Suhoor gathering brought together sports leaders and over 30 supporting entities
Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi: Investing in women’s sport is an investment in the future of Arab sport
Hanan Al Mahmoud: Institutional integration delivered a tournament that reflects Sharjah’s standing
Moza Al Shamsi: More than 200 members and collaborators shaped the success of the eighth edition
● Hundreds of guests attended the tournament across ten days
● Comprehensive safety, security, and medical readiness systems implemented to professional standards
● Noticeable development in operations and on-ground coordination
● Integrated media coverage supported by production, broadcast, and documentation teams
● Participating clubs commended the hospitality, organisation, and competition management
For Immediate Release
Sharjah, 24 February 2026
The Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026) organised a Ramadan Suhoor gathering to mark the conclusion of its eighth edition, honouring the local sports federations, host clubs and host venues that welcomed the competitions, alongside the Supreme Organising Committee, executive committees, partners, and supporters who contributed to the success of the event.
The gathering was held at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee; Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of the Committee; and Moza Al Shamsi, Director of AWST 2026, in addition to representatives of local sports federations, host clubs and host venues, and more than 14 supporting partners and entities.
Speakers emphasised that the eighth edition reflected sustained leadership support for development and women’s empowerment in Sharjah, translating a long-term vision focused on strengthening the presence of Arab women in competitive sport. They noted that the tournament’s success was the result of coordinated efforts among partners, federations, host clubs and host venues, and working teams, supported by robust safety systems, medical services, operational planning, and media coverage. This integrated framework ensured the competitions were delivered efficiently and professionally, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading Arab platform for women’s sport.
Investing in the Future of Arab Sport
In his address, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his continued support of development across all sectors in the emirate.
He also expressed his appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, for her longstanding vision in empowering women and strengthening their role across various fields, particularly in sport, and for her patronage of the tournament from its inception through to its conclusion.
He stated: “This edition reaffirmed that investing in Arab women’s sport is an investment in the future of Arab sport as a whole. What has been achieved represents another step forward in advancing institutional frameworks and enhancing opportunities for connection and fair competition among Arab clubs.”
Institutional Integration at the Core
Hanan Al Mahmoud noted that the eighth edition concluded after days defined by competitiveness and excellence, presenting a unified Arab scene that reflected the growth and expanding presence of women’s sport across multiple disciplines.
She conveyed her deep appreciation to partners, sponsors, supporting entities, local federations, and host clubs and venues, underscoring that institutional integration was the foundation for delivering a tournament aligned with Sharjah’s aspirations for women’s sport in the Arab region.
She added that feedback from participating delegations consistently highlighted the quality of organisation, readiness of facilities, and professional management of competitions. The close follow-up and continued guidance of the tournament’s patron, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, she noted, played a central role in maintaining the highest standards of institutional performance.
Operational Excellence and Community Impact
Moza Al Shamsi affirmed that the Suhoor gathering celebrated the outcome of 10 days of dedicated work and meticulous preparation that led to the success of the eighth edition. Sharjah welcomed hundreds of guests during the tournament, supported by more than 200 members from the executive committees and operational teams who managed every operational aspect with professionalism and commitment. She highlighted the advanced level of safety and medical preparedness, with specialised teams accompanying competitions and responding promptly in accordance with established standards. She also pointed to the continued development in operational coordination and media engagement through close collaboration with broadcast, production, and documentation teams.
The evening included a video presentation featuring messages of appreciation from participating delegations, who commended the organisation, the readiness of the host venues, the management of competitions, and hospitality, while expressing their anticipation for the next edition — reflecting their confidence in the tournament’s continued growth.
During the Suhoor, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured partners and sponsors in recognition of their support. The ceremony included the strategic partner Sharjah Sports Council; the strategic media partner Sharjah Broadcasting Authority and Sharjah Sports Channel; the official media and production partner, the Media Office of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs; the main logistics partner Sharjah Municipality; promotional sponsor Al Serh Media; official carrier Air Arabia; silver sponsors Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, ARADA, and National Network Communications (NNC); bronze sponsors BEEAH Group and Sharjah Airport; the creative awards partner Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council; and the main health partner Emirates Health Services.
The evening concluded in a spirit of camaraderie that reflected the relationships formed throughout the tournament. Guests exchanged congratulations on the success of the eighth edition. They renewed their commitment to reconvening in the next chapter of this growing Arab platform — one that continues to combine competition, professionalism, and developmental vision.
