10 venues to host competitions across three key Sharjah cities at 8th AWST

As the countdown begins for the eighth edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST), Sharjah Women’s Sports has announced full organisational, technical, and logistical readiness, with all concerned entities prepared to welcome the biennial sporting event, scheduled to take place from February 2 to 12 across 10 sports venues located in three cities within the Emirate of Sharjah.

The venues will host competitions featuring 63 sports teams from 16 Arab countries, competing in nine individual and team sports, including basketball, table tennis, volleyball, fencing, athletics, shooting, and archery. Taekwondo and rowing join the tournament as newly introduced sports.

Competitions and training sessions will be distributed across a number of clubs and sports facilities in the emirate, including Al Qarayen Children’s Centre, Sharjah Women’s Olympic Centre, Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled, Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club, Sharjah Women’s Sports Club in Al Qulayaa, Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club, Al Hamriyah Beach, Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, Al Riqa Children’s Centre, and Al Batayih Cultural and Sports Club.

Full readiness of host venues and clubs

Host clubs and venues have confirmed the completion of all maintenance and technical preparations, and their readiness to host competitions and training sessions in line with approved standards, ensuring smooth operations and a coherent experience for teams, officials, and spectators.

Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Chairman of Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled, said the club’s hosting of athletics is based on full facility readiness, disciplined operational planning, and the strict application of safety procedures to provide a secure and stable competitive environment.

Speaking about shooting competitions, Salem Mohammed Bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, Chairman of Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club, said the club’s shooting hall has a long track record of hosting major events, describing AWST as a valued tournament that supports talent discovery and strengthens the sport’s competitive profile.

Hosting archery reflects the tournament’s broader role in advancing women’s sport regionally, according to His Excellency Humaid Al Shamsi, Chairman of Al Hamriyah Cultural and Sports Club, who confirmed that all technical and organisational arrangements have been completed to ensure smooth competition delivery.

Confirming readiness in Khorfakkan, Abdullah Saleh Al Naqbi, Chairman of Khorfakkan Club for the Disabled, said the club’s facilities and teams have been fully mobilised to deliver precise organisation alongside Khorfakkan’s distinctive setting.

Pride in hosting basketball was expressed by Mohammed Abdullah Bin Halis Al Ketbi, Chairman of Al Batayih Cultural and Sports Club, who highlighted the venue’s capacity to accommodate more than 500 spectators and the inclusion of community activities showcasing local culture alongside the competitions.

From a municipal perspective, Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, Director of Al Hamriyah Municipality, confirmed that Al Hamriyah Beach is ready to host rowing competitions following the completion of course preparation and the approval of all safety, environmental, and organisational requirements.

Highlighting the developmental value of the tournament, Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, said hosting AWST competitions gives members direct exposure to high-level sport, adding that the event brings energy to the organization’s facilities and that Rubu’ Qarn looks forward to continuing this role in future editions. 

She noted that Rubu’ Qarn has hosted AWST events over the years and expressed the organization’s commitment to continuing this role in future editions in support of the tournament’s success and its leading Arab status.

Hind Al Hosani, Director of Sharjah Women’s Sports Olympic Centre, confirmed the centre’s readiness to host hammer throw and pole vault events, as well as multiple training programmes, noting that all preparations have been completed to support the daily competition schedule.

Meanwhile, Mai Al Ameri, Deputy Director of Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, confirmed the readiness of the club’s courts and support services to host volleyball and shooting competitions within an integrated operational framework.