Key aspects such as infrastructure, logistics, planning, and preparations for AWST 2024 were delegated to specific organising committees tasked with ensuring the successful execution of the proposed plans.
The committee has announced that registration for the 7th edition is still open for Arab sports clubs willing to compete in eight games, including volleyball, table tennis, basketball, shooting, archery, fencing, athletics, and karate. Clubs and teams can register by contacting national federations they are affiliated to.
Spotlight on achievements of sportswomen
Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi emphasised that AWST epitomises Sharjah’s commitment to supporting the remarkable journey of women across various sectors. He highlighted the tournament's role in promoting values of constructive competition to enhance the capabilities of individuals in society, underscoring that the event is not just for women. The tournament has earned prestigious international status among local, Arab, and regional sports championships, thanks to the guidance and support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qassimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Women's Sports.
The chairman stressed that the tournament's success in recent years serves as a testament to the value and role of integration and cooperation between various entities in organising an event that represents the reality of women's sports and leadership in the country. AWST sets the stage for inspirational models for women in the Arab world and supports ambitious development plans aimed at realising their roles and responsibilities in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development projects for their countries.
Outstanding results
Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of the Higher Steering Committee and Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Women's Sports, outlined the objectives of the upcoming iteration of AWST, and also highlighted the accomplishments of its predecessors. She emphasised the tournament's significant overall positive impact, noting that more than 1,050 athletes and administrative staff representing 78 clubs from 18 Arab countries participated in AWST’s last edition. The tournament also hosted 131 referees and was well-covered by 519 local and regional media outlets, amongst whom 95% reported a high satisfaction rate.
Platform for upskilling arab sportswomen
Noura Ali Al Shamsi, Director of AWST, stated, “Since its inaugural edition in 2012, the tournament has been a leading platform for honing the skills of Arab sportswomen and nurturing a spirit of constructive competition. It played a vital role in spotlighting exceptional talents in the Arab sports scene and opened opportunities for them to represent their countries, thanks to the vision and unwavering commitment of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qassimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Women's Sports.”
Al Shamsi added that the committee approved AWST organising its competitions in various stadiums across the emirate to promote these areas and introduce sports delegations, media, and audiences to the tourist attractions in Sharjah regions.
During the meeting, several committee members raised inquiries and observations, presenting proposals aimed at achieving AWST goals and bolstering the status of Arab women's sports. The attendees also praised Sharjah's efforts to support women's sports and provide all the requirements for the success of the tournament's seventh edition.
Members of the AWST Higher Steering Committee include representatives from the Sharjah Women's Sports, Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Sharjah Police, and Sharjah Health Authority.