Sharjah to Host 8th Arab Women Sports Tournament, Expands with Taekwondo and Beach Rowing
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, Sharjah is set to welcome leading female athletes and clubs from across the Arab region at the 8th Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST), scheduled for 2nd to 10th February 2025. Organised by the Sharjah Women Sports Foundation, this prestigious event demonstrates Sharjah’s sustained commitment to advancing Arab women’s participation in sports both regionally and globally.
The tournament preparations are overseen by the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees (UANOC) and endorsed by the League of Arab States. The AWST Supreme Organising Committee and its executive committees have convened multiple meetings to monitor developments and ensure full readiness to host top-level athletes and competitions.
This edition sees notable updates to the competition. For the first time, taekwondo (G1 classification, accredited by World Taekwondo) and beach rowing will be introduced, expanding the tournament’s diversity. Alongside these additions, the event program includes volleyball, fencing, athletics, shooting, archery, table tennis, and basketball. The extension of game categories is part of a focused effort to broaden female participation, enhance competitive diversity, and solidify sporting and cultural connections among Arab women athletes.
Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi commented, “AWST has set a leading model for empowering Arab women in sport, advancing their role within the sporting community, and providing a platform that celebrates achievement while supporting athletes’ progression towards professionalism and fair competition. The tournament has also expanded the visibility of Arab women on the sporting stage and developed their competitive capabilities.” He further added, “The committee is guided by an integrated strategic vision supported by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the guidance and patronage of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council. This vision prioritises coordination across partner entities in the emirate to ensure organisational, logistical, health, and security readiness, and to deliver a comprehensive competitive environment that reflects Sharjah’s standing and elevates the global presence of Arab women’s sport.”
As part of on-site readiness checks of training and competition venues, the AWST Supreme Organising Committee conducted an inspection tour for a delegation led by Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa, Chair of UANOC, and Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Anzi, Secretary General of UANOC. The tour also included Hanan Al Mahmoud (Vice Chair of AWST Supreme Organising Committee and Chair of Executive Committee), Areej Al Qahtani (Assistant Secretary-General of UANOC), Mustafa Idris (sports expert at UANOC), and Moza Al Shamsi (AWST Director).
The delegation assessed the readiness of venues, facilities, and support services, meeting with representatives from various clubs who assured their full backing for the event. The tour encompassed vital sports locations throughout the emirate, such as the Sharjah Women’s Olympic Centre, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, Al Qarayen Children’s Centre, Al Bataeh, Al Dhaid, Police Officers, Al Hamriyah cultural and sports clubs, Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, and Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled.
Commenting on the inspection, Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa stated: “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, for her continued support and patronage, which are central to AWST’s sustained success and its status as a leading Arab platform. We are confident that this year’s edition will mark a new chapter in Arab sporting excellence, reflecting Sharjah’s vision of integrating sport, culture, and development, expanding opportunities for athletes to compete and progress, and highlighting the strength of joint Arab action in delivering impactful sporting events.”
With the addition of taekwondo and beach rowing, AWST’s commitment to expanding and diversifying women’s sporting opportunities is underscored, bolstering both the region’s competitive spirit and the strong collaboration among Arab nations.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
