Abu Dhabi (ALETIHAD)

The Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award has received 343 nominations to date across the categories of its 10th edition, reflecting strong interest in the award.

The award is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

The initiative is supported by Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs.

Hosts UAE are currently top of the list in terms of countries' number of nominations, with a total of 94 entries. To date, nominations have been received from 13 Arab countries.

While nominations through the award’s website will close on September 30, an exceptional extension has been granted until October 6 exclusively for those taking part in the Asian Games being held in Japan.

The Best Arab Female Athlete category has recorded the highest number of nominations, with 68 entries, followed by the Best Sports Family with 39.

Hamda Al Mansoori, Chairwoman of the Judging Committee, said the strong turnout for the 10th edition — along with the diversity of nominations from 13 Arab countries — reflects the prestigious position the award has established across the Arab world and further strengthens the level of competition across its various categories.

Al Mansoori said: “The number of nominations received to date reflects the growing interest in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award and the trust it has earned throughout its previous editions as a leading platform for celebrating excellence and achievement in women’s sport.

In the 10th edition, we look forward to highlighting more inspiring role models and encouraging female athletes and sports professionals to continue striving for excellence and achieving further success.”

The total prize money this year amounts to Dh2.2 million, distributed across nine individual and team categories: Best Arab Female Athlete, Best Emirati Female Athlete, Best Paralympic Female Athlete, Best Young Female Athlete, Best Coach, Best Sports Media Influencer, Best Sports Family, Best Female Athlete in Non-Olympic Sports, and Best Team.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place on  November 11.