Sharjah, Al Fuheis post wins; rowing makes AWST debut with six Arab nations in fray

The fifth round of the basketball competition at the 8th Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026) concluded on Sunday with pivotal victories for hosts Sharjah Women’s Sports Club and defending champions Shabab Al Fuheis Club, as the race for podium positions continued to take shape.

Sharjah Women’s Sports Club closed the round with a confident 79–62 victory over Iraq’s Gaz Al Shamal Club, rebounding from recent setbacks to record their fourth win of the tournament. The hosts made an assertive start, taking the opening quarter 30–17, before tightening defensively to limit Gaz Al Shamal to 11 points in the second period and carry a 42–28 lead into halftime. Sharjah maintained control after the break, winning the third quarter 22–15, and despite the Iraqi side edging the final period 19–15, the result was never in doubt.

Earlier in the day, Shabab Al Fuheis Club continued their title defence with a commanding 81–52 win over Bahrain’s Al Hala Club, extending their unbeaten run and consolidating their position at the top of the standings. The Jordanian side set the tone early with a 19–6 first-quarter lead, stretched the margin to 44–23 by halftime, and further asserted control in the third quarter to put the contest beyond reach.

While Tunisia’s Al Amal Sports Club sustained their strong momentum with a 92–68 victory over the UAE’s Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club. Al Amal established control from the outset and managed the game efficiently throughout, reinforcing their position among the leading contenders.

Following the fifth round, Al Fuheis Club remained the only unbeaten team in the competition, sitting top of the standings. Sharjah Women’s Sports Club are level on wins, with their sole defeat coming against Al Fuheis in the third round. Al Amal moved into third place, while Gaz Al Shamal, Al Fatat Sports Club of Kuwait and Khorfakkan remain closely grouped behind them, highlighting the tight contest for the remaining podium positions.

The sixth and penultimate round of the basketball competition gets underway on Monday, with three fixtures scheduled. Al Fuheis face Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club, followed by Al Fatat Club taking on Al Hala Club, before Gaz Al Shamal meet Al Amal in a key encounter that could further reshape the standings. Sharjah will sit out the round due to the scheduled rest period, returning in the final round on February 11.

Meanwhile, six teams from across the Arab world will make waves as rowing debuts at the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026), with Al Hamriyah Beach in Sharjah hosting the competitions.

The UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia will compete in double sculls races opening on Monday, followed by the single sculls finals on Tuesday.

A milestone for women’s marine sports Rowing’s inclusion at AWST 2026 marks a significant step for women’s marine sports in the Arab world, reflecting the sport’s growing regional reach.

UAE trio eye podium finish At the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club camp, confidence is high. Head coach Sara Baya Janan said the team is targeting more than participation: “We are here to leave a lasting Emirati mark. Our squad features some of the UAE’s most experienced rowers, including Shamsa Al Sharyani, Fatima Khalaf Al Suwaidi, and Shamma Al Shamsi. They are fully prepared to represent their country at a tournament that has become a platform for developing elite talent.” Egypt’s Maadi set for strong challenge The Egyptian side, Maadi Sporting & Yacht Club, arrives in Sharjah with clear medal ambitions. Head coach Mostafa Al Attar said his team is ready to compete at the highest level: “Our squad is led by Dahab Moustafa, Mariam Abouelwafa, and Salma Badour, who are eager to compete and return with medals that reflect Egypt’s standing in rowing.” Kuwait confident ahead of races Kuwait Sea Sport Club head coach Mohammed Al Sabti confirmed full readiness: “Our line-up includes Jenan Khaleefoh, Maryam Alajmi, and Tamara Buhamad. AWST organisational and logistical support has been outstanding, and competition in both singles and doubles is expected to be highly competitive.” Moroccan doubles focus Moroccan coach Youssef Mossadeq of Nautical Club Rabat Beach said his team will rely on the chemistry between Zainab Jabbour and Dahab Mostafa as they adapt to conditions in rowing’s AWST debut.

Technical meeting was held on Sunday at Sharjah Women’s Sports, where regulations aligned with World Rowing rules were confirmed to ensure fair and safe competition.