Originally comprising teams from six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the tournament expanded in 2012 to include all world-class female athletes across the pan-Arab region. 

The growth, in both size and stature, of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST) is a true indicator of the progress of women’s sports nationally, regionally and around the Arab world. 

Held every other year under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of SWS, exemplifies the dedication to provide a platform for women athletes to pursue careers in sports. 

AWST is now considered an international competition platform where high-calibre Emirati sportswomen can compete with their Arab counterparts. The world is now able to see what the region offers in terms of female sports and signals a step forward for women.

Last year, sportswomen represented 16 Arab countries and 67 clubs competed professionally in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, archery, fencing, equestrian jumping, karate, shooting, and athletics. 

With regional participation increasing, the upcoming 2020 tournament, scheduled for February 2 in Sharjah (UAE), is set to be the biggest yet.