The inaugural event titled We Emerge Stronger and Better took place at the university’s Knowledge Park campus in Dubai and featured prominent athletes sharing experiences from their disciplines. Middlesex University Dubai described the three-part series as an exploration of the evolving role of women in sport covering strength and resilience health and wellbeing and career pathways both on and off the field. The Emirates News Agency reported that the launch included open audience questions networking and opportunities to engage with the panellists directly.
Maryam Alfarsi the first Emirati female sprinter to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games participated alongside Amenah Almuhairi a UAE snowboarder who represented the country at the Asian Winter Games and Youth Olympic Games. Zamzam Al Hammadi the first Emirati professional female MMA fighter and PFL MENA athlete joined Maha Al Shehhi a swimmer on the UAE national Olympic team while Amna Al Haddad an Emirati weightlifter mental health advocate and international speaker moderated the discussion. The university’s London Sport Institute organised the series as part of its commitment to sport science education and regional research initiatives.
UAE National Olympic Committee data shows female representation in the national delegation for the 2026 Asian Games increased to 48 athletes from 38 at the 2022 edition. The committee highlighted that Emirati women will compete across 14 sports at the event in Japan contributing to a total delegation of 165 athletes in 23 disciplines. A Gulf Research Center assessment found the UAE sent nine female athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympics accounting for 64 percent of its roster marking significant progress since Gulf states first included women in Olympic teams starting in 2000.
The series is scheduled to continue with a second event in November or December 2026 on women’s health and training through every life stage followed by a third on breaking into sports careers. Middlesex University Dubai has positioned the initiative within its broader activities including celebrations for Girls and Women in Sport Day earlier in 2026 where female students showcased achievements in competitive and recreational programs. The London Sport Institute in Dubai delivers cutting-edge training and applied research building on the university’s global reputation in sport exercise and health science.
A report on the UAE’s empowerment strategy detailed recent successes including multiple gold medals by Emirati women in jiu-jitsu at the 2026 World Championship and historic climbs by young mountaineers. Such accomplishments according to the report underscore national investments that have propelled female athletes to international stages in disciplines ranging from taekwondo and judo to athletics. The UAE Judo Federation has supported development programs for both male and female competitors resulting in gold medals at events like the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games.
Middlesex University Dubai noted that the first event aligned with observances for Emirati Women’s Day by spotlighting local athletes who lead in their fields. Panellists discussed resilience and representation drawing from personal journeys that have expanded opportunities for younger generations. The university’s efforts form part of a regional trend where GCC countries have increased focus on women’s sports infrastructure and participation since the early 2010s.
