Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has honored the winners of the prestigious Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Awards 2024 in a ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Organized by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the landmark award aims to recognize and empower women in sports.
The awards are a reflection of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s vision-commonly known as the “Mother of the Nation.” Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has championed initiatives to advance women’s roles in sports. The awards also receive ongoing support from Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Academy’s Board, President of Abu Dhabi Ladies Club, and President of Al Ain Ladies Club.
The ceremony welcomed dignitaries and leaders from the sports community, including Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, and Hassan Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Presidential Court.
Among the distinguished guests were Shamsa Saif Al Hanaei, a board member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and members of the Award’s Higher Organizing Committee, Maryam Al Mansouri and Hamda Al Mansouri. Attendees included sports officials, stars, and leaders from the UAE and the Arab region.
Highlights of the awards
- Best Arab Women Athlete: Kelia Nammour (Algeria), gymnastics star.
- Best Emirati Women Athlete: Ahoud Khalifa Al Kaabi, champion in Jiu-Jitsu.
- Sports Personality of the Year: Sheikha Dr. Hessa bint Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, board member of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.
- Arab Sports Pioneer: Sheikha Naima Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, chairwoman of the Kuwait Women Sports Federation, recognized for her contributions to women’s sports in Kuwait and the GCC.
- Pioneering Role in Women’s Sports: Sana bint Hamad Al Busaidi (Oman), advisor to the Minister of Education and chairwoman of the Oman Women’s Sports Committee.
- Best Paralympic Athlete: Maryam Ahmed Abdullah Al Zeyoudi (UAE).
- Best Female/Male Coach: Marwa Al Amri (Tunisia).
- Best Sports Media Personality: Nahla Nabil Bouzid Al Maghribi (Sudan).
- Best Youth Athlete: Latifa Mohammed Khalifa Al Falasi (UAE).
- Best Team: Zamalek Club (Egypt).
- Best Sports Mother: Ruqayya Ahmed Abdullah Al Zaabi (UAE).
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Awards have set a new benchmark for celebrating and inspiring women athletes in the Arab world.