A Bold Vision in Sports and a Holistic Empowerment Model

Established in 2016 by an Emiri Decree, Sharjah Women’s Sports (SWS) is a government entity dedicated to advancing women’s sports across the Emirate of Sharjah. The Organization promotes a culture of community sports, nurtures talent, and paves the way for female champions. Its journey began in 1982 with the launch of Al Montazah Girls Club, the first women’s sports club in the Emirate, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and the leadership of his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi—marking the cornerstone of organized women’s sports in Sharjah. As part of its expansion and specialization strategy, the Organization has established four women sports clubs aimed at broadening community outreach, increasing participation, and creating competitive environments across the Emirate. These clubs are: ● Sharjah Women’s Sports Club ● Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club ● Kalba Women’s Sports Club ● Al Dhaid Women’s Sports Club These clubs provide training and development in 13 individual and team sports disciplines within a professional, integrated ecosystem that includes the Scientific Centre for Research and Sports Development, the Sports Medicine and Healthcare Center, and the Sports Mental Preparation Center. To further enhance its training environment, the Organization inaugurated the Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Center on February 22, 2024. This facility serves as a world-class platform to transition female athletes from amateur to professional levels. Today, the Organization’s clubs are home to more than 950 athletes, who have collectively won over 2,600 medals across local, regional, and international competitions—demonstrating a steadfast commitment to excellence, sustainability, and sport leadership. The Organization also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s sports both locally and regionally. It leads several strategic initiatives aimed at grassroots development and elite athlete creation. Among its flagship events is the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST)—the first of its kind in the Arab world, held under the supervision of the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees. The 8th edition is set to take place in February 2026, further expanding opportunities for Arab sportswomen and boosting competitiveness. Through partnerships with local institutions, the Organization has launched several community-oriented programs such as the Sports Incubators Project, Baby Sports Initiative, and Specialized School Programs. These initiatives promote sports as a sustainable lifestyle and embed physical activity into the daily lives of young girls—expanding the base of female athletes and reinforcing the connection between education and sports. Recognizing that human capital is key to sustainable success, the Organization invests heavily in developing female leadership in sports. Through programs such as the Sports Leadership Program, it equips women to take on professional roles, influence decision-making, and lead the sector with confidence. The Organization also ensures that the expertise of its retired athletes is retained by integrating them into the sports ecosystem in technical, administrative, and coaching roles—ensuring their continued impact and presence in the field. Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Organization continues to champion women’s sports in the UAE, offering an inspiring model of an empowered, vibrant women’s community achieving global-caliber success.