The AWST began Monday and runs until February 12 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

In total 17 Arab countries will be represented by 55 clubs, with four from the UAE: Baniyas Club, Al Wasl Sports Club, Emirates Equestrian Centre and Sharjah Ladies Club.

Eight sports will be contested – hosts Sharjah Ladies will compete in all of them – with medals up for grabs in basketball, volleyball, shooting, fencing, table tennis, athletics, archery and equestrian.

For her part, Sheikha Shamsa Bint Hasher Al-Maktoum, the Board Member in the Arab Volleyball Federation, Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee & Supervisor of Ladies Games in Al-Wasl Sports Club, stated that the strong presence of Arab clubs and participation of Emirati clubs is very significant as it serves women’s sports in the UAE. Sheikha Shamsa said: “We are looking forward to seeing our players from Emirati clubs on the various award podiums.

“The Emirati clubs participating in the Arab Women Sports Tournament are ready for the competitions, and most of the UAE’s teams have participated in training camps locally and abroad, which has helped put the final technical touches to the tournament’s organisational plan.”

General Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Reessy, Chairman of Baniyas Club, Chairman of the UAE Shooting Federation, added that the UAE clubs have a strong chance to win titles and awards.

The tournament is approved by the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees and the League of Arab States and is organised by the Women’s Sports Department and Sharjah Ladies Club, and their partners, the General Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports, the National Olympic Committee, and Sharjah Sports Council.