Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award Celebrates Pioneers in Arab Women’s Sports
ABU DHABI, 19 November, 2025 — The Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award has solidified its status as a leading Arab model, dedicated to honouring exceptional achievers and fostering the talents of female athletes throughout the Arab world. In alignment with the UAE’s strategy of empowering women, the award continues to motivate sportswomen to reach new heights, supporting the ongoing development of women’s sports annually.
H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the award’s patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, stated: “The outstanding achievements of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award are the result of the continuous support and wise directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’… whose guidance laid the foundation for advancing women’s sports at both local and Arab levels.”
The crucial backing from Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and of the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Ladies Clubs, has been lauded for reinforcing the award’s Arab prominence and transforming it into a standout platform for celebrating champions across various disciplines.
During the grand ceremony at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Nahyan crowned the winners of the ninth edition of the award. He congratulated all honourees, emphasizing: “Their recognition is well deserved for their efforts and achievements that elevated Arab sports. He wished them continued excellence, ambition, and success in achieving new milestones at local, Arab, regional and international levels.”
Among the celebrated winners, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States and International Olympic Committee member, received the Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2025. Her distinguished contributions to women’s sports and sports diplomacy were recognised with this prestigious accolade.
Other prominent honourees included:
- Fareeda Mohamed Ahmed Khalil of Egypt, the youngest Arab and world champion, awarded Best Arab Woman Athlete.
- Salma Haitham Rashid Al Marri, Emirati shooting champion, named Best Emirati Woman Athlete.
- Thikra Ahmed Al Kaabi, Emirati Paralympic track and field star, who took home the Best Paralympic Woman Athlete award.
- The Sharjah Women’s Athletics Team, champions in the relay race, awarded Best Women’s Team.
- Mariam Hassan Al Marzouqi from the UAE, honored as Best Sports Mother.
- Maha Yousif Al Khalifa of Saudi Arabia, who received the Best Sports Media Influencer award.
- Mona Faisal Al Shara, national archery champion and Sharjah Women’s Sports Club member, recognised as Best Young Woman Athlete.
- Nihal Reda Mohammed of Tunisia, awarded Best Coach.
The ceremony once again underscored the vital role that the Fatima bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award plays in highlighting, motivating, and rewarding the dedicated women who are propelling Arab women’s sports to ever greater achievements.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
