Every year, Emirati Women’s Day shines a spotlight on the determination, resilience, and achievements of Emirati women across every field. Nowhere is this more inspiring than in the world of sports. From breaking global barriers to emerging as future champions, these athletes embody the UAE’s spirit of progress and empowerment.
Leading Pioneers in Emirati Sports
Zahra Lari
Zahra Lari is the first Emirati and Middle Eastern woman to compete internationally in figure skating. Known as the “Ice Princess”, she made headlines not just for her skill but for her advocacy. Zahra Lari successfully campaigned for the International Skating Union to allow athletes to compete in hijab, paving the way for others to follow. As co-founder of the Emirates Skating Club, she is actively shaping the future by providing young Emirati girls with the facilities and coaching to chase their sporting dreams.
Amna Al Qubaisi
Amna Al Qubaisi made history as the first Emirati woman to compete in Formula 4, shattering stereotypes in one of the most male-dominated sports in the world. Competing internationally, including in the European Ligier Series, Amna Al Qubaisi is paving the way for more Emirati women to enter motorsport. She symbolizes the future of Emirati women in global arenas – showing that courage and ambition can take them far beyond borders.
Amna Al Haddad
A pioneer in weightlifting and fitness, Amna Al Haddad was the first Emirati woman to compete in the Reebok CrossFit Games Open. She uses her journey to promote strength, mental health, and self-confidence among women. Beyond medals and records, her true legacy lies in motivating the next generation to believe that fitness and strength are not just physical pursuits but a foundation for empowerment and resilience.
Emerging Women Shaping the Future of Sports
Fatima Ali Hassan Al Blushi
At just 22 years old, Fatima Ali Hassan Al Blushi is already a national record-holder in both the 100m and 200m sprint events. She represents the UAE in GCC competitions and is training to compete at the world stage. Fatima’s discipline and dedication show the world that Emirati athletes are not only catching up but are ready to lead in global athletics.
Rawda Al Rowbari
Rawda Al Rowbari, a 25-year-old Emirati basketball player, known for her leadership and dedication. Rawda Al Rowbari exemplifies the power of teamwork, communication, and unity in sports. Her journey in basketball not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores the growing presence and influence of Emirati women in sports, inspiring future generations to pursue their athletic aspirations with determination and pride.
Noora Hassan Al Mazmi
Balancing academics and athletics, Noora Hassan Al Mazmi has emerged as one of the UAE’s brightest table tennis stars. Competing at Gulf, Arab, and Asian levels, she demonstrates how young Emirati women can excel internationally while pursuing education. Her dual success is inspiring families and institutions to invest in female athletes, knowing they can shine on multiple fronts.
Aishah Al Awadhi
Padel has quickly become one of the region’s fastest-growing sports, and Aishah Al Awadhi is leading the way. As the first Emirati and Arab woman to compete internationally in padel, she is putting the UAE on the global padel map. By breaking into a relatively new sport, Aishah Al Awadhi shows that Emirati women are not only catching up in traditional arenas but also claiming space in emerging ones.
Alia Abdulsalam
Alia Abdulsalam is making waves as one of the UAE’s first female powerboat racers. Competing in a high-speed, male-dominated sport, she has quickly gained recognition for her precision, courage, and determination on the water. Beyond her competitive success, Alia Abdulsalam is actively promoting marine sports among Emirati women, running workshops and training sessions to encourage others to explore powerboating. Her trailblazing efforts are helping to expand opportunities for women in adventure and motorsports in the region.
Fatima Al Awadhi
Fatima Al Awadhi is blazing a path in mountain climbing, taking on challenging peaks both locally and internationally. Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi has become the youngest Emirati to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus, the tallest peak in Europe at 5,642 metres. She has completed some of the UAE’s toughest climbs and has also participated in international mountaineering expeditions, demonstrating exceptional endurance and leadership. Fatima Al Awadhi works with youth programs to introduce girls to outdoor and adventure sports, inspiring them to push boundaries and embrace physical challenges. Her achievements are redefining what is possible for Emirati women in extreme sports and endurance disciplines.
Areej Al Hammadi
Areej Ahmed Mohammed Salim Al Hammadi is a Emirati footballer who has made significant strides in the sport. Notably, she set a Guinness World Record by performing 86 “hotstepper” football tricks in one minute, surpassing the previous record of 56. Beyond her individual achievements, Areej Ahmed Mohammed Salim Al Hammadi is dedicated to promoting women’s football in the UAE, inspiring young girls to pursue their athletic aspirations. Her commitment to the sport and her community underscores the growing presence and influence of Emirati women in football.
Fatima Al Bluoshi
Fatima Al Bluoshi, a 31-year-old Emirati rider with spina bifida, has found her freedom not on her feet, but in the saddle. She is part of The Royal Stables’ initiative to foster inclusion and advance sporting excellence across the UAE. Fatima Al Bluoshi’s participation in para-dressage events highlights her resilience and determination, serving as an inspiration to others facing challenges. Her journey reflects the UAE’s commitment to nurturing home-grown talent and promoting inclusivity in sports.
A Decade of Change
Ten years ago, the sight of Emirati women competing on the international stage was rare. Sports like figure skating, motorsport, and padel were almost unimaginable as pathways for Emirati women. Cultural norms, limited access, and lack of representation meant fewer women dared to step into competitive athletics.
Today, that narrative has transformed. With national support, role models like Zahra Lari, Amna Al Qubaisi, and Amna Al Haddad breaking barriers, and emerging athletes like Fatima Ali Hassan Al Blushi, Rawda Al Rowbari, Noora Hassan Al Mazmi, Aishah Al Awadhi, Alia Abdulsalam, Fatima Al Awadhi, Areej Al Hammadi, Fatima Al Bluoshi rising in their fields, Emirati women are no longer the exception – they are becoming the standard. They are shaping a future where young girls grow up knowing that they too can sprint on Olympic tracks, race in Formula cars, or compete internationally with pride.
Looking Ahead
From the ice rink to the racetrack, from the weightlifting stage to the basketball court, Emirati women are proving that barriers are made to be broken. Their stories remind us that the next 10 years will look even brighter, with more women stepping into sports, more achievements on the world stage, and more role models for generations to come.
On this Emirati Women’s Day, we honor not only the pioneers who carved a path but also the emerging athletes who are shaping the future of the UAE’s sporting legacy.
