In a recent effort to maximise the outcomes of women’s participation in sports and add to their achievements, the Sharjah Women’s Sport Foundation, SWSF, and Fast Building Contracting Company, a Sharjah-based construction company, have signed a sponsorship agreement to enable future partnerships in enabling the participation of Emirati female athletes at regional and international sports tournaments.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, the company will extend patronage, as well as financial and logistic support, to SWSF’s basketball, volleyball, athletics, fencing, archery, and shooting teams. In return, SWSF will offer promotional spaces at all of its events.

"Signing this agreement and forging this strategic partnership with one of UAE’s leading companies is a remarkable development, and aligns with the programmes and plans that we seek to implement to further the elevation of women in sports locally and regionally," said Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Director-General of SWSF.

"Women’s sport in the UAE is making great strides towards the global arena, thanks to the directives and support of the wife of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, SCFA, and Chairperson of the Sharjah Women’s Sport Foundation, SWSF. Her Highness encourages us to provide all the support needed to elevate women’s sport, and enable Emirati female athletes to achieve their aspirations," Al Naqbi Added.

"The agreement represents yet another step towards nation-building through the elevation of women in sports in Sharjah and the UAE. We look forward to extending these partnerships with other state and non-state actors in our pursuit of empowering all girls and women athletes, with the aim of developing their capabilities, honing their skills and ensuring their access to sports," she added.

Fathy Afana, CEO of Fast Building Contracting Company, commended the signing of the agreement and said that it opens new horizons for yet more collaboration in the future. He pointed out that the agreement represents one of the most important partnerships, given SWSF’s reputation in the field of promoting women’s sport in the UAE.