Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) has opened nominations for the 10th Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).
With the support of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the FBMA Board of Directors, the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs, the award will be held in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).
The organising committee revealed the details for the latest edition, the first of its kind in the region, at the headquarters of FBMA in Abu Dhabi. The conference was attended by Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of ADSC; Dr Omniyat Mohammed Al Hajri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors at FBMA; and Hamda Al Mansouri, Chairwoman of the Judging Committee, among others.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 11, while the nomination period will remain open until September 30.
The Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award aims to empower women in the sports sector and highlight their achievements throughout the year. It also seeks to enhance competitiveness and excellence while creating a supportive environment for female athletes at local, Arab and international levels.
The award carries a total prize value of Dh2.1 million, distributed across eight categories.
The individual categories include: Best Arab Sportswoman (Dh1 million); Best Emirati Sportswoman (Dh200,000); Best Paralympic Sportswoman (Dh200,000); Best Young Sportswoman (Dh100,000); Best Coach (Dh100,000); Best Female Sports Media Influencer (Dh100,000) and Best Sports Family (Dh100,000). The team category includes Best Team, with a prize of Dh300,000.
A special award for Arab Sports Personality of the Year will also be presented.
Al Awani emphasised that the award represents an extension of the vision of empowering women under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the follow-up of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed.
“We have introduced several necessary adjustments in the upcoming edition, including – but not limited to – increasing the value of the Best Arab Sportswoman award to Dh1 million, from Dh600,000.”
He added that the award has seen significant growth, with applications reaching 325 in 2025.
“We have also amended the title of the Sports Mother Award to become the Best Sports Family Award, in line with the UAE’s Year of Family initiative, which highlights the importance of the family in supporting societal stability,” he said.
Dr Al Hajeri, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of FBMA, said: “The award aims to support and empower women in the sports field, highlight the achievements of female athletes and women professionals, and encourage excellence and competitiveness in women’s sports.”
The judging committee comprises five distinguished experts and professionals in the fields of sports, media and management. The committee’s chairwoman Hamda Al Mansouri explained that the members combine academic backgrounds with practical experience to ensure a professional and transparent evaluation process.
The organisers acknowledged the sponsors, including the Presidential Court, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Police, Dolphin Energy, and Abu Dhabi Media Network.
To submit a nomination, visit: www.fbmwomensportsaward.ae
