Sharjah an advanced Arab model for advancing women’s sport, says Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa

Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa, Chair of the Supervision Committee of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, complimented the readiness of the facilities and venues hosting the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament 2026 in Sharjah, meeting the highest standards of sports infrastructure, operational efficiency, and athlete services.

She commended Sharjah’s ability to deliver a fully integrated hosting experience that elevates Arab women’s sport and provides athletes with the professional environment they require.

She also expressed her appreciation to Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, for her continued support, which remains fundamental to the tournament’s sustained success.

This came during an inspection tour conducted by the Supervision Committee, headed by Sheikha Hayat Al Khalifa, Chair of the Committee, and Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Al Anzi, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, and attended by Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chair of the Supreme Organizing Committee and Chair of the Executive Committee; Areej Ali Al Qahtani from the General Secretariat of the Union; Mustafa Idris, Sports Expert at the Union; and Moza Mohammed Al Shamsi, Director of the Games.

Sheikha Hayat with dignitaries at the event.

The tour aimed to review the facilities and venues hosting the tournament across Sharjah, and to ensure preparedness in terms of operational, technical, and logistical hosting requirements and support services.

The visits also included meetings with representatives of the clubs’ boards of directors, chairs and committee members who affirmed their readiness to provide full support to ensure the success of the games.

Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chair of the Supreme Organising Committee and Chair of the Executive Committee, said: “We value the strong cooperation of the host sports facilities and their dedicated efforts to ensure full readiness for this major Arab event. These venues reflect Sharjah’s advanced infrastructure, high safety standards, and integrated services, embodying the Emirate’s vision for excellence in women’s sport. We are confident that this collective readiness will deliver a high-quality organizational experience for delegations and athletes, further reinforcing Sharjah’s track record in hosting major sporting events.”

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Moza Mohammed Al Shamsi, Director of the Games, commented: “Major championships are defined by precision and coordination. Through rigorous venue readiness reviews and integrated operational planning, the Organizing Committee is ensuring a seamless experience for participating teams, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a benchmark for the professional hosting of major women’s sporting events.”

The tour included visits to venues hosting competitions and training sessions across the Emirate’s cities and areas, namely: Sharjah Olympic Centre for Women’s Sports, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, Al Qarayen Children’s Centre, Al Bataeh Cultural and Sports Club, Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club, Police Officers Club, Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club, Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, Al Thiqah Club for the Disabled, and Al Riqqa Club.

The delegation conducted on-site reviews of competition halls, training fields, and associated facilities, including warm-up areas, changing rooms, officials’ and committees’ rooms, doping control rooms, and the movement routes of delegations and athletes inside and outside the venues.

The visit also included a review of logistical operations, from drop-off and reception areas, gates and parking, to directional signage, in addition to verifying the availability of safety and emergency requirements, medical and ambulance services, and security.

This ensures a safe and seamless environment that meets approved technical and organisational standards and delivers an integrated experience for participating delegations.