AWST Higher Organising Committee prepares for 8th edition

September 19, 2025 / 6:04 PM

Sharjah24: The Higher Organising Committee of the 8th Arab Women's Sports Tournament (AWST), held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, convened its first meeting on Thursday, 18 September 2025, at the Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Centre. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Committee, with the participation of Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson and Head of the Executive Committee, along with other senior members.

Patronage and leadership

In his introductory remarks, Sheikh Khalid conveyed his delight at making his first visit to the Olympic Centre since its opening. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Rubu' Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, has been instrumental in the tournament's success since its launch, and he lauded its significance in advancing women's sports in Sharjah.

Get ready and stay updated

Hanan Al Mahmoud examined the most recent revisions to the organisational and preparatory plans. As the tournament draws near, which is set to take place from 2 to 12 February 2026, she mentioned that the Executive Committee, which started working on it earlier this year, will meet more frequently. Sharjah is at the forefront of supporting women's sports, and she emphasised that all teams are working together to produce a prestigious edition.

Security, logistics, and institutional support

The meeting gathered key stakeholders, including Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, who confirmed full security support, and Major General Arif Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Sharjah Residency and Foreigners Affairs, who assured facilitation of visa procedures for delegations. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, affirmed the foundation’s readiness to contribute with its facilities and expertise.

Medical, hospitality, and event initiatives

Dr Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, offered medical and preventative measures; Khawla Jassim Al Sarkal, Vice President of the Sharjah Hospitality Services Group, presented initiatives in hospitality and promotion; and Mouza Al Shamsi, Tournament Director, detailed plans for affiliated events supported by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi Award for Sports Excellence recipient, Amna Thani Al Jallaf, offered technical suggestions to make venues and amenities more prepared.

Exploring the Olympic Centre

Touring the Olympic Centre, which houses the venues for formal contests and practice sessions, was the last leg on the meeting's agenda. By drawing attention to the importance of cooperation and coordination among all entities, Sheikh Khalid underlined that Sharjah would benefit from the tournament's success.

An innovative hub for women's athletics

The Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST), founded in 2012, remains the largest and only event of its kind dedicated to women’s sports in the Arab world. Organised by Sharjah Women’s Sports under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators and endorsed by the Arab League and the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, it is held biennially. The tournament offers Arab women athletes a prestigious platform for competition, development, and regional as well as international recognition, strengthening Sharjah’s status as a pioneering hub and source of inspiration for future generations.