Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy marks 16 years of women’s sports empowerment

Since its establishment in 2010, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy has empowered women and expanded their participation in sport through an integrated ecosystem that encompasses talent discovery, capability and knowledge development, community participation, training, competition, and recognition. These efforts are supported by specialised facilities and a range of programmes, initiatives, and local, regional and international competitions.

The academy’s 16-year journey reflects the vision of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Mother of the Nation. It supports women throughout their sporting journey as athletes, coaches, referees, administrators, and leaders, helping to develop generations of female talent and advance women’s sport in the UAE.

To discover talent, the academy organises programmes and camps that identify and nurture promising capabilities from an early age, including the summer and winter editions of the Discover Talent Camp and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Talent Discovery Festival. The initiatives feature basketball, volleyball, football, martial arts, and other sports, alongside educational and awareness activities that develop physical and social skills and help participants explore their sporting abilities and interests.

To expand participation, the academy organises community programmes, events and initiatives, including its sports training programme, the Health and Happiness Track, and Through Our Steps We Make a Difference: Walking Together to Fight Cancer. The initiatives include training in basketball, volleyball, football, and martial arts; fitness and running challenges; yoga sessions; and health and nutrition awareness activities. The academy also provides access to selected facilities for open training sessions and organises Ramadan tournaments, encouraging active lifestyles and community engagement.

The academy also delivers lectures, seminars and workshops on health, sports performance, officiating, and sports management. These include Olympic Excellence: Holistic Development of Sporting and Leadership Skills; Sleep Quality and Sport; and the Sports Injury Prevention and Modern Recovery Methods workshop, as well as specialist officiating programmes in basketball, volleyball and badminton. They equip female athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators with the knowledge to enhance their performance and build careers in sport.

These pathways are supported by the academy’s headquarters, which spans approximately 13,870sqm and includes indoor and outdoor facilities for more than 10 sports. These include halls for squash and martial arts; a multipurpose hall for volleyball, basketball and handball; a football pitch; running track; two padel courts; and bowling facility, as well as a sports and culture library and seminar hall.

The academy organises local, regional, and international competitions across more than 15 sports, enabling athletes and teams to gain experience and enhance their readiness. The FBMA International Show Jumping Cup reached its 13th edition in 2026, offering AED1 million in total prize money across national and international competitions. The 8th Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy International Blitz Chess Tournament for Ladies attracted more than 160 players of various nationalities and age groups.

In team sports, the 3rd Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Basketball Cup for Ladies brought together seven teams from six Arab countries, while the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy Volleyball Cup for Ladies featured six teams from five countries. These tournaments reflect the diversity of the academy’s calendar and provide competitive platforms that connect women’s sport in the UAE with regional and international sporting communities.

In recognition of achievement, the academy organises the Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council, honouring outstanding accomplishments and role models across the sector across the Arab World. Its 10th edition in 2026 offers AED2.2 million across eight individual and team categories, in addition to a special Arab Sports Personality of the Year Award, highlighting success stories and promoting excellence and competitiveness.

Fatima Al Ameri, Manager of the Technical Affairs and Training Department at Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, said: “The academy’s journey is founded on the vision of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to advance women’s sport in the UAE. We play an important role in establishing sports teams, discovering emerging talent, providing training and development, and enhancing skills, as well as organising women’s sports competitions and participating in local and regional tournaments.

“The academy’s true impact lies in the diversity of women’s roles, from athletes, coaches, and referees to sports leaders. We remain committed to discovering and developing talent and achieving success for generations to come.”

As it enters its 17th year, the academy continues to expand its impact by discovering talent, developing capabilities, and providing training and competitive opportunities, supporting women across the sports sector and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for the advancement of women’s sport.