracting nominations from various Arab nations.

The nomination phase for the 2025 edition kicked off on April 28, with an extended deadline allowing broader participation. Applicants from within and beyond the UAE responded eagerly, showcasing the award's significant stature across Arab countries. The meticulous selection process ensures equitable evaluation, spotlighting athletes and teams that have excelled in women’s sports.

Established to empower women and celebrate their athletic achievements, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award primarily aims to enhance the representation of women in sports and motivate future generations to aspire toward excellence. It also encourages institutions to back female athletes and foster environments conducive to collaboration and competitiveness.

The total prize for the 2025 iteration is set at AED 2 million, distributed across eight categories for individuals and teams. Awards 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, along with the Best Team Award and a Special Recognition Award honoring an influential figure in women’s sports.

The committee has disclosed the names of the finalists vying for these prestigious awards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The award ceremony will celebrate those who have shown unwavering commitment, skill, and excellence in their disciplines. It will also underscore the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and outstanding sportsmanship. This initiative continues to inspire women throughout the Arab world to aim higher, train harder, and act as advocates for positive change through sports.

The Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award stands as a beacon of hope and recognition for female athletes in the region. It exemplifies the commitment of the UAE to support female involvement in sports while fostering an environment where women can thrive. As the finalists gear up for the award ceremony in Abu Dhabi, this occasion will once more highlight the strength, talent, and determination of Arab women, shaping the future landscape of sports.