Decade of Distinction: Landmark Women’s Sports Award Launches 10th Edition with AED 2.1 Million Prize Fund

ABU DHABI, UAE – April 29, 2026 – Marking a significant milestone, the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), today announced the opening of nominations for the 10th Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” this prestigious award has grown into the region's foremost platform for celebrating and empowering female athletes, with its latest edition boasting an impressive total prize fund of AED 2.1 million.

Details of the anniversary edition were unveiled at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, attended by key figures including His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Her Excellency Dr Omniyat Mohammed Al Hajeri, Vice Chairwoman of the FBMA Board of Directors. The award, which receives dedicated support from Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the FBMA Board, continues to break new ground. A substantial increase in prize money for the top category, Best Arab Sportswoman, now stands at AED 1 million, sending a powerful message about the value and recognition of female athletic excellence across the Arab world.

Nominations are open to athletes and sports professionals until September 30, 2026, with the highly anticipated awards ceremony scheduled to take place on November 11, 2026. The award not only honors individual and team achievements but also aims to foster a competitive yet supportive environment that propels women in sports to new heights on local, regional, and international stages.

A Decade of Elevating Arab Sportswomen

Over the past ten years, the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award has charted a remarkable journey, evolving from a local initiative into a powerful catalyst for change across the Arab athletic landscape. Its tenth anniversary is not just a celebration but a testament to a sustained vision of empowering women and highlighting their pivotal role in the world of sports. This vision receives its direction from the generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and the dedicated follow-up from Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani emphasized the award's legacy and continuous growth. "The award has witnessed remarkable development in previous editions, both in terms of the increase in the total prize value and the growth in the number of submitted applications," he stated. The numbers affirm this trend, with applications reaching 325 in 2025, including a strong contingent of 93 Emirati participants and 79 nominations for the coveted Best Arab Sportswoman category. The wide geographical spread of applicants from the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, and Tunisia underscores the award's expanding influence and prestige.

This growth reflects a broader shift in the MENA region, where historical barriers to female participation in sports are steadily being dismantled by progressive reforms and dedicated initiatives. The award has been a crucial part of this movement, providing a high-profile platform that validates the dedication of female athletes, challenges outdated stereotypes, and inspires a new generation to pursue their sporting ambitions.

Beyond the Podium: A Focus on Family and Community

A significant evolution in this year's award is the rebranding of the 'Sports Mother Award' to the 'Best Sports Family Award,' a change that reflects a deeper, more holistic understanding of an athlete's support system. This strategic update aligns perfectly with the UAE's national 'Year of the Family' initiative for 2026, which champions the family unit as the bedrock of a stable and prosperous society.

His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani elaborated on the change: "We have also amended the title of the Sports Mother Award to become the Best Sports Family Award, in line with the UAE Year of the Family initiative, which highlights the importance of the family in supporting societal stability and strengthening its role in raising future generations and building a more cohesive future." This category, with a prize of AED 100,000, acknowledges that success in sports is rarely an individual journey, but rather a collective effort built on the encouragement and sacrifice of the entire family.

The award's scope extends across a comprehensive ecosystem of sports professionals. The eight categories include honors for 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), and Best Team (AED 300,000). This demonstrates a commitment to recognizing excellence at every level, from the emerging talent to the seasoned coach and the media personalities who shape the narrative around women's sports.

The Strategic Investment in Excellence

The AED 2.1 million prize fund is more than a financial reward; it is a strategic investment in the future of women's sports. The decision to elevate the Best Arab Sportswoman prize to AED 1 million—a substantial increase from the previous AED 600,000—positions the award among the most lucrative of its kind globally. This significant financial backing underscores the UAE's commitment to not only celebrating but also professionally developing female athletes.

This investment is bolstered by a powerful coalition of sponsors, including The Presidential Court, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, Dolphin Energy, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels. The involvement of such prominent national entities reflects a unified, multi-sector approach to advancing women's empowerment. For these organizations, sponsorship is a key component of their corporate social responsibility, aligning their brands with national values of progress, health, and gender equality. This public-private partnership is crucial for providing the resources, infrastructure, and media exposure necessary to sustain the growth of women's sports.

Her Excellency Dr Omniyat Mohammed Al Hajeri commented on this broader mission, stating, "The award also contributes to showcasing inspiring role models and strengthening the presence of women's sports in the UAE and the Arab world, in line with the country's vision for empowering women and developing the sports sector."

Upholding Integrity and Inspiring the Future

To maintain its prestigious reputation, the award relies on a rigorous and transparent evaluation process. Hamda Al Mansouri, Chairwoman of the Judging Committee, highlighted the caliber of the five-member panel, which comprises distinguished experts from sports, media, and management. "The committee members combine academic backgrounds with practical experience, ensuring a professional and transparent evaluation process based on precise criteria that reflect the award's status and prestigious reputation," she explained.

Al Mansouri also stressed the importance of procedural diligence for nominees. "Compliance with these procedures contributes to enhancing the integrity of the evaluation process and ensuring equal opportunities for all nominees," she affirmed, urging applicants to ensure all requirements and official approvals are secured before submission.

As the 10th edition gets underway, the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award stands as a beacon of progress. It is a celebration of a decade of achievement and a bold statement of intent for the future, promising to continue clearing the path for Arab sportswomen to compete and succeed on the world's biggest stages. Individuals and teams wishing to be considered can submit their nominations through the official award website, www.fbmwomensportsaward.ae.