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The conference, which gathered over 500 experts and academics from across the globe, acted as a distinguished scientific platform, bringing together researchers, physicians, and practitioners to discuss the latest developments in sports medicine and performance science, and to celebrate the integration of research, knowledge, and applied practice in promoting athletes’ health.
The Foundation’s involvement demonstrated its aim of blending science and practice through the participation of a chosen group of its specialists from different fields.
Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice President of the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, delivered a presentation titled “A Roadmap Towards a Dynamic Women’s Sports Community.” In her presentation, she reviewed Sharjah’s pioneering journey in empowering women in sport since the establishment of the first women’s club in 1982, under the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairwoman of the Foundation.
Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud's presentation outlined the developmental stages of the women’s sports system in the emirate, emphasising its evolution from a local initiative into a regionally emulated institutional model that combines sports, education, health, and community empowerment. Al Mahmoud stressed that the Foundation is dedicated to creating a comprehensive sports environment that caters to all age groups, believing that sports are not just an individual goal but a way of life that helps build a vibrant and balanced society.
Aisha Bu Al Zoud, Head of the Physio and Physical Therapy Department at the Foundation’s Sports Medicine and Healthcare Centre, spoke about empowering women in sports leadership. She discussed the Foundation’s role in preparing and qualifying women for leadership roles in sports, emphasising the experience of the Sports Leadership Programme, launched by the Foundation as one of the region’s leading initiatives for developing female talent in governance, sports marketing, and talent identification and development.
Bu Al Zoud also showcased real-life success stories of several participants who transitioned from competitive to leadership and supervisory roles, emphasising that developing women’s human capital is the most vital investment for ensuring the long-term sustainability of sports empowerment.
The Foundation’s prominent research presence was further demonstrated by Mariam Al Shehhi, sports physiologist at the Scientific Centre for Research and Development of Sports Performance, who presented a paper titled “Asymmetry Between the Lower Limbs and Its Impact on the Motor Performance of Female Athletes.” The paper attracted significant attention from specialists due to its accurate and practical findings that enhance physical performance and boost training efficiency for female athletes.
Al Shehhi concluded her participation by receiving the Youth Investigation Award in recognition of her excellence in sports science research.
This achievement highlights the institution's research leadership and the expertise of its national staff, who are capable of competing in advanced scientific forums. It also signifies the institution's success in empowering its scientific personnel and increasing the presence of Emirati women in specialised sports research fields.
The conference also saw significant participation from the institution's Sports Nutrition Department through a research paper presented by Dr Ikram Barzati, Manal Al Hosani, and Amal Al Suwaidi, titled "Energy Deficiency and Nutritional Risks among Young Female Athletes in Combat Sports: Challenges of Weight-Based Competitions." The study discussed the results of a field research conducted on female athletes from the institution's clubs in karate and taekwondo. It highlighted the impact of rapid weight loss practices on the energy balance, hormonal health, and physical condition of the athletes, emphasising the importance of nutritional awareness and the development of specialised medical protocols to promote sustainable healthy performance in weight-based sports.
In a separate session, Dr Maher Zahar, a visiting expert in sports dentistry at the Foundation, presented a case study titled “Oral Health Data Analysis as a Tool for Preventing Muscular and Joint Injuries in Professional Athletes.” His presentation examined the direct connection between oral health and the musculoskeletal system, demonstrating that preventative assessment of teeth and gums can be an effective indicator for identifying injury risks before they manifest. This was based on a study conducted on a sample of female athletes from the Foundation's clubs.
Dr Dani Othman, Head of the Foundation's Mental Sports Preparation Department, also delivered a presentation on “Predicting and Preventing Injuries through the Analysis of Mental Fatigue and Mental Indicators in Athletes.” He explained that mental performance is a vital factor in preventing injuries and enhancing performance, noting that the Foundation is currently employing advanced analytical models to measure and continuously monitor mental fatigue in female athletes as part of its comprehensive mental preparation programme.
At the conclusion of the conference, Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud expressed her gratitude to the Emirates Society of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine (ESRSM) for organising this distinguished scientific event and giving the Foundation the opportunity to participate. She emphasised that "such events enhance the integration between scientific research and sports medicine, and open new horizons for cooperation to build a sustainable sports and health system that supports the progress of Emirati women."
Al Mahmoud affirmed that the Foundation's participation in the conference aligns with its vision of making science the foundation for athletic excellence and research the cornerstone for developing training and medical programmes. She emphasised that Sharjah has been and will remain a model in integrating sports, health, and knowledge empowerment for women.
This participation further emphasises the Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation's role as a comprehensive centre that combines performance while promoting, preparing, and supporting the development of the sports medicine system in the UAE, aligning with global trends in advancing athletes' health and empowering national experts in medicine, nutrition, and mental preparation.
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