The Emirates News Agency reported that the Fatima Bint Mubarak Women Sports Award closed nominations for its 10th edition after receiving 509 applications from 13 Arab countries. The United Arab Emirates submitted the largest share with 224 applications while the category for best Arab female athlete drew 110 nominations followed by 88 for best Emirati female athlete. The award which is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak carries a total prize fund of 2.2 million dirhams distributed across nine categories that include best paralympic female athlete best young female athlete best coach and best sports family.
According to figures released by the organizers the 509 applications reflect a 96 percent increase over the previous edition. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council data from earlier in the process had shown 343 nominations by early September before the final tally reached the higher number by the October deadline. Organizers extended the nomination window until October 6 for athletes competing in the Asian Games in Japan.
The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy which collaborates with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to organize the award has supported women’s sports development since its founding in 2010. Academy initiatives have included multiple editions of international show jumping chess basketball and volleyball events that have drawn participants from several Arab nations. These programs have helped build the competitive records that feed into award nominations across the individual and team categories.
Historical records from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council show the award received 325 applications in its 2025 edition with Emirati submissions totaling 93 at that time. The current 10th edition expands on that participation with a judging process that will unfold in three phases beginning with verification of eligibility followed by shortlisting. Winners are scheduled to be honored at a ceremony on November 11 2026.
Hamda Al Mansoori chairwoman of the judging committee stated in a prior briefing that the diversity of nominations from across 13 countries highlights the award’s established position in Arab women’s sports. The categories also recognize contributions from coaches media influencers and sports families in addition to athletic performance. Previous editions have honored athletes from countries including Algeria Egypt Tunisia and the UAE for achievements in gymnastics jiu jitsu and other disciplines.
The award forms part of broader efforts by the academy to promote women’s participation at grassroots and elite levels throughout the region. Organizers have adjusted prize values and category names in recent cycles including an increase for the top Arab athlete honor and a shift to best sports family to align with national family initiatives. All 509 applications will undergo detailed review to identify finalists in each of the nine categories before the final selections.
