In anticipation of the eighth edition of the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament 2026, excitement is building as 16 Arab countries prepare for an extensive sporting event. Taking place in Sharjah from February 2 to 12, this year’s tournament promises an impressive showcase of 63 teams competing across nine individual and team sports. As the largest iteration since the tournament’s inception in 2012, organized by the Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, it highlights the growing prominence of women’s sports in the Arab world.
A Widespread Arab Participation
This year’s tournament features remarkable participation from a diverse array of clubs, representing the vast spread of women’s sports across the Arab nations. The competitors come from different regions, some participating broadly across most of the sports, while others focus on specific ones. This diversity adds a competitive edge and balance to the events, enriching the overall experience.
The UAE as a Key Player
The United Arab Emirates will prominently feature in this edition, with participation extending across all nine sports through six clubs. The “Sharjah Women’s Sports Club” stands as a cornerstone of this representation, competing in basketball, volleyball—officially recognized by the International Volleyball Federation—and various athletics, fencing, shooting, rowing, table tennis, and taekwondo, classified as G1 internationally. Other Emirati clubs, such as “Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club” in basketball and “Al Wasl” in volleyball, contribute specialized expertise, creating a significant competitive presence.
Participation Across the Gulf and Beyond
Kuwait will be represented by four clubs participating in eight different sports. The “Al-Fateh Sports Club” leads with active participation in basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and taekwondo, while the “Kuwait Shooting Club” showcases skills in shooting and archery. The “Kuwaiti Marine Sports Club” will compete in rowing, and the “Salwa Sabah Sports Club” will focus on athletics. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will field five clubs in various events, combining efforts from clubs and federations to represent sports such as athletics, fencing, and table tennis.
Diverse Entries from the Arab World
In the eastern Arab region, Iraq will see four clubs competing in five sports, demonstrating strong representation in athletics, basketball, taekwondo, and volleyball. Palestine is making efforts through the “Palestine Club,” participating in athletics, archery, and table tennis, while Lebanon contributes with two clubs in volleyball and table tennis. Jordan will make its mark through “Al-Qadisiya Club” in athletics and “Shabab Fheis Club” in basketball, whereas Syria will participate with clubs in fencing and volleyball.
North Africa will witness Egypt competing through three clubs in varied sports, including athletics and table tennis, while Libya is represented by the “Libyan Women’s Union” in athletics and archery. Morocco will showcase three clubs involved in taekwondo, rowing, and table tennis, rounding out the Arab representation in this historic tournament. Tunisia and Somalia will also participate, showcasing their skills in rowing and providing a significant contribution to the overall event.
This extensive participation of 16 Arab nations in the Arab Women’s Sports Tournament 2026 exemplifies the spirit of unity and competitiveness among Arab women athletes. As each country brings its own strength and expertise, this tournament stands to reshape the landscape of women’s sports in the Arab world.