Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Tournament Kicks Off in Dubai with Over 1,200 Athletes

Dubai: The 12th edition of the Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Tournament, the largest event of its kind, kicked off today in Dubai, with more than 1,200 female athletes competing across eight diverse sports. The tournament is organized by the Dubai Sports Council under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The competition, which aims to highlight female sports talent and promote the importance of women’s participation in sports, will run until October 30. The eight sporting categories include bowling, running, cycling, padel, badminton, shooting, obstacle racing, and 3-on-3 basketball.

The event launched today with the bowling championship at the Dubai International Bowling Center, Al Mamzar, with athletes from Dubai’s government, semi-government, and private sectors participating. The 5-kilometer run is scheduled for October 17 at Expo City Dubai, while the padel competition will be held from October 18 to 20 at Just Padel Club in Mina Rashid.

Additional events include badminton at Al Nasr Sports Club from October 21 to 24, a 30-kilometer cycling race at Expo City Dubai on October 25, and a shooting competition at the Fazza Saktoun Rifle Shooting Range in Al Ruwayyah on October 26. The obstacle race will take place at Gravity Gym, Al Quoz, on October 27, with the 3×3 basketball championship concluding the tournament at Al Nasr Sports Club from October 28 to 30.

Manish Dhamani, CEO of Dhamani 1969, a key sponsor, expressed pride in supporting the event, saying, “We are proud and grateful to be associated with the Sheikha Hind Women’s Sports Tournament, as we complete 10 years of cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council. We wish all participants the best of luck.”

Organizers have ensured convenient evening schedules to accommodate participants’ working hours, allowing more women to take part without disrupting their professional commitments. All competitions are governed by national federation rules, with adjustments made to suit participants from various sectors.

The tournament underscores the growing significance of women’s sports in the UAE and continues to empower female athletes through competitive events and community engagement.