UAE Celebrates Female Athletes at Fatima bint Mubarak Award

H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the importance of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award as a leading Arab platform. He said it celebrates exceptional female athletes and motivates them to achieve excellence, supporting the steady development of women’s sports every year.

He explained that this approach aligns with the UAE’s strategy to empower women and create an environment that ensures their success in all fields. Sheikh Nahyan emphasized that the award reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to female participation in sports at both local and regional levels.

Sheikh Nahyan noted that the success of the award comes from the continuous support and guidance of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation.” Sheikha Fatima is Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. Her vision has laid the foundation for advancing women’s sports in the UAE and across the Arab world.

He also praised the efforts of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs. Her support has strengthened the award’s Arab prominence, making it a distinguished platform to honour female champions and achievers in various sports fields.

During the ninth edition of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award 2025, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed crowned the winners in a ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. He congratulated all winners, highlighting that their recognition is well-deserved for their hard work and achievements that have elevated Arab sports. He wished them continued success in reaching new milestones locally, regionally, and internationally.

Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States and Member of the International Olympic Committee, received the Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025. She is also recognized for her contribution to sports diplomacy and for advancing women’s sports across the Arab world.

Egyptian athlete Fareeda Mohamed Ahmed Khalil, the youngest Arab world champion, won the award for Best Arab Woman Athlete. Emirati shooting champion Salma Haitham Rashid Al Marri received the award for Best Emirati Woman Athlete. Meanwhile, Emirati Paralympic track and field champion Thikra Ahmed Al Kaabi won the award for Best Paralympic Woman Athlete.

The Best Women’s Team award went to the Sharjah Women’s Athletics Team, winners of the relay race. Mariam Hassan Al Marzouqi from the UAE won Best Sports Mother, while Saudi national Maha Yousif Al Khalifa received the award for Best Sports Media Influencer. Emirati archer Mona Faisal Al Shara, UAE national archery champion, was named Best Young Woman Athlete, and Tunisian judo coach Nihal Reda Mohammed won the Best Coach award.

The Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award continues to inspire female athletes in the Arab world and promotes the spirit of sportsmanship, excellence, and empowerment among women at all levels.