#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Fatima bint Mubarak #Women Sports Award

Opening Nominations for the 10th Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award

In a momentous occasion, the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), has officially opened the nomination process for the highly anticipated 10th edition of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award. Under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, this award celebrates the exceptional achievements of women in sports across the region.

Scheduled to take place on 11 November 2026, the award ceremony aims to highlight the role of female athletes and promote their contributions to various sports. Nominations will remain open until 30 September 2026, providing ample time for participants to showcase their talents and accomplishments.

During a press conference held at the FBMA headquarters in Abu Dhabi, key figures in the sports community were present to announce this year’s details and the importance of the award in empowering women across various sectors. His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the initiative’s role in highlighting women’s sports achievements and the strong support from the UAE leadership.

Categories and Prize Money

Reflecting its commitment to recognizing talent, the award includes a total prize value of approximately AED 2.1 million, distributed among several individual and team categories. Individual honors include:

• - Best Arab Sportswoman: AED 1 million
• - Best Emirati Sportswoman: AED 200,000
• - Best Paralympic Sportswoman: AED 200,000
• - Best Young Sportswoman: AED 100,000
• - Best Coach: AED 100,000
• - Best Female Sports Media Influencer: AED 100,000
• - Best Sports Family: AED 100,000

In the team category, the accolade for the Best Team comes with a prize of AED 300,000. Furthermore, the award will introduce a special recognition for the Arab Sports Personality of the Year, aimed at honoring an influential figure in women’s sports.

A Vision for Empowerment

This initiative aligns closely with Sheikha Fatima’s overarching vision for women's empowerment and familial support reflected in the UAE Year of the Family project. As reported by His Excellency Al Awani, adjustments were made to enhance prize values and the titles of certain awards, ensuring they resonate with the community’s values.

Outstanding Achievements and Participation

The previous editions of the award have heralded an increase in both the number of applications and the quality of participants. In 2025 alone, a remarkable 325 applications were received, with 93 Emirati participants and 79 nominations for the Best Arab Sportswoman category — a clear indication of the award's growing prestige within the Arab world.

Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Mohammed Al Hajeri stressed the importance of the award in boosting women’s visibility in sports and encouraging excellence. With a judging committee comprised of distinguished experts from various fields, a rigorous evaluation process will ensure the integrity and fairness of nominations.

How to Participate

To partake in this exciting opportunity, interested candidates can visit www.fbmwomensportsaward.ae. The overarching goal of the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award is not just to honor achievements but to foster a thriving environment where women can ambitiously pursue their athletic goals.

With the support of prominent sponsors including the Presidential Court and ADNOC, the award reflects a commitment to establishing a brighter future for women in sports, promoting their participation and success at all levels.

Conclusion

The Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award stands as a beacon of encouragement for female athletes in the UAE and beyond, embodying a significant step toward equality and recognition in the world of sports. As nominations roll out, it is clear that this platform will continue to inspire and empower women in their sporting journeys.